234 VETEEINAEY TOXICOLOGY 



fungoid growths on them. Nothing is known as to the 

 chemical nature of the active principle involved. 



The animal, mainly attacked is the sheep, though horses 

 and cattle may be also affected. 



In poisoning the animals affected tend to lag behind and 

 stagger in their gait. They may fall and lie quiet, then 

 rise and continue to feed. Convulsions are characteristic. 

 The head is pushed down between the forefeet and then 

 jerk-ed upwards and backwards, or from side to side. The 

 convulsions may occur at regular intervals or very fre- 

 quently, leading to great exhaustion and a partially 

 paralysed condition, from which there may be recovery. 



The poisoning is treated by means of aperient (Epsom 

 salt), and sedatives, such as chloral hydrate or potassium 

 bromide, which is given to the ox in doses of 1 ounce thrice 

 daily, and to sheep or goats in doses of 1 to 2 drachms. 

 Distension in the case of cattle may be relieved by the 

 trocar. 



CONVOLVULACE^. 



Convolvulus. 



The genus Convolvulus includes C. Scanimonia and C. 

 ialapa, which contain the glucosides convolvulin and 

 jalapin respectively. These substances belong to the group 

 of drastic purgatives. The British species of Convolvuli, or 

 bind-weeds, do not appear to have been definitely proved to 

 contain these glucosides, though it is possible that they 

 do so. 



Symptoms. — Convolvulin acts as a local purgative, but 

 in large doses, when it encounters insufficient bile it causes 

 an astringent effect. The convolvulus, bind-weed or lap- 

 love, is dangerous to pigs. A good example of its effects 

 was recorded by Olver.* The animals had eaten profusely 

 of convolvulus, and displayed loss of appetite and attempts 

 to vomit. Before death the head hung down, and the 

 animals had a sleepy appearance. 



* Veterinarian, 1872, p. 727. 



