NARCOTIC POISONS 



61 



POISONING BY THE STINGS OF BEES AND WASPS 



By the accidental upsetting of, and disturbing of, nests of wasps or hives 

 of bees, horses are occasionally attacked by the rudely-evicted tenants, and 

 there are several instances on record where death has resulted from this 

 cause. The face, head, and neck are chiefly selected by the infuriated 



insects, and the pain and shock re- 

 sulting from the attack may be very 

 great. 



Treatment. — Where possible the 

 stings should be removed with fine 

 pointed forceps, but this is very diffi- 

 cult of accomplishment on the hairy 



Fig. 458.— Sting of Bee 



1, General view. 2, Extremity of dart. 

 3, Section through sheath and darts. PG, 

 Poison gland. ps, Poison sac. M, Mem- 

 brane joining sting to abdomen. L, Levers 

 to remove darts. SH, Sheath. v. Vulva. 

 SP, Sting palpus. D, Darts. B, Barbs. 

 P c, Poison channels. 0, Opening for poison 

 to escape into wound. 



Fig. 459.— Wasp Sting 



1, General view. 2, Section of sheath to 

 show situation of darts. 3, Extremity of 

 sheath with darts. 4, Front view of sheath. 

 E, Eppygium. H, Hypopygium. PG, Poison 

 gland. PD, Poison duct, s, Sheath. D, Dart. 



parts of animals. Bearing in mind the chemical reaction of the poison, the 

 best antidote is to be found in alkaline bicarbonates. A wash of carbonate 

 of soda or ammonia may be repeatedly applied to the injured part, and in 

 the intervals, soothing applications of glycerine, belladonna, and borax. 

 Much of the suffering is caused by the inflamed and tense state of the skin 

 where it most closely adheres to bony prominences, and some relief may be 

 afforded to these parts by the free use of oily applications. 



The symptoms of shock are best treated by diffusible stimulants and 

 removal of the patient to a quiet, dark box. In one or two instances the 

 nostrils and lips have been so much swollen that death from suffocation 



