480 Treatment of Poisoning, 



VEGETABLE POISONS. 



AlOOSa- — The extensive use of this strong purgative in veterinary 

 practice lias led to many cases where animals have died from its effects. 

 The symptoms are those of excessive purging. The feces become scanty, 

 bloody, and expelled with violent straining. The pulse is rapid, the 

 legs and ears cold, the mouth hot and dry, and the belly bloated and 

 painful. 



The treatment consists in giving a full dose of opium, say two ounces 

 of laudanum in a quart of linseed tea, repeating it in two hours if neces- 

 sary ; and throwing a like quantity up the rectum. 



Castor Seeds; Croton Seeds.— Both these seeds act as 



purgatives on the horse and ox, and swallowed in large quantities 

 bring about violent and dangerous action of the bowels. The treatment 

 is the same as directed under Aloes. 



Diseased and Injured Foods.— Foods whichhave been 



^'spoiled," or have undergone fermentation and partial decay, are liable 

 to bring on attacks of diarrhea, inflammation of the stomach and 

 bowels, obstinate constipation, and other symptoms. Among these 

 musty and sunburnt hay is a common cause of colic, dyspepsia and 

 stomach staggers. The animal loses flesh and strength, the eye is 

 yellow, the urine dark, and violent attacks of giddiness, and even frenzy 

 may supervene. To relieve these symptoms, full doses of purgatives 

 should be given by the mouth and rectum, the diet changed, and the 

 strength supported by tonics and stimulants. 



Mouldy oats are liable to produce diabetes or profuse staleing. The 

 symptoms and treatment of this complaint are given on page 164. 



Straw which is rusty has an injurious effect on animals, rendering 

 them thin and sickly, subject to epidemic diseases, and lessening their 

 vigor. 



The fungus growth called ergot is found chiefly in rye and Indian 

 corn. The consumption of such grain in quantities, for a long time, is 

 very sure to bring on injurious results. The animals have ragged coats, 

 their teeth loosen, they lose flesh, and are peculiarly liable to fatal 

 impaction of the third stomach, as we have mentioned on a previous 

 page (296), where we referred to a very severe epidemic that pre- 

 vailed in the Mississippi Valley some years ago, and which was 

 distinctly traced to this cause. The usual symptoms of the condition 

 known as ergotism are a dull, stupid expression, staring look, dilated 

 pupils of the eyes, staggers and stupidity ; with these are twitchings and 

 spasms, especially of the muscles of the hind limbs, passing into palsy. 

 The temperature, as felt on the horns, ears and legs, is below the normal, 



