56 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



presence of twigs and leaves of the plant; there is, however, invariably 

 more or less congestion of the stomach and bowels, sometimes more espe- 

 cially marked in the former, at others in the latter. Beyond this there is 

 seldom any noticeable change referable to the poison. 



Treatment. No direct antidote is known, but the symptoms of 

 collapse may be combated by diffusible stimulants, as alcohol and ammonia, 

 while friction to the skin, bandages to the legs, clothing to the body, and 

 every effort to restore the circulation should be attempted. 



An aperient is essential to 

 get rid as quickly as may be 

 of any portions of undigested 

 poison, linseed- or castor-oil 

 being the most suitable. 



Liability for yew poisoning 

 has been tested in the High 

 Court of Justice, and Mr. 

 Justice Charles decided that 

 it is the business of an owner 

 to prevent his animals from 

 eating yew when growing on a 

 neighbour's land. 



RHODODENDRON 



The effects of this plant 

 (Rhododendron liybridum) are 

 much the same as those of yew 

 (see Yew Poisoning), save that 

 attempts at vomition are a pro- 

 minent symptom, and slight colicky pains are also evinced by striking 

 at the belly with the hind-limbs. 



Treatment is more likely to be attended with success here than is the 

 case in yew poisoning, since the action of rhododendron is more irritant 

 than narcotic, the pain being more under control by opium and alkaline 

 carbonates, while an aperient of linseed-oil may be employed to clear out 

 the bowels and expel the offending matter. 



Fig. 454. Rhododendron (R. ln/lridum) 



FOXGLOVE (DIGITALIS PURPUREA) 



This well-known drug is largely used in equine practice, and toxic 

 effects occasionally follow on the administration of excessive doses. When 



