DISEASES OF CATTLE 387 



insecticide for the destruction of potato beetle and other insect ene- 

 mies of the farmer and fruit grower has had the effect of introducing 

 it into almost all farming establishments. White arsenic is also a 

 principal ingredient in many of the popular sheep-dipping prepara- 

 tions, and poisoning from this source occasionally takes place when, 

 after dipping, the flock are allowed to run in a yard in which there 

 is loose fodder. The drippings from the wool of the sheep falling on 

 the fodder render it poisonous, and dangerous to animal life if eaten. 

 Familiarity with its use has in many instances tended to breed con- 

 tempt for its potency as a poison. Rat poisons often contain arsenic. 

 The excessive use of arsenic as a tonic, or of condition powders con- 

 taining arsenic, has been the means of poisoning many animals. 

 This is the common poison used by malicious persons with criminal 

 intent. The poison may also be absorbed through wounds or through 

 the skin if used as a dip or bath. 



If a large dose is given, at once acute poisoning is produced; 

 if repeated small doses are given, chronic poisoning may result. The 

 poisonous dose for an ox is from 3 drams to 1 ounce. 



The symptoms of acute poisoning first appear as those of colic ; 

 the animal is restless, stamping with the feet, lying down and getting 

 up. There is tenderness on pressure over the abdomen. The acute 

 symptoms increase ; in a few hours violent diarrhea is developed ; in 

 many cases blood and shreds of detached mucous membrane are 

 mixed with the evacuations. There is irregular and feeble pulse and 

 respiration, and death is likely to supervene between the eighteenth 

 hour and the third day. If the latter period is passed, there is a rea- 

 sonable hope of recovery. 



In chronic poisoning the symptoms are similar to those of 

 chronic gastro-intestinal catarrh, with indigestion, diarrhea, and 

 general weakness and loss of condition. 



The antidote for arsenic is a solution of hydrated oxid of iron 

 in water. It should be prepared fresh by mixing a solution of sul- 

 phate of iron, made by dissolving 4 ounces of sulphate of iron in one 

 half pint of water with a suspension of 1 ounce of magnesia in one- 

 half pint of water. This quantity is sufficient for one dose for a cow 

 and may be repeated in an hour, if much arsenic was taken. A solu- 

 tion of calcined magnesia or powdered iron or iron filings or iron scale 

 from a blacksmith's forge may be given in the absence of other rem- 

 edies. Powdered sulphur is of some value as an antidote. One must 

 also administer protectives, such as linseed tea, barley water, whites 

 of eggs, etc. 



Lead Poisoning. Lead poisoning of cattle usually comes from 

 their having licked freshly painted surfaces, and thus swallowing 

 compounds containing white lead. In several instances cattle have 

 been poisoned by silage from a silo painted inside with lead paint 

 shortly before filling. Sugar of lead has been administered by mis- 

 take for Glauber's salts. Lead poisoning may be acute or chronic. 

 The fatal dose of sugar of lead is from 1 to 4 ounces. Water drawn 

 from lead pipes or held in a lead-lined tank may cause poisoning. 



