POISONS 



pulse, difficult breathing, the lips hard and white, great 

 prostration. Antidote. — A good dose of sweet-oil or Epsom 

 salts, followed by the whites of eggs beaten up in sweet 

 or salad oil at frequent intervals. 



Lead. — Many lotions containing lead are used in the 

 treatment of canine diseases, and it occasionally happens 

 that these are administered internally by mistake. Symp- 

 toms. — Blueness of the gums, diarrhoea, evil -smelling 

 breath, severe pains in the belly, and sometimes swelling 

 of the joints, followed by paralysis. Antidotes. — Iodide of 

 potassium, sulphuric acid. Whilst aid is being sent for, 

 give the dog a strong dose of Epsom salts, or if none can 

 be obtained at once the white of an ^gg beaten up in milk. 

 Small doses of chlorodyne will alleviate the intestinal pains. 



Opium is in common use as a sedative, but if given in 

 too large quantities it is a dangerous poison. Symptoms. — 

 Great drowsiness, slow breathing and pulse, coma. Anti' 

 dotes. — Strong tea at frequent intervals, the stomach having 

 been previously emptied by a strong dose of Epsom 

 salts. The dog should not be allow^ed to sleep, but should 

 be encouraged to move about. 



Prussic Acid is not a poison that is commonly given 

 to a dog in the form of a medicine, but occasional cases 

 of animals picking it up occur. Symptoms. — Collapse, as 

 the action of prussic acid paralyses the heart. Afitidotes. — 

 Ammonia and brandy, cold w^ater should be dashed on 

 the dog's head and spine ; he should also be given plenty 

 of fresh air, and made to inhale ammonia. 



Strychnine, or nux vomica, is valuable in small doses 

 as a nerve stimulant and tonic, but it is a deadly poison. 

 Symptoms. — Severe muscular twitching, extreme stiffness 

 of the limbs, and a difficulty in breathing. Antidotes. — 

 Chloral hydrate, or very large doses of brandy or whisky 

 if the former is not available for use at once. 



Zinc is contained in most cooling lotions which are 

 recommended for use in kennels, and which are sometimes 

 administered internally in error with disastrous results. 



149 



