170 VETERINARY TOXICOLOGY 



Toxie Doses. — Kaufmann gives the poisonous doses of 

 powdered root by the mouth as 13 to 14 ounces for the 

 horse and ^ ounce for the dog. Of the preparations of 

 aconite the B.P. tincture is 1 in 20, and Fleming's tincture 

 1 in IJ. Of the latter 120 to 150 minims are stated as 

 poisonous to the horse, and 50 to 60 minims to a dog of 

 40 pounds (Finlay Dun). The alkaloid aconitine is exceed- 

 ingly poisonous, 2 grain killing a dog of 30 pounds in sixty- 

 five minutes (Finlay Dun). The toxic dose on injection is 

 estimated at ^ grain for the horse and ^V grain for the 

 dog. 



Effects. — Aconitine is speedily absorbed, and is eliminated 

 slowly chiefly by the kidneys. Its local effect is irritant, 

 producing tingling and twitching, followed by numbness. 

 It acts as a gastro-intestinal irritant, causing diarrhoea. 

 The general effect is exercised upon the medullary vagus 

 centre, producing cardiac depression and fall of blood- 

 pressure, and on the respiration, the breathing becoming 

 slow.. 



Symptoms. — In the horse (i'2.3) there are noticed 

 champing and copious salivation, with choking movements 

 of the oesophagus, eructation of frothy matter, and continued 

 attempts to vomit. The gait is staggering and pulse weak. 

 Intense colic, purgation, and spasmodic contractions of the 

 diaphragm, are observed. Paralysis follows, the respiration 

 being difficult and heart and pulse weak, the pupils are 

 dilated, membranes blanched, and temperature low; there 

 is loss of power and sensation, convulsions, and death by 

 asphyxia. 



In the dog aconite poisoning is marked by salivation, 

 nausea, violent vomiting, and purgation. The jaws are 

 champed, and the dog rubs its nose with its paws. The 

 heart action and respiration become progressively more 

 feeble. 



Post-Moptem Appearances.— Notable gastro-enteritis is 

 not found in cases of rapid poisoning. The lungs contain 

 little blood and are collapsed, the passages containing 

 frothy mucus. The lungs are extensively studded with 



