64 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



result is effected, it must be on the material which has already passed 

 into the fourth stomach, so that to get any real antidotal result the 

 remedy must be given repeatedly in order to meet the alkaloid poi- 

 sons as they are passing through the fourth stomach. "V^^iile certain 

 substances like tannic acid and potassium permanganate are the 

 logical antidotes for plant poisons, in practical application they are 

 very disappointing in the treatment of ruminant animals. Reliance 

 must be mainly on prevention and upon such remedies as will in- 

 crease elimination. A laxative or purgative is always helpful, and 

 for this purpose Epsom salt may be given in pound doses, or linseed 

 oil in doses of 1 or 2 pints. In some few cases special remedies can 

 be given as is indicated below. 



It is well to bear in mind that cattle while grazing freely in good 

 pasture are not likely to eat poisonous plants to any extent. If these 

 same plants are gathered and thrown in a pile, the animals, through 

 a kind of pernicious curiosity, may eat them with disastrous results. 

 This has frequently happened when freshly cut branches of cherry, 

 yew, oleander, and other plants have been thrown where dairy cattle 

 could get at them. 



The foliage of oaks is a valuable constituent of the forage oti many 

 ranges and pastures. It has been shown, however, that when this is 

 eaten without some admixture of other food, cattle frequently sicken 

 and die. Many cases of the poisoning of cattle by acorns have been 

 reported in England and Germany, and there have been some com- 

 plaints in the United States. Harmful results from eating acorns 

 do not seem likely to occur except as they are eaten in considerable 

 quantities. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of oak poisoning are constipation, 

 mucus and blood in the feces, emaciation, and edema. The symptoms 

 of acorn poisoning are much the same. 



Treatment. — Change of pasture or an addition of other food 

 material. 



HORSE CHESTNUT— BUCKEYE. 



All the species of ^sculus, popularly known as horse chestnut or 

 buckeye, are considered poisonous. The bark, leaves, and fruit are 

 injurious. It is said that if the fruit is boiled or roasted and washed 

 out it becomes harmless and even is a desirable addition to the feed 

 of cattle. The Indians in time of scarcity of food have used the fruit 

 after preparing it in this way. The buckeyes are said to have a 

 specific effect in producing abortion in cattle and goats. 



