SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF POISONED STOCK 269 



are similar to those of acute loco poisoning. The membranes 

 of the brain and lungs are congested, and the small blood- 

 vessels ruptured. 



Remedies. — Experiments have thus far shown no effective 

 remedy for lupine poisoning. Bicarbonate of soda administered 

 as soon as the first symptoms appear has been suggested as a 

 possible antidote, but it would have to be administered very 

 promptly in order to be effective. This method might be used 

 in order to save a highly valuable animal, but it is not practi- 

 cable for common sheep. Bleeding is sometimes practiced by 

 herders, but the value of this procedure is not supported by any 

 scientific evidence. 



Control and Prevention of Losses. — Preventive measures 

 are best in this as in other kinds of plant poisoning. Sheep 

 should never be allowed to feed on lupine when the pods contain 

 ripe or nearly ripe seed, especially if the animals are very hungry. 

 Lupine should not be cut for hay until the pods are ripe enough 

 to shed their seed before the hay is stored. This may usually 

 be done after the middle of August; but, if there is any doubt 

 in the matter, one or two sheep should be fed with the hay as 

 a test before it is given to all the flock. The safer way, however, 

 is either to cut the plants when in bloom or not to use lupine 

 for forage until more is definitely known about the time when 

 the plant may be eaten with safety. 



SUMMARY OF SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF STOCK 

 POISONED BY PRINCIPAL TOXIC PLANTS 



Those who have not observed the symptoms of stock suffer- 

 ing from having eaten poisonous pasture plants of known identity, 

 often gain the idea that the symptoms are much the same for 

 all genera. As a matter of fact, the symptoms produced by 

 different genera of toxic plants are usually more or less distinc- 

 tive. It is important to recognize the characteristic symptoms 

 produced by the more common poisonous plants, as such knowl- 

 edge immediately suggests what precautions should be taken in 

 handling the livestock to minimize or prevent future losses. 

 The following summary of symptoms of poisoning, and of treat- 



