Poisons. 257 



ing of the spine, with elevation of the head and tail, 

 rigidity of the legs, retraction of the muscles of the face 

 and mouth, inducing a remarkable grin of the features. 

 All the symptoms are sudden and simultaneous. Many 

 antidotes have been tried, the most effectual being the 

 monobromide of camphor in doses of one to one-and-a- 

 half drachms, given by the stomach. Recovery has also 

 been effected by the continued use of chloroform, and 

 subsequently belladonna and opium; also hydrocyanic 

 acid somewhat later. 



Tobacco, and also Hellebore Infusions, sometimes used 

 as Parasiticides in Mange, &c., prove dangerous as 

 violent poisons, being absorbed through the skin, 

 especially where it is rendered sore by the parasites. 

 The signs are great depression, with vomition, failure of 

 the heart's action, and death. To counteract these states 

 the animal should be immediately washed in clean cold 

 water. 



Snake and Viper Bites are forms of Animal Poisoning. 

 The first is common abroad, and exceedingly fatal; 

 the latter is seen in England, and is likewise dangerous 

 in the dog. The affected animal suffers from extreme 

 distress, depression and difficult respiration, with rapid 

 decomposition of the blood, local swelling, paralysis, 

 terminating in violent convulsions. If the part bitten is 

 a limb, a ligature should be applied above the wound, 

 sufficiently tight to prevent absorption. Strong solution 

 of ammonia, largely diluted, should be administered 

 internally at frequent intervals, and the wound promptly 

 cauterised, or dressed freely with the undiluted ammonia. 

 Artificial respiration must be persistently carried on from 

 the first, and conjointly with cold affusions, with the 

 object of producing stimulus to the nervous system. The 

 Bite of the Dog should also receive the same treatment, 

 especially if he be suspected of rabies. In mankind the 

 ligature, with prompt suction of the wound as an 

 encouragement to bleeding, is essential. 



It now appears to be fairly demonstrated that great 

 similarity of action in the poison of snake-bite also exists 

 in the Indian arrow-head poison, or, technically, ctcrare 



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