BACTERIOLOGY. 527 



The great majority may be said to lead harmless and even useful 

 existence, living and multiplying in dead organic matter at the earth's 

 surface. 



A few, however, habitually or occasionally live as parasites in the blood 

 or tissues of living animals, and cause disease. 



With regard to the disease-producing microbes, it is a fact, that some 

 of them, such as those of Glanders and Tuberculosis, are always at work ; 

 but others, such as the tetanus bacillus, are only occasionally, and in a 

 measure accidentally, the cause of disease. 



In this connection much depends on the circumstances in which men 

 and horses are kept, as the opi.ortunities for infection vary with circum- 

 stances. 



It is also probable that some classes of Bacteria may remain dormant 

 for untold ages, and may (we cannot tell How or Why) be called into 

 active organisation, and generate some new type or types of disease, or 

 renovate types of disease which we hoped had died. 



r 



CHAPTER 68. 

 POTSOX. 



1057. Poisons and their Antidotes. 



In the treatment of Horses in case of Poisoning, it must be remem- 

 bered that the Horse is unable to vomit, and we are therefore denied the 

 valuable aid of emetics. 



1058. Arsenic Symptoms, Antidotes, and Treatment. 



Symptoms. — Thirst, irregular pulse, colicky pains, purging, difficulty 

 in breathing, and cold sweats. 



Antidotes and Treatment. — A drench of 5 oz. Sulphate of Magnesia in 

 a quart of Milk ; followed in a quarter of an hour by a pint of water in 

 which a table-spoonful of Rust (hydrated peroxide of iron) has been well 

 shaken up. This is most easily obtained by taking the water from the 

 trough for cooling shoes by the side of the forge fires. Mucilaginous 

 drinks, such as gum and water mixed with white of eggs, or Linseed tea 

 may be frequently given. If there is much prostration a dose of Whiskey 

 4 oz. may be added thereto. 



1059. Arsenic as a Tonic. 



Arsenic, as a Medicinal Agent is a good tonic, when required by a low 

 state of system, under Professional advice. But its use by grooms should 

 be absolutely prohibited. The symptoms of excessive or continued use 

 as a tonic are the same as those noted above, but of course in a very 

 modified degi*ee. 



Treatment. — Discontinue its use. 



