34 



abdominal i^ains, partial iiaralysis of extensor mnscles primarily, tot- 

 tering gait, convulsions, and death. Where the poisoning by lead is 

 gradual the symptoms differ somewhat. There is a general appear- 

 ance of unthriftiness, loss of appetite, staring coat, constii^ation, 

 watery swellings under the jaws, a gray or blue line along the margin 

 of the gums, and a progressive i^aralysis, noted often at first in the 

 anterior extremities. Colicky symptoms are also observed. Abortion 

 is often noticed during chronic lead-poisoning. In all cases of lead- 

 l^oisoning the stomach, and often intestines, show erosions of its lin- 

 ing membrane, which in other parts is darker in color, and the mucous 

 membrane is easily stripped off. Chronic poisoning by lead is to be 

 expected near paint works, about newly-painted buildings, where 

 paint kegs are left in the fields, where horses take small particles 

 of lead with their food, where soft water runs through new lead 

 l^ipes, and where the drinking Avater is draAvn from wells or cisterns 

 containing lead. Lead can be detected in almost all parts of the 

 body at the post-mortem examination of chronic poisoning. 



Treatment. — In acute gastritis, due to the careless or accidental 

 administration of large quantities of this poison, we must give sul- 

 phuric acid, oO to GO drops well diluted with water, milk, white of 

 eggs, oils, and demulcent drinks, as linseed gruel or tea. If the gas- 

 tritis is chronic, due to the long ingestion of small j)articles of lead, 

 we must administer from one-half to 1 pound of Epsom salts. Iodide 

 of potassium in 1-drachm doses, twice or thrice daily, are here of 

 mucli service. If much pain exists it ma30)e relieved by giving mor- 

 l)hia in 3 to 5 grain doses, repeated two or three times a daj'. 



Where arsenic is the poison producing gastritis or gastro-euteritis 

 (inflammation of the stomach and bowels), we have symptoms of 

 abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, purging that is accompanied by 

 an offensive odor, staggering gait, quickened breathing, jiaralysis of 

 the hind extremities, and death. On opening a horse that has died 

 of arsenical j^oison we are struck l)y the escape of large quantities of 

 offensive gas. There are patches of inflammation and extravasation 

 of blood in the stomach, and often hi the intestines. Chemical tests 

 should be resorted to before giving a decided opinion that death is 

 due to arsenic. Poisoning from this agent is most common where 

 sheep have been dipped in arsenical preparations for the "scab" and 

 then allowed to run on pasture without first drying their wool. 

 Arsenic is thus deposited upon the grass and is eaten by horses graz- 

 ing thereon, producing the sjnnptoms of gastritis and death. Gas- 

 tritis may also occur from poisoning by copper, the mercurials, and 

 some vegetable drugs. Gastritis produced l)y anj'- of the irritant poi- 

 sons is to be treated with oils and demulcent diinks. Opium may l)e 

 given to allay pain and inflammation. Care should bo observed in 

 feeding for a time, being careful to give only soft and easily digested 

 foods. 



