72 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



otherwise be cruelty is necessarily inflicted. When other means fail 

 to excite, sharp sounds produced close to the ear will sometimes serve 

 to arouse. Stimulants should be given internally, such as aromatic- 

 spirits of ammonia, whisky, brandy, and strong infusions of coffee. 



STRYCHNIXK POISOXIXU. 



Nearly all the alkaloids of the genus Strychnos are poisonous, more 

 particularly strychnine. Strychnine is a very concentrated poison and 

 produces its effect very quickly, usually only a few minutes being nec- 

 essary. The first noticeable symptom is a well-marked convulsion ; the 

 head is jerked back, the back arched and leg extended, the eyes drawn. 

 The spasm continues for only a few minutes, when it relaxes and 

 returns again in a short time. .The return is hastened by excitement 

 and in a short time again disappears, continuing to disappear and 

 reappear until death results. As the poisonous effect advances the 

 intervals between the spasms become shorter and less marked and the 

 spasms more severe until the animal dies in violent struggles. 



Treatment. Emptying the stomach is good treatment if it can be 

 done before the poison is absorbed. After the spasms have been 

 noticed, however, the operation would likely excite the animal and 

 hasten the fatal termination. The best method is to put the patient 

 under the influence of chloroform or ether and keep it there continu- 

 ously until the effect of the poison has passed off. 



ACOXITE POISON JX<;. 



In recent years tincture of aconite has for some unknown reason be- 

 come a popular stable remedy. In the hands of some breeders it seems 

 to be used as a panacea for all the ills flesh is heir to. If an animal is 

 ailing aconite is given whether indicated or not. Fortunately the dose 

 used is generally small, and for this reason the damage done much less 

 than probably otherwise would be. Aconite is one of the most deadly 

 poisons known. It produces paralysis of motion and sensation, de- 

 presses the heart's action and causes death by syncope. In large doses 

 it causes profuse salivation, champing of the jaws and attempts at swal- 

 lowing. If not sufficient to cause death there is impaired appetite with 

 more or less nausea for some time after. In poisonous doses it causes 

 the animal to tremble violently, lose power to support itself, and slight 

 convulsions with perspiration. The pulse is depressed, irregular, and 

 afterwards intermittent. If possible, the stomach should be emptied 

 by means of the stomach pump and the animal treated with finely pow- 

 dered animal charcoal in the hope of absorbing the poison. The only 

 chemical antidote of any value is tannic acid, which forms an insoluble 

 compound with the aconitine. The depressing effect on the heart 

 should be counteracted by the use of ammonia, digitalis, and other dif- 

 fusible stimulants, which have a physiological effect opposite to aconite. 



