62 DISEASES OF OATTIiE. 



extensively as a dressing, it may produce nausea, dizziness, and smoky 

 or blackish colored urine. The last symptom is nearly always notice- 

 able where the poisonous effect is produced. In more concentrated 

 form, or used in larger quantities, convulsions, followed by fatal coma, 

 aro likely to take place. Even in smaller quantities, dullness, trem- 

 bling, and disinclination for food often continues for several days. 

 In a tolerably concentrated solution it coagulates albumen and acts 

 as an astringent. 



Treatment. — As an antidote internally, a solution of sulphate of 

 soda or sulphate of magnesia (Glauber's or Epsom salts) may be given. 

 The white of egg is also useful. Stimulants may be given if needed. 

 When the poisoning occurs through too extensive applications to 

 wounds or the skin, as in treatment of mange, cold water should be 

 freely applied so as to wash off any of the acid that may still remain 

 unabsorbed. As a surgical dressing a 3 per cent solution is strong 

 enough for ordinary purposes. Water will not hold more than 5 per 

 cent in permanent solution. No preparation stronger than the satu- 

 rated solution should be used medicinally under any circumstances. 



SALTPETER POISONING. 



Both nitrate of soda and nitrate of potash are poisonous to cattle. 

 These substances are used for manure and for preserving meats. 

 They may be administered in a drench by error in place of Glauber's 

 salts, or they may be exposed within reach of cattle and thus be eaten. 

 The toxic dose depends upon the condition of fullness of the stomach. 

 If in solution and given on an empty stomach, as little as 3 ounces of 

 saltpeter (nitrate of potash) may be fatal to a cow. More of the Chile 

 saltpeter (nitrate of soda) is required to cause serious trouble. 



Symptoms. — Severe gastro-enteritis, colic, tympanites, diarrhea, 

 excessive urination, weakness, trembling, convulsions, collapse. 



Treatment. — Same as for poisoning by common salt. 



POISONING BY COMMON SALT. 



A few pounds (3 to 5) of common salt will produce well-marked 

 signs of poisoning in cattle. So much salt as this will not be taken 

 by cattle except under unusual conditions. If the food is poor in 

 salt, and if none has been given for along time, an intense " salt hun- 

 ger " may occur that may lead an animal to eat a poisonous quantity 

 if it is not restricted; or an overdose of salt may be given by error as 

 a drench. 



Herring and mackerel brine and pork pickle are also poisonous, and 

 are especially dangerous for hogs. In these substances there are, in 

 addition to salt, certain products extracted from the fish or meat 

 which undergo change and add to the toxicity of the solution. Some- 

 times saltpeter is present in such brines. 



