70 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



carbonate of ammonia. In animal practice the alcoholic stimulants 

 and local treatment above described are likely to meet with best suc- 

 cess. A special antitoxin for use in treating snake bite is now pre- 

 pared and may be had from the leading druggists. It is quite effective 

 if used promptly. 



WASP AND BEE STINGS. 



Wasps and bees secrete a poisonous substance which they are able 

 to insert through the skin of an animal by the aid of their sharp 

 stings. This poison is a severe local irritant, and may even cause 

 local gangrene. It also has a depressing effect upon the central 

 nervous system, and destroys the red-blood corpuscles. To produce 

 these general effects it must be introduced in very large quantities, as 

 when an animal is stung by a swarm of bees or wasps. 



Treatment. — The treatment is to wash the parts with diluted am- 

 monia or permanganate of potash solution and to give stimulants 

 internally. If there is so much swelling about the head and nostrils 

 as to interfere with breathing, tracheotomy may be necessary. 



POISONING BY INSECTS ON THE FORAGE. 



Cattle grazing on forage heavily infested with caterpillars have 

 been known to develop acute indigestion, colic, and, in a few cases, 

 to die as a result of this poisoning. Plant lice cause irritation of the 

 mouth and throat if eaten in large numbers. Some insects secrete a 

 chemical poison which, taken in this way, causes serious digestive 

 disturbance. 



POISONING WITH SPANISH FLY. 



Spanish fly, in the form of powdered cantharides, may be given in 

 an overdose, or when applied as a blister to too large a surface of 

 skin enough may be absorbed to poison. If given by the mouth it 

 causes severe irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract, shown by saliva- 

 tion, sore throat, colic, bloody diarrhea, etc. It also produces, whether 

 given by the mouth or absorbed through the skin, irritation of the 

 urinary tract, as shown by frequent and painful urination. If death 

 rasults it is due to respiratory paralysis. 



Treatment. — Give protectives and the white of ^gg^ with opium. 

 Do not give oils or alcohol. 



