DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 945 
Treatment.—As soon as the true nature of the disease is ascertained 
the animal should be killed. 
Prevention.—When. a horse is known to have been bitten by a 
rabid animal, immediate cauterization of the wound with a red-hot 
iron may possibly destroy the virus before absorption of it takes 
place. 
PLUMBISM, OR LEAD POISONING. 
This disease is not of frequent occurrence. It may be due to the 
habitual drinking of water which has been standing in leaden con- 
ductors or in old paint barrels, etc. It has been met with in enzootic 
form near smelting works, where, by the fumes arising from the 
works, lead in the form of oxid, carbonate, or sulphate was deposited 
on the grass and herbage which the horses ate. 
Symptoms.—Lead poisoning produces derangement of the func- 
tions of digestion and locomotion, or it may affect the lungs princi- 
pally. In whatever system of organs the lead ‘is mostly deposited 
there we have the symptoms of nervous debility most manifest. If 
in the lungs, the breathing becomes difficult and the animal gets out 
of breath very quickly when compelled to run. Roaring, also, is 
very frequently a symptom of lead poisoning. When it affects the 
stomach, the animal gradually falls away in flesh, the hair becomes 
rough, the skin tight, and colicky symptoms develop. When the 
deposit is principally in the muscles, partial or complete paralysis 
gradually develops. When large quantities of lead have been taken 
in and absorbed, symptoms resembling epilepsy may result, or coma 
and delirium develop and prove fatal. In lead: poisoning there is 
seldom any increase in temperature. <A blue line forms along the 
gums of the front teeth, and the breath assumes a peculiarly offensive 
odor. Lead can always be detected in the urine by chemical tests. 
Treatment.—The administration of 2-dram doses of iodid of potas- 
sium three times a day is indicated. This will form iodid of lead in 
the system, which is rapidly excreted by the kidneys. If much 
muscular weakness or paralysis is present, sulphate of iron in 1-dram 
doses and strychnia in 2-grain doses may be given twice a day. In 
all cases of suspected lead poisoning all utensils which have entered 
into the supply of feed or water should be examined for the presence 
of soluble lead. If it occurs near lead works, great care must be 
given to the supply of uncontaminated fodder, etc. 
UREMIA. 
Uremic poisoning may affect the brain in nephritis, acute albumi- 
nuria, or when, from any cause, the functions of the kidneys become 
impaired or suppressed and urea (a natural product) is no longer 
eliminated from these organs,.causing it to accumulate in the system 
and give rise to uremic poisoning. 
