I09 



and then every two hoiiis. In iwche hours the animal began to improxe. 

 On the following- day he was much better, and tonics were thereupon 

 substituted for the stimulants.- Tb.c horse rapidly recovered, and was soon 

 well again. 



POISOXTNG r.Y PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMUMV. 



Antimony is still not uncommonly administered to the horse in the forms 

 of tartar emetic and butter or chloride of antimony, which often constitute 

 main ingredients of the recipes for balls and powders in the possession of 

 stablemen and grooms. Antimony preparations are not nearly so frequently 

 given as they once were, and the practice is no doubt becoming siill 

 more rare. The late Mr. D. Gresswell had a large number of cases of 

 poisoning by these agents under his care in the course of his lifetime,, 

 and the writer has had a few examples, which fortunately, however, did 

 not prove fatal. 



When a horse has had a large dose, there are manifested frequent 

 attempts at vomiting, and this may actually occur. The pulse becomes 

 weak, fluttering, and almost imperceptible. There is great prostration, and 

 gradual loss of consciousness in severe cases, followed by death. 



POISONING BY OPIUM. 



Opium is not a common cause of poisoning in the horse, but it is sometimes 

 given by dealers and others in poisonous doses, in order to prevent kicking 

 and restiveness in horses they wish to sell. A few months ago, the writer 

 attended a half-bred mare to which the owner had administered one ounce 

 and a half of Turkey opium. \\'lien called in on the day following the 

 administration of the drug, the mare was found to be in a very dull, dejected 

 condition, and the pulse was very feeble and soft. The pupils of the eves- 

 were contracted to pin points, and the membrane lining the nostrils was of a 

 darkish brown hue. The symptoms remained unabated for three days,, 

 during which time the animal continually moved round and round in the 

 box. On the fourth day, the pulse began to regain vigour, but recovery was- 

 not complete before the lapse of a week. 



MERCURIAL POISONING. 



The next agent of which we shall speak is a very poisonous preparation of 

 mercury called corrosive sublimate. It is sometimes given by stablemen in 

 injurious doses to horses, causing loss of appetite, salivation, pawing, looking 

 at the fianks, rolling about, profuse perspiration, rapid and weak pulse,, 

 violent action of the bowels, straining, convulsions, and death. On no 

 account whatever should this excessively dangerous drug be used. 



