DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 393 



that the yew is only dangerous when in the dry state, it must be 

 very clearly and emphatically understood that it has not by any 

 means rarely proved productive of death in horses and oxen 

 which have browsed on the fresh green leaves and twigs. There 

 is, however, some uncertainty as to the poisonous action of the 

 yew, for instances are recorded where oxen and horses have 

 apparently eaten with impunity even rather large quantities of 

 the fresh foliage. Yet these exceptional cases are explicable on 

 the supposition either that not sufficient was taken, or that the 

 yew was of a variety different from the ordinary English or Irish 

 kind. Poisoning by the yew has been known to cause a fatal 

 issue in horses and oxen in from two to three hours after 

 ingestion of the foliage, and, indeed, so rapidly does death ensue 

 in severe cases that the symptoms manifested may not be noticed. 

 In most cases, indeed, the signs of yew-poisoning are not by any 

 means distinctive, for they resemble those caused by other 

 narcotic poisons ; and one cannot diagnose a case for certain, 

 unless fragments of the foliage of the tree itself are discoverable. 



In the general way, an ox which has eaten of yew foliage is 

 found very much prostrated, cold, and shivering; the paunch is 

 often distended ; the pulse is weak and fluttering, and soon 

 becomes imperceptible. The poor animal becomes oblivious to 

 its surroundings, at length sinks prostrated, and death rapidly 

 ensues. After death, as a rule, there is an inflamed condition of 

 the lining membrane of the stomach and intestines, butthe/?os^- 

 morteni signs of yew-poisoning are not characteristic, and are 

 uncertain, unless one finds fragments of the foliage in the 

 stomachs. 



In cases of yew-poisoning, four fluid ounces of spirit of ammonia 

 with eight fluid ounces of brandy should be given in a quart of 

 mucilage of linseed ; this dose should be repeated in one hour, 

 and again, as deemed necessary, at intervals of two, three, or 

 four hours. In the intervals of giving the draught, mucilage 

 of linseed or oatmeal gruel must be given. A full dose of an 

 active purgative should be administered after the first draught ; 

 aloes, in solution) in dose of eight to ten drachms, followed by 

 a quart of linseed oil, is perhaps as good as any. Mustard 

 should be applied externally to the belly. In severe cases the 

 operation of rumenotomy has been recommended by Professor 

 Williams, in order to remove the foliage from the paunch. 



