Cryptogamic Poisoning in Carnivora. 309 



desired relief. The animal becomes rapidly weaker and though 

 unable to rise has frequent paroxysms of trembling and other 

 nervous symptoms. 



Lesions. With mouldy bread the congestion of the gastric 

 and intestinal mucosa, and of the mesenteric glands are marked 

 features. With brine there is in addition the heart gorged with 

 black, tarry blood, the skin and subcutaneons connective tissue 

 shows a similar dark congestion, also the brain and its mem- 

 branes and the kidneys and bladder. Petechise are abundant on 

 the serous membranes and other parts of the body. 



Treatment. Evacuate the, stomach by tickling the fauces, 

 giving tepid drinks, or ipecacuan. Follow with purgative of sul- 

 phate of soda and diuretics especially potassium iodide. Potas- 

 sium bromide, sodium salicylate, or salol may be given to calm 

 nervous excitement and check fermentation. Degoix recommends 

 chloral hydrate, enemata, cold to the head, and counter-irritants 

 and in very prostrate conditions stimulants may be employed. 



The most important measure, however, is the cutting off of the 

 supply of the poison and the administration of a wholesome diet. 

 Medicinal treatment is too often unsatisfactory and will seldom pay 

 for the trouble ; prevention is the one rational and economical 

 measure. 



CRYPTOGAMIC POISONING IN CARNIVORA. 



Botulism. Racial immunity. Acquired immunity. Gastric secretions, 

 protective. Bacteria in septic beef, old brine, stale fish, privy air. Symp- 

 toms : sudden onset, colic, nausea, retching, vomiting, septic vomit, fever, 

 tender abdomen, bloody, foetid, mucous diarrhoea, prostration, death in three 

 to twenty-four hours. Lesions : of gastro- enteritis, ingesta foetid, conges- 

 tions and petechise of other organs. Treatment : emetic, laxative, diuretics, 

 potassium iodide, antiseptics, demulcents, stimulants. 



Causes. What is called botulism in man is not uncommon in 

 carnivora. Eating carcasses of animals that have died of disease, 

 of poisoning, etc. , in a raw condition and too often in an ad- 

 vanced state of putrefaction, they are liable not only, to infection 

 by the pathogenic or poisonous microbes, but also to direct 



