238 VETERINAEY TOXICOLOGY 



the horse and ox less so, whilst the pig, goat, sheep, and 

 rabbit cannot be poisoned by the plant or even the root. 

 This is probably due to the rapid elimination of atropine 

 by the kidneys, for when given intravenously the alkaloid 

 causes typical symptoms. 



According to Cornevin, 2 pounds of the green herb daily 

 for three days produced no pathological disturbances in 

 horses. 



Hertwig states 6 ounces of the dried root to be a fatal 

 dose for the horse, and that cattle are equally susceptible. 



Dangerous symptoms result in dogs from the administra- 

 tion of 30 to 50 grains of the dry plant, and | of a grain 

 hypodermically kill dogs of from 15 to 16 pounds weight 

 (Finlay Dun). 



Symptoms. — When given in toxic doses, atropine causes 

 in animals dryness of the mouth as a noticeable effect of 

 the general inhibition of secretion, increased pulse and 

 respiration frequencies, and elevation of temperature. There 

 is dilatation of the pupil, with blindness, restlessness, ner- 

 vousness, delirium, and muscular trembling. After this 

 period of excitement there ensues fall of temperature, con- 

 vulsions, motor and sensory paralysis, with staggering 

 movements, feeble and slow respiration, relaxation of the 

 sphincters, and death in convulsions. 



In dogs the pulse-rate may be as high as 400 ; in horses 

 it may be about doubled. 



G. H. Livesey* recorded ^typical symptoms, excepting 

 that there was no mydriasis, in a fox-terrier bitch, which 

 had licked herself after rubbing with belladonna liniment. 



The Post-Mortem appearances are not characteristic, 

 being those of asphyxia. 



Treatment. — The treatment of poisoning consists in 

 elimination by emetics or purgatives, and treatment of the 

 symptoms. Sedatives may be desirable in the early stages 

 of excitement, but it must be remembered that toxic doses 

 of atropine cause depressant effects. Stupor is combated 

 by movement, and stimulants, such as alcohol, ammonia, 

 * Jl. Comp. Path., 1904, p. 359. 



