52 VETERINAEY TOXICOLOGY 



Btomach and intestines is a common, but not invariable, 

 condition. Particles of lead, sometimes amounting to 

 several pounds, as in a case recorded by Nash ^ (1894), may 

 be found in the reticulum. It is usual to find pieces of 

 lead paint of the size of beans, blackened externally, friable, 

 and white internally. Where such pieces have been in 

 contact with mucous membrane, the latter is also blackened 

 and easily detachable, revealing inflammatory patches. 

 Acute peritonitis, with formation of greyish-yellow false 

 membrane, has been observed. 



In a case observed by Lawson® (1884) the mucous mem- 

 brane was detachable ; no inflammation ; liver bloodless 

 and yellow ; lungs engorged with black blood, inflamed and 

 emphysematous ; trachea and bronchi filled with a frothy 

 spume. 



In some cases the liver has been found engorged, and in 

 others the organs have been found healthy. The p;roduc- 

 tion of inflammation depends on the nature of the prepara- 

 tion given. It is not shown when the dose is small or in 

 the presence of an excess of acid ; in the form of albuminate 

 dissolved in acetic acid death is rapid and inflammation 

 absent ; but with solid carbonate dark red inflammation is 

 to be anticipated. 



Treatment. — Eemoval of the cause by emetics, by the 

 pump, and by means of saline purges ; as chemical anti- 

 dotes, dilute sulphuric acid ; or soluble sulphates, such as 

 Epsom or Glauber salt ; casein, given as milk, is recom- 

 mended, in order to precipitate lead albuminate ; tannic acid, 

 as tea or coffee ; and stimulants, e.g., digitalis or ammonium 

 acetate, have been used. In chronic plumbism the exhibi- 

 tion of potassium iodide is claimed to facilitate elimination. 



Chemical Diagnosis. — The separation of lead from 

 organic matter follows the lines indicated under the 

 general scheme described in the section on Chemical 

 Toxicology. Quantities of the order of ^^j^ grain of lead in 

 4 ounces of organic matter are recognisable with certainty 

 by means of the well-known sulphuretted hydrogen colora- 

 tion test. But in the absence of much free acid iron 



