262 POISONING. 



The prognosis varies ; the acute and nervous forms are usually 

 fatal. But when the disease develops slowly, recovery may occur. 



Pathogeny. Practical observation and laboratory researches show 

 that the above conditions result from poisoning. Histological examina- 

 tion of livers from sheep which have died rapidly shows complete 

 degeneration of the hepatic cells, which become incaj)able of per- 

 forming their function. The biliary acids, no longer being withdrawn 

 from the circulating blood, produce general intoxication, destruction of 

 the blood corpuscles, and the aj^pearance of hfemaphseic icterus and 

 haemoglobinuria. 



Treatment. Being convinced that acidity alone caused this disease, 

 the older practitioners suggested the administration of salines. In 

 reality it is necessary to check fermentation. Drainage of the silos in 

 which beet pulp is stored is often sufficient for this purpose ; but if badly 

 arranged, drainage rather assists the growth of moulds and various 

 organisms in the mass, which affords a medium favourable to their 

 multiplication. Complete desiccation would undoubtedly give much 

 better results, but cannot economically be effected. The best practical 

 measure consists in storing the pulj) in special silos, divided into 

 compartments by lattice work partitions. The escape of liquid is 

 facilitated by forming the floors of the silo with a sufficient slope. 

 Preservation, however, is not perfect, and some compartments are 

 always found damaged. Excessive fermentation can be checked by 

 adding ordinary salt to the pulp in the proportion of '2 per cent. 



Curative treatment comprises restricted diet for several days, and the 

 administration of milk, carbonate of soda, and stimulants, which favour 

 excretion of the toxins. Some patients may be saved by subcutaneous 

 injections of large quantities of normal salt solution. When poisoning 

 is pronounced, and the viscera are clearly injured, it is more economical 

 to slaughter the animals, provided that the icterus does not render the 

 flesh useless for sale. 



