DISEASES OF CATTLE 389 



tation of the mucous membrane and obdominal pain, producing 

 symptoms already described in the action of other poisons which pro- 

 duce the same result. The treatment should be the same as for copper 

 poisoning. 



Phosphorus Poisoning. Only one of the forms of phosphorus 

 in common use the ordinary yellow is poisonous. Phosphorus in 

 this form is used for the destruction of rats and mice and other ver- 

 min, and is largely used in the manufacture of matches. 



The symptoms are loss of appetite, colic, diarrhea, irritation of 

 the mouth and throat, and paralysis of the throat. There is also 

 weakness, difficult breathing, and rapid pulse. The course of the 

 poisoning is usually rapid, terminating in either recovery or death 

 within three days. The toxic dose for cattle is from 5 to 30 grains. 

 If taken in large quantities, the excreta are occasionally noticed to be 

 luminous when examined in the dark. 



Turpentine given in an emulsion with flaxseed tea in a single 

 dose of from 2 to 8 ounces is beneficial. Permanganate of potash 

 may be given in a one-fourth of 1 per cent solution. Stimulants, 

 such as alcohol and ether, should be administered. Oils and milk 

 must not be given. 



Mercury Poisoning. Mercury poisoning is not rare in cattle 

 from the fact that these animals have a special susceptibility to the 

 action of this substance. Antiseptic washes or injections containing 

 the bichloride of mercury (corrosive sublimate) must be used on 

 cattle -with great care. Mercurial disinfecting solutions or salves 

 must be used cautiously. Calomel can not be given freely to cattle. 



The symptoms are salivation, sore mouth, indigestion, diarrhea, 

 skin eruption, paralysis of local groups of muscles, and nephritis. 

 The treatment consists in administering sulphur in large doses (2 to 

 4 ounces) or iron powder. Both make insoluble compounds with 

 mercury. Follow with the whites of eggs mixed with water and with 

 linseed tea. If the case does not terminate promptly, give iodid of 

 potash in 1 dram doses twice daily. 



Poisoning by Acids. The mineral acids nitric, sulphuric, hy- 

 drochloric, etc. when used in a concentrated form, destroy the ani- 

 mal tissues with which they come in contact, and in this respect differ 

 from most of the poisons previously described. When taken into the 

 stomach the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, 

 and stomach is apt to be more or less completely destroyed. If taken 

 in large quantities death is likely to result so speedily that nothing 

 can be done to relieve the patient, and even if time is allowed and the 

 action of the acid can be arrested it can not be done until consider- 

 able and, perhaps, irreparable damage has been done. The mucous 

 membrane with which the acid has come in contact in the esophagus 

 may be destroyed by its corrosive action and carried away, leaving 

 the muscular tissues exposed. The raw surface heals irregularly, the 

 cicatrice contracting causes stricture, and an animal so injured ia 

 likely to die of starvation, In the stomach even greater damage is 

 likely to be done. The peristaltic action of the esophagus carries the 

 irritant along quickly, but here it remains quiet in contact with one 



