DISEASES OF CATTLE 391 



tion. It acts as an irritant to the digestive tract, causing dribbling of 

 ropy saliva from the mouth, diarrhea, tenesmus, and loss of appetite, 

 with increased temperature and cold extremities. Visible mucous 

 membranes are injected, pupils of the eyes contracted, watery dis- 

 charge from the eyes and nostrils. Remotely it exerts a depressing 

 influence on the functions of the brain and slight coma, and occasion- 

 ally convulsions, from which the animal is easily aroused. The kid- 

 neys also suffer. The urine is dark colored and has the charac- 

 tertistic odor of coal oil. Death may result from gastro-enteritis or 

 convulsions. 



The patient's strength should be fostered by the frequent ad- 

 ministration of mild stimulants, of which aromatic spirits of ammo- 

 nia is perhaps the best. The animal should be encouraged to eat soft 

 food and given mucilaginous drinks. 



Crude coal oil is sometimes applied to the skin to kill parasites. If 

 too much is used, especially in hot weather, great weakness and de- 

 pression may be caused and in some cases death may result. 



CARBOLIC-ACID POISONING. 



Although one of the most valuable antiseptic remedies, carbolic 

 acid in a concentrated form, when taken internally or used over a 

 large surface externally, is likely to produce poisonous effects. It 

 causes whitening, shrinking, and numbness of the structures with 

 which it comes in contact, and, besides its irritant effect, exerts a pow- 

 erful influence on the nervous system. Being readily absorbed, it pro- 

 duces its effect whether swallowed, injected into the rectum, inhaled, 

 or applied to wounds, or even to a large tract of unbroken skin. Used 

 extensively as a dressing, it may produce nausea, dizziness, and smoky 

 or blackish colored urine. The last symptom is nearly always notice- 

 able where the poisonous effect is produced. In more concentrated 

 form, or used in larger quantities, convulsions, followed by fatal coma, 

 are likely to take place. Even in smaller quantities, dullness, trem- 

 bling, and disinclination for food often continues for several days. 

 In a tolerably concentrated solution it coagulates albumen and acts 

 as an astringent. 



As an antidote internally, a solution of sulphate of soda or sul- 

 phate of magnesia (Glauber's or Epsom salts) may be given. The 

 white of an egg is also useful. Stimulants may be given if needed. 

 When the poisoning occurs through too extensive applications to 

 wounds or the skin, as in treatment of mange, cold water should be 

 freely applied so as to wash off any of the acid that may still remain 

 unabsorbed. As a surgical dressing a 3 per cent solution is strong, 

 enough for ordinary purposes. Water will not hold more than 5 per 

 cent in permanent solution. No preparation stronger than the satu- 

 rated solution should be used medicinally under any circumstances. 



SALTPETER POISONING. 



Both nitrate of soda and nitrate of potash are poisonous to cattle. 

 These substances are used for manure and for preserving meats. 

 They may be administered in a drench by error in place of Glauber's 

 salts, or they may be exposed within reach of cattle and thus be eaten. 

 The toxic dose depends upon the condition of fullness of the stomach. 



