POISONINGS 203 



ing occur in a race track practice, where cocain is some- 

 times administered for its exhilarating effect. 



Symptoms. Great excitement, restlessness, muscular 

 twitching, free perspiration. Frequently simulates the 

 early stages of azoturia, with violent muscular trembling. 

 The pupil is widely dilated. Lethal doses result in de- 

 lirium, and produce death suddenly by cardiac exhaus- 

 tion. 



Treatment. Confine the horse in a quiet place, away 

 from noise and excitement. The best effects are obtained 

 from a full dose of chloral hydrate,, given well diluted. 

 If chloral hydrate is not to be obtained, give a full dose 

 of morphin hypodermically. 



Arsenic Poisoning 



The toxic effect of arsenic results from the accidental 

 eating of preparations intended for use as an insecticide ; 

 from the administration by laymen of excessive doses of 

 arsenic in the treatment of various diseases; from the 

 eating of vegetation contaminated by fumes from ore 

 smelters; and, lastly, as a result of malicious, willful 

 poisoning. 



Arsenic is the favorite poison of the criminal, and 

 horses are occasionally poisoned with it by cruel and re- 

 vengeful persons. 



Symptoms. Arsenical intoxication, or chronic arsenic 

 poisoning, is seen quite commonly in horses pastured 

 near smelting works, where the grass becomes coated with 

 arsenical compounds from the smoke and fumes. The 

 horses so affected become emaciated, appear "mouse 

 eaten," and drink great quantities of water. There is 

 general soreness in motion, as a result of the development 

 of neuritis; as a result of articular inflammations, there 

 is great swelling in certain joints and marked lameness. 

 Finally, necrosis occurs in osseous tissue. The teeth 



