20 BULLETIN 1012, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



TYPICAL CASE OP SHEEP 



In most of the cases the symptoms were neither very acute nor 

 very prolonged. Sheep 588 may be considered fairly typical of one 

 of the more pronounced cases. This sheep was a yearling wether 

 weighing 101.25 pounds at the time of the experiment. It was 

 taken into the corrals for observation on the morning of July 17, 

 1920. The experimental feeding was commenced July 19, 1920. 

 On account of the large quantity necessary to produce toxic effect, 

 the plant was administered in several doses. At 10.57 a. m. 200 

 grams of stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant were given. The 

 sheep was somewhat salivated as the result of this feeding, but no 

 further symptoms developed during the administration of the plant. 

 Other feedings were made at 11.15 a. m., 11.37 a. m., 11.51 a. m., 

 11.57 a.m., 12.06p.m., 12.22. pm, 1.10p.m., and 1.20 p. m. At these 

 feedings quantities varying from 100 to 200 grams were given. The 

 feeding in each case occupied about five minutes. All told, the 

 animal received an equivalent of 2.939 pounds of green plants to 100 

 pounds of animal. 



No symptoms were noted until 4.24 p. m. At that time the sheep 

 was regurgitating and frothing at the mouth. The temperature was 

 102.8° F., pulse 100, respiration 72. At 5.30 p. m. the animal was 

 still badly salivated, and was standing with, the hind legs braced 

 back and head held rather high. The respiration was fast and deep. 

 At 5.55 p. m. the animal showed unsteadiness when attempting to 

 walk. There was at this time distinct hyperesthesia; it was startled 

 by sudden noises or by being touched. The condition remained 

 the same during the evening. Observations continued until 10.30 

 p. m. The salivation continued and the animal was unsteady on its 

 feet, and occasionally, when startled, would fall down but was able to 

 get upon its feet again. At 9.45 p. m. and 10.30 p. m. it was found lying 

 down but got up readily, although its gait when walking was very 

 unsteady. 



On July 20, at 7.10 a. m., when observed it was still salivated, 

 was quiet and depressed, but much stronger than the night before. 

 During the day the condition of the animal improved gradually and 

 on the morning of July 21 it was turned into the pasture, as it seemed 

 to have recovered completely. 



DISCUSSION AND RESULTS. 

 SYMPTOMS. 



Salivation. — Salivation occurred in all but 2 of the cases. There 

 was evidence of nausea in 6 cases. In some of these cases this was 

 shown by more or less regurgitation. Actual vomiting occurred in 

 5 animals. 



