LEAD POISONING. 223 



by death. The pulse and respirations are increased in frequency 

 from the outset of the attack. Rabies may possibly be mistaken for 

 tetanus. In the latter disease we find tonic spasms of the muscles of 

 the jaws, or stiffness of the neck or back very early in the attack, and 

 evidence of viciousness is absent. 



Treatment. — As soon as the true nature of the disease is ascertained 

 the animal should be killed. 



Prevention. — \Alien a horse is known to have been bitten by a 

 rabid animal, immediate cauterization of the wound with a red-hot 

 iron may possibly destroy the virus before absorption of it takes place. 



PLUMBISM, OR LEAD POISONING. 



This disease is not of frequent occurrence. It may be due to habit- 

 ually drinking water which has been standing in leaden conductors 

 or in old paint barrels, etc. It has been met with in enzootic form 

 near smelting works, where, by the fumes arising from such works, 

 lead in the form of oxide, carbonate, or sulphate was deposited on 

 the grass and herbage which the horses ate. 



Symptoms. — Lead poisoning produces derangement of the func- 

 tions of digestion and locomotion, or it may affect the lungs princi- 

 pall}'. In whatever system of organs the lead is deposited mostly 

 there w'ill we have the symptoms of nervous debility most manifest. 

 If in the lungs, the breathing becomes difficult and the animal gets 

 out of breath very quickly when he is compelled to run. Roaring, 

 also, is very frequently a symptom of lead poisoning. When it 

 affects the stomach, the animal gradually falls away in flesh, the hair 

 becomes rough, the skin tight, and colicky symptoms develop. When 

 the deposit is principally in the muscles, partial or complete paralysis 

 gradually develops. When large quantities of lead have been taken 

 in and absorbed, symptoms resembling epilepsy may result, or coma 

 and delirium develop and prove fatal. In lead poisoning there is 

 seldom any increase in temperature. A blue line forms along the 

 gums of the front teeth, and the breath assumes a peculiarly offensive 

 odor. Lead can always be detected in the urine by chemical tests. 



Treatment. — The administration of 2-dram doses of iodide of 

 potassa three times a day. This will form iodide of lead in the sys- 

 tem, which is rapidly excreted by the kidneys. If much muscular 

 weakness or paralysis is present, sulphate of iron in 1-dram doses 

 and strichnia in 2-grain doses may be given twice a day. In all cases 

 of suspected lead poisoning all utensils which have entered into the 

 supply of feed or water should be examined for the presence of 

 soluble lead. If it occurs near lead works, great care must be given 

 to the supply of uncontaminated fodder, etc. 



