60 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



followed by a run at grass, have in some cases effected a cure. In others, 

 however, permanent paralysis or want of control of the muscles has resulted, 

 rendering the animals worthless. 



The heavy damages given against vendors of this poisonous grain 

 will, it is hoped, deter shippers in the future from importing it into this 

 country. 



CANTHARIDES OR SPANISH-FLY 



This substance was formerly in more general use by veterinarians than 

 is the case at the present day, and many horses have shown symptoms of 

 poisoning through its agency, both by internal administration and through 

 absorption by the skin when injudiciously employed in the form of blisters. 



(See Kidney Diseases.) 



Entire horses entrusted to ignorant leaders are 

 sometimes made ill by the administration of this 

 drug with the intention of exciting the sexual 

 instinct. Mares refusing service have also been 

 injured by its use. 



Symptoms. — Purging and bloody urine, 

 arching the back, and nausea; colicky pains, 

 frothing at the mouth, restlessness, and fever. 

 In the case of stallions and of geldings, frequent 

 protrusion of the penis, and with mares, erection 

 of the clitoris and elevation of the tail. Fatal 

 doses may be preceded by delirium, convulsions, or paralysis. 



Treatment. — Mucilaginous drinks, as a solution of gum-arabic, or 

 tragacanth, barley-water, white of eggs, milk, and linseed-tea may be 

 given. Poultices over the loins, injections of warm water with belladonna 

 extract, and repeated small doses of opium in the shape of draughts are 

 also beneficial. 



TURPENTINE 



Turpentine, although sometimes administered in large doses without 

 any bad effects, may also become a poison when given in excess. 



Symptoms. — The effects of a poisonous dose of turpentine are 

 intoxication and those more generally described under the head of narcotic 

 poisoning. (See Opium.) 



Treatment. — Mucilaginous drinks, eggs, milk and barley-water, and 

 a saline purgative. 



Pain may be relieved by poultices over the loins, and some of the 

 irritant effects upon the kidneys mitigated by belladonna. (See Can- 

 tharides.) 



Fig. 457.— Spanish-Fly (Cantharw 

 vesicatoria ) 



1, Fully -developed insect. 

 2, Larva, much magnified. 

 The measuring line at side 

 shows natural size. 



