60 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



of ammonia is perhaps the best. The animal should be encouraged 

 to eat soft feed and given mucilaginous drinks. 



Crude coal oil is sometimes applied to the skin to kill parasites. 

 If too much is used, especially in hot weather, great weakness and 

 depression may be caused and in some cases death may result. 



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 surface externally, is likely to produce poisonous effects. It 

 causes whitening, shrinldng, and numbness of the structures with 

 which it comes in contact, and, besides its irritant effect, exerts a 

 powerful influence on the nervous system. Being readily absorbed, 

 it i^roduces 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, dizzi- 

 ness, and smoky or blackish 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 

 continue for several days. In a tolerably concentrated solution it 

 coagulates albumen and acts as an astringent. 



Treatment. — As an antidote internally, a solution of sulphate of 

 soda or sulphate of magnesia (Glauber's or Epsom salt) may be 

 given. The white of egg is also useful. Stimulants may be given if 

 needed. When the poisoning occurs through too extensive applica- 

 tions to wounds or the skin, as in treatment of mange, cold water 

 should be freely applied so as to wash off any of the acid that may 

 still remain unabsorbed. As a surgical dressing a 3 per cent solu- 

 tion is strong enough for ordinary purposes. Water will not hold 

 more than 5 per cent in permanent solution. No preparation 

 .stronger than the saturated solution should be used medicinally 

 under any circumstances. 



SALTPETER POISONING. 



Both nitrate of soda and nitrate of potassium are poisonous to cattle. 

 These substances are used for manure and for preserving meats. 

 They may be administered in a drench by error in place of Glauber's 

 salt, or they may be exposed within reach of cattle and thus be eaten. 

 The toxic dose depends upon the condition of fullness of the stomach. 

 If in solution and given on an empty stomach, as little as 3 ounces of 

 saltpeter (nitrate of potassium) may be fatal to a cow. More of the 

 Chile saltpeter (nitrate of soda) is required to cause serious trouble. 



