68 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



when retained in the stomach, they set up more or less irritation of the 

 mucous membrane and abdominal pain, producing symptoms already 

 described in the action of other poisons which produce the same result. 

 The treatment would consist of emptying the stomach and the use of 

 demulcents. 



PHOSPHORUS POISONS. 



Only one of the salts of phosphorus in common use the ordinary 

 yellow is poisonous. Phosphorus in this form is used for the destruc- 

 tion of rats and mice and other vermin, and is largely used in the 

 manufacture of matches. In the stomach it produces a certain amount 

 of disturbance ; vertigo and diarrhea are the usual symptoms. If taken 

 in large quantities, the excreta are occasionally noticed to be luminous 

 when examined in the dark. The irritant symptoms generally subside 

 in a few days and the animal appears to recover its usual health. In a 

 short time depression and loss of appetite are again noticed; the visible 

 mucous membranes are yellow from reabsorption of bile; the function 

 of the liver is imperfectly performed or suspended ; fatty degeneration 

 of the structures occur; the feces are light colored ; fever of a semi- 

 typhoid nature is present, and death usually takes place in ten days or 

 two weeks from the administration of the poison. Oil of turpentine is 

 a favorite remedy, and, though the best, is unsatisfactory. Recoveries 

 are not common. 



ACID POISONS. 



The mineral acids, nitric, sulphuric, hydrochloric, etc., when used in 

 a concentrated form, destroy the animal tissues with which they come 

 in contact, and in this respect differ from the poisons previously 

 described. The irritant effect of those already mentioned might be the 

 result of the use of these acids in a dilute form, but when concentrated 

 erosion takes place. When taken into the stomach the mucous mem- 

 brane of the mouth, pharynx, ossophagus, and stomach is apt to be 

 completely destroyed. If taken in large quantities death is likely to 

 result so speedily that nothing can be done to relieve the patient, and 

 even if time is allowed and the action of the acid can be arrested it can 

 not be done until considerable irreparable damage has been done. The 

 mucous membrane with which it has come in contact in the oasophagus 

 is destroyed by the corrosive action and carried away, leaving the 

 muscular tissues exposed. The raw surface heals irregularly, the cica- 

 trice contracting causes stricture, and the animal is likely to die of 

 starvation. In the stomach even greater damage is likely to be done. 

 The peristaltic action of the oasophagus having carried the irritant 

 along quickly, here it remains quiet in contact with one surface, de- 

 stroying it. It is likely to perforate the organ, and coming in contact 

 with the abdorninrl lining or other organ of digestion soon sets up a 



