400 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



should be counteracted by liberal drenching with stimulants, such as 

 alcohol, coffee, digitalis, or the aromatic spirits or carbonate of am- 

 monia. In animal practice the alcoholic stimulants and local treat- 

 ment above described are likely to meet with best success. A special 

 antitoxin for use in treating snake bite is now prepared and may be 

 had from the leading druggists. It is quite effective if used 

 promptly. 



WASP AND BEE STINGS. 



Wasps and bees secrete a poisonous substance which they are able 

 to insert through the skin of an animal by the aid of their sharp 

 stings. This poison is a severe local irritant, and may even cause 

 local gangrene. It also has a depressing effect upon the central nerv- 

 ous system, and destroys the red-blood corpuscles. To produce these 

 general effects it must be introduced in very large quantities, as when 

 an animal is stung by a swarm of bees or wasps. 



The treatment is to wash the parts with diluted ammonia or per- 

 manganate of potash solution and to give stimulants internally. If 

 there is so much swelling about the head and nostrils as to interfere 

 with breathing, tracheotomy may be necessary. 



POISONING BY INSECTS ON THE FORAGE. 



Cattle grazing on forage heavily infested with caterpillars have 

 been known to develop acute indigestion, colic, and, in a few cases, 

 to die as a result of this poisoning. Plant lice cause irritation of the 

 mouth and throat if eaten in large numbers. Some insects secrete a 

 chemical poison which, taken in this way, causes serious digestive 

 disturbance. 



POISONING WITH SPANISH PLY. 



Spanish fly, in the form of powdered cantharides, may be given 

 in an overdose, or when applied as a blister to too large a surface of 

 skin enough may be absorbed to poison. If given by the mouth it 

 causes severe irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract, shown by saliva- 

 tion, sore throat, colic, bloody diarrhea, etc. It also produces, whether 

 given by the mouth or absorbed through the skin, irritation of the 

 urinary tract, as shown by frequent and painful urination. If death 

 results, it is due to respiratory paralysis. Give protectives and the 

 white of egg, with opium. Do not give oils or alcohol. 



LIST OF PLANTS KNOWN TO BE POISONOUS TO STOCK. 



Ergot, Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. 



Clathrus, Clathrus columnatus Bosc. 



Fly poison, Chrosperma muscsetoxicum (Walt.) Kuntze. 



American white hellebore, Veratrum viride Ait. 



Slender nettle, Urtica gracilis Ait. 



Pokeweed, Phytolacca decandra L. 



Corncockle, Agrostemma githago L. 



Aconite, Aconitum napellus L. 



Western aconite, Aconitum columbianum Nutt. 



Dwarf larkspur, Delphinium tricorne Michx. 



Field larkspur, Delphinium consolida L. 



Purple larkspur, Delphinium menziesii DC. 



Wyoming larkspur, Delphinium geyeri Greene. 



