60 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



Treatment. — Give powdered iron, or iron reduced by hydrogen, or 

 calcined magnesia. Sulphur may be used. This should be followed 

 by a liberal supply of demulcents, linseed infusion, boiled starch, 

 whites of eggs, etc. 



ZINC POISONING. 



Several of the soluble salts of zinc are irritant poisons. The 

 chlorid and sulphate are those in most common use. In animals 

 which have power to vomit they are emetic in their action. In 

 others, when retained in the stomach, they set up more or less irri- 

 tation of the mucous membrane and abdominal pain, producing 

 symptoms already described in the action of other poisons which 

 produce the same result. 



Treatment. — The treatment should be the same as for copper poi- 

 soning. 



PHOSPHORUS POISONING. 



Only one of the forms of phosphorus in common use — the ordinary 

 yellow — is poisonous. Phosphorus in this form is used for the 

 destruction of rats and mice and other vermin, and is largely used 

 in the manufacture of matches. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are loss of appetite, colic, diarrhea, 

 irritation of the mouth and throat, and paralysis of the throat. 

 There is also weakness, difficult breathing, and rapid pulse. The 

 course of the poisoning is usually rapid, terminating in either re- 

 covery or death within three days. The toxic dose for cattle is from 

 5 to 30 grains. If taken in large quantities the excreta are occa- 

 sionally noticed to be luminous when examined in the dark. 



Treatment. — Turpentine given in an emulsion with flaxseed tea in 

 a single dose of from 2 to 8 ounces. Permanganate of potash may 

 be given in a one-fourth of 1 per cent solution. Stimulants, such 

 as alcohol and ether, should be administered. Oils and milk must 

 not be given. 



MERCURY POISONINC. 



Mercury poisoning is not rare in cattle from the fact that these 

 animals have a special susceptibility to the action of this substance. 

 Antiseptic washes or injections containing the bichlorid of mercury 

 (corrosive sublimate) must be used on cattle with great care. Mer- 

 curial disinfecting solutions or salves must be used cautiously. 

 Calomel can not be given freely to cattle. 



Symptoms.— The symptoms are salivation, sore mouth, indiges- 

 tion, diarrhea, skin eruption, paralysis of local groups of muscles, 

 and nephritis. 



Treatment.— The treatment consists in administering sulphur in 

 large doses (2 to 4 ounces) or iron powder. Both make insoluble 

 compounds with mercury. Follow with the whites of eggs mixed 



