70 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



irritation is even more noticeable and purgation is likely to be a more 

 prominent symptom. The treatment will consist as in the case of the 

 acid, of unloading the stomach as soon as practicable. If this can not 

 be done the poisonous effects of the alkali may be neutralized by the 

 administration of dilute acids. The administration of such an antidote 

 and its action must be carefully watched during administration. In 

 the chemical change which takes place when the acid and alkali are 

 combined, carbonic acid gas is liberated, which may be to an extent 

 sufficient to cause considerable distentioii of the abdomen, even to 

 asphyxia from pressure forward on the diaphragm. Should this dan- 

 ger present itself it may be averted by opening the left flank, permit- 

 ting the gas to escape. (See Tympanitis or Bloating, p. 29.) 



COAL-OIL POISONING. 



Coal oil is sometimes administered empirically as a treatment for 

 intestinal parasites. If given in large doses it produces poisonous 

 eifects, which are likely to be manifest some time after the administra- 

 tion. It acts as an irritant to the digestive tract, causing dribbling 

 of ropy saliva from the mouth, catharsis, and shreds of mucus in the 

 fecal matter, tenesmus and loss of appetite, with increased tempera- 

 ture and cold extremities. Visible mucous membranes are injected, 

 pupils of the eyes contracted, watery discharge from the eyes and 

 nostrils. Remotely it exerts a depressing influence on the functions of 

 the brain and slight coma and occasionally convulsions from which the 

 animal is easily aroused. The kidneys also suffer. The urine is dark 

 colored and has the characteristic odor of coal oil. Death may result 

 from gastro-enteritis or convulsions. The patient's strength should be 

 fostered by the frequent administration of mild stimulants, of which 

 aromatic spirits of ammonia is perhaps the best. The animal should 

 be encouraged to eat soft food and given mucilaginous drinks. 



CARBOLIC-ACID POISONING. 



Although one of the most valuable antiseptic remedies, carbolic acid 

 in a concentrated form, when taken internally or used over a large sur- 

 face externally, is likely to produce poisonous effects. It causes whiten- 

 ing, shrinking, and numbness of the structures with which it comes in 

 contact, and besides its irritant eifect exerts a powerful influence on the 

 nervous system. Being readily absorbed it produces its effect whether 

 swallowed, injected into the rectum, inhaled, or applied to wounds or 

 even to a large tract of unbroken skin. Used extensively as a dressing 

 it may produce nausea, dizziness, and black or green colored urine. 

 The last symptom is nearly always noticeable where the poisonous effect 

 is produced. - In more concentrated form, or used in larger quantities, 

 convulsions followed by fatal coma are likely to take place. Even in 

 smaller quantities, dullness, trembling, and disinclination for food often 

 continues for several days. In a tolerably concentrated solution it 



