POISONS AND POISONING. 59 



Treatment. — -The action of the acid should be counteracted by the 

 use of allvalies, as advised above, by limewater or lime or plaster 

 given promptly, by protectives to the digestive tract, and by stimu- 

 lants. 



POISONING BY ALKALIES. 



The carbonates of potash and soda and the alkalies themselves in 

 concentrated form cause symptoms of intestinal irritation similar to 

 those produced by mineral acids. Ammonia, caustic soda, and caus- 

 tic potash (lye) are those to which animals are most exposed. The 

 degree of their caustic irritant effects depends on their degree of 

 concentration. When they reach the stomach the symptoms are 

 nearly as well marked as in the case of the acids. The irritation is 

 even more noticealde, and purgation is likely to be a more prominent 

 symptom. If death is not caused soon, the irritation of the gastro- 

 intestinal tract and malnutrition will last for a long time. 



Treatment. — Treatment consists in neutralizing the alkali by an 

 acid, such as dilute sulphuric acid (1 per cent) or strong vinegar. 

 The administration of such an antidote and its action must be care- 

 fully watched during administration. In the chemical change which 

 takes place when the acid and alkali are combined, carbonic-acid gas 

 is liberated, which may be to an extent sufficient to cause considerable 

 distention of the abdomen, and even to i^roduce asphyxia from pres- 

 sure forward on the diaphragm. Should this danger present itself, 

 it may be averted by opening the flank, permitting the gas to escape. 

 (See "Acute tympanites, or Bloating," p. 22.) Flaxseed or slippery- 

 elm decoction must be given to sooth the inflamed mucous surface. 

 Opium may be used to allay pain. 



COAL-OIL POISONING. 



Coal oil is sometimes administered empirically as a treatment for 

 intestinal parasites. If given in large doses it produces poisonous 

 effects, which are likely to be manifested some time after the adminis- 

 tration. It acts as an irritant to the digestive tract, causing drib- 

 bling of ropy saliva from the mouth, diarrhea, tenesmus, and loss 

 of appetite, with increased temperature and cold extremities. Visil:)le 

 mucous membranes are injected, pupils of the eyes are contracted, 

 and there is a watery discharge from the eyes and nostrils. Re- 

 motely it exerts a depressing influence on the functions of the brain 

 and slight coma, and occasionally convulsions, from which the animal 

 is easily aroused. The kidneys also suffer. The urine is dark 

 colored and has the characteristic odor of coal oil. Death may re- 

 sult from gastroenteritis or convidsions. 



Treatment. — The patient's strength should be fi-stercd l>y the fre- 

 quent administration of mild stimulants, of which aromatic spirits 



