\ 
Poisons. 257 
ing of the spine, with elevation of the head and tail, 
rigidity of the legs, retraction of the muscles of the face 
and mouth, inducing a remarkable grin of the features. 
All the symptoms are sudden and simultaneous. Many 
antidotes have been tried, the most effectual being the 
monobromide of camphor in doses of one to one-and-a- 
half drachms, given by the stomach. Recovery has also 
been effected by the continued use of chloroform, and’ 
subsequently belladonna and opium; also hydrocyanic 
acid somewhat later. 
_ Tobacco, and also Hellebore Infusions, sometimes used 
as Parasiticides in Mange, &c., prove dangerous as 
violent poisons, being absorbed through the skin, 
especially where it is rendered sore by the parasites. 
The signs are great depression, with vomition, failure of 
the heart’s action, and death. To counteract these states 
the animal should be immediately washed in clean cold 
water. 
Snake and Viger Bites are forms of Animal Poisoning. 
The first is common abroad, and exceedingly fatal ; 
the latter is seen in England, and is likewise dangerous 
in the dog. The affected animal suffers from extreme 
.. distress, depression and difficult respiration, with rapid 
decomposition of the blood, local swelling, paralysis, 
terminating in violent convulsions. If the part bitten is 
a limb, a ligature should be applied adove the wound, 
sufficiently tight to prevent absorption. Strong solution 
of ammonia, largely diluted, should be administered 
internally at frequent intervals, and the wound promptly 
cauterised, or dressed freely with the undiluted ammonia. 
Artificial respiration must be persistently carried on from 
the first, and conjointly with cold affusions, with the 
object of producing stimulus to the nervous system. The 
Bite of the Dog should also receive the same treatment, 
especially if he be suspected of rabies. In mankind the 
ligature, with prompt suction of the wound as an 
encouragement to bleeding, is essential. 
It now appears to be fairly demonstrated that great 
similarity of action in the poison of snake-bite also exists 
in the /udian ‘arrow-head poison, or, technically, curare 
17 
