SYMPTOMS AND REMEDIES 279 



Post mortems show the contents of the stomach to 

 be very dark, dry and impacted, due to the tannin in 

 the oak. The gall sack is greatly distended with a 

 clear syrupy liquor and the urine is generally quite 

 bloody. 



Remedies : The only remedy I have seen tried is 

 the use of large drenches and injections of oil, linseed 

 being usually the most available. Melted lard will prob- 

 ably bring equally good results. If available the drench 

 of permanganate of potash might be used to advantage, 

 although the progress of this disease is so slow that in 

 all probability the poisonous matter is too thoroughly 

 incorporated into the system to make its use effective. 



The trouble does not begin to show itself until the 

 animals have eaten a large amount of the oak leaves, and 

 they generally linger in their misery for ten days be- 

 fore dying. 



Ergot. Symptoms : Paralysis beginning at the throat 

 and mouth ; the action of the animal is similar to cases 

 of strychnine-poisoning. The victim is unable to use its 

 limbs, staggers and falls about; appears very tired and 

 disinclined to work. Horses sweat profusely about the 

 neck and head. The paralysis, which starts with the 

 mouth and tongue, gradually extends to the entire 

 body. Owing to this paralysis the animal is unable to 

 swallow, hence remedies are very hard to give, except- 

 ing as injections. There is no excitement or hard breath- 

 ing, the respiration being slow and deep, as if in a 



Remedies : Any stimulant, such as alcohol, ammonia 

 or strychnine, may be used. The action of this poison 

 is rapid and deadly, and any efforts to save the victim 

 must be prompt. Permanganate of potash should be 



