200 SPECIAL EQUINE THERAPY 



one wiU come to an untimely end as one result of the 

 occurrence. 



On general principles, the diagnosis can always be 

 made "ptomaine poisoning" until some one forces the 

 issue. The treatment is strictly the veterinarian's own 

 business and he will, of course, treat a case of arsenic 

 poisoning as it should be treated, although to save his 

 client an unpleasantness he may diagnose the case "pto- 

 maine poisoning." A good veterinarian must also be a 

 good man. 



Coal Oil or Kerosene Poisoning: 



Poisoning of a horse with coal oil is a very common 

 accident in regions where this agent is used by the laity 

 for the treatment of colics. It is usually the result of 

 giving an over-dose; on occasions a quart may be given 

 a horse with the object of "curing a colic." 



Symptoms. There is great depression. The pulse is 

 irregular, thready, or it may even be imperceptible. The 

 respirations are short and hurried, the extremities are 

 cold, and the skin feels clammy. If a fold of sMn is 

 ridged up it returns very slowly to normal position. 

 Temperature is subnormal. The marked odor of kero- 

 sene removes any doubts about the diagnosis. 



Treatment. Give stimulants, such as aromatic spirits 

 of ammonia, brandy or whiskey. Provide the patient 

 with warm quarters and apply blankets. Employ some 

 one to rub the extremities. Remain with the patient 

 and administer to it until the respirations approach nor- 

 mal and the pulse is improved. 



Death from kerosene poisoning comes very suddenly 

 when a lethal dose has been given, and a lethal dose does 

 not necessarily mean a very large dose if the horse hap- 

 pens to have a heart lesion of some kind. 



Poisoning with kerosene frequently results in perma- 



