OPIUM. 597 



Meadow Saffron. 



See " Colchicum/' 



See " Opium.'' 



Morphia. 



Nux Vomica. 



The active principle of nux vomica is strychnine, both of which 

 have at times been given maliciously to horses by criminally-dis- 

 posed persons. About 15 grains of strychnine would kill a horse. 



SYMPTOMS. — ^Violent and continued spasms, which cause death 

 by stopping the breathing. 



TREATMENT. — Give 2 oz. of chloral hydrate dissolved in a 

 pint of water, as a drench ; or J oz. of it dissolved in 2 oz. of 

 water, as an intra-tracheal injection (p. 647), or make the animal 

 inhale chloroform. If these drugs cannot be obtained, give large 

 doses of spirits (a couple of quarts of whisky or brandy) and 

 water. 



Opium. 



It takes as a rule about 2^ oz. of opium, or 100 grains of acetate 

 of morphia, to kill a horse. 



SYMPTOMS. — Sleepiness; stupor; staggering gait; relaxation 

 of the muscles ; slow breathing ; weak, soft, and slow pulse ; 

 delirium ; unconsciousness ; convulsions ; and death. In horses 

 the pupils are often dilated. There is always a previous period 

 of excitement, which, in the case of poisonous doses, is very short. 

 The smell of opium may be detected in the breath. 



TREATMENT. — ^Do everything to rouse the animaj. Give large 

 draughts of strong coffee or tea. If he cannot take them, give 

 "them as an enema. Inject subcutaneously (p. 644),. 2 grains of 

 sulphate of atropine, dissolved in water, and repeat if necessary. 

 Make him inhale nitrite of amyl. Try to set up artificial breathing 

 (p. 593). 



Phenol. 



See " Carbolic Apid," 



