60 DISEASES OP CATTLE. 



quantities death is likely to result so speedily that nothing can be done 

 to relieve the patient, and even if time is allowed and the action of 

 the acid can be arrested it can not be done until considerable and, 

 perhaps, irreparable damage has been done. The mucous membrane 

 with which the acid has come in contact in the esophagus may be 

 destroyed by its corrosive action and carried away, leaving the mus- 

 cular tissues exposed. The raw surface heals irregularly, the cica- 

 trice contracting causes stricture, and an animal so injured is likely 

 to die of starvation. In the stomach even greater damage is likely to 

 be done. The peristaltic action of the esophagus carries the irritant 

 along quickly, but here it remains quiet in contact with one surface, 

 destroying it. It is likely to perforate the organ, and coming in 

 contact with the abdominal lining or other organ of digestion soon 

 sets up a condition that is beyond repair. In a less concentrated 

 form, when the acid is not sufficiently strong to be corrosive, it exerts 

 an irritant effect. In this form it may not do much harm unless taken 

 in considerable quantity. When it is, the mucous membrane of the 

 stomach and intestines becomes inflamed; pain and diarrhea are 

 likely to result. 



Treatment. — Any of the alkalies may be used as an antidote. Most 

 convenient of these are chalk, baking soda, marble dust, magnesia, 

 lime, soap, or plaster from a wall. Mucilaginous drinks should be 

 given in large quantities. 



Vegetable acids. — Oxalic acid in particular is corrosive in its 

 action when taken in concentrated solution, losing its corrosive effect 

 and becoming irritant when more dilute. It also exerts a specific 

 effect on the heart, frequently causing death from syncope. Taken 

 in the form either of the crystals or solution, it is likely to cause death 

 in a very short time. Failure of heart action and attendant small 

 pulse, weakness, staggering, and convulsions are the more noticeable 

 symptoms. 



Treatment.— Limewater or lime or plaster should be given promptly. 

 Acetic acid is irritant to the gastro-intestinal tract, and may cause 

 sudden paralysis of the heart. It should be counteracted by the use 

 of alkalies, as advised above, by protectives to the digestive tract, and 

 by stimulants. 



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 (lyo) are those to which animals are most exposed The 

 degree of their caustic irritant effects depends on their degree of con- 

 centration When they reach the stomach the symptoms are nearly 

 as well marked as m the case of the acids. The irritation is even more 

 noticeable, and purgation is likely to be a more prominent symptom 



