174 INOEGANIC AGENTS 



toms may be briefly tabulated, which occur to a greater or 

 less degree in chronic lead poisoning: 



DIGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 



Lead line on gums. Thirst. 



Colic. Abdomen retracted, or "tucked 



Constipation. up." 



Anorexia. 



NERVOUS SYSTEMS. 



Paralysis of tendons^extsnsors — Anesthesia, 



of extremities. Arthralgia. 



Animals stand on knees before. Dizziness. 



Animals stand on toes behind. Tremors. 



Convulsions. "^ Delirium. 



General paralysis. Coma. 



\Yasting of muscles. ■ Amblyopia. 



The nervous symptom.s are due to peripheral neuritis and to influ- 

 ence on the brain and cord. 



GENERAL SYMPTOMS. 



Dyspnoea. CEdema. 



Pulse accelerated. General debility. 



Emaciation. Interstitial nephritis. 



Anaemia. 



Animals die in chronic poisoning from paralysis of the 

 respiratory muscles, or in convulsions. The lead line on tne 

 margin of the gums, at their junction with the teeth, is due 

 to sulphuretted hydrogen in the mouth, acting upon the 

 lead deposited in the gums, and forming lead sulphide. 

 The treatment consists in removing the cause, relieving the 

 symptoms and in hastening elimination. Potassium iodide 

 eliminates lead in a soluble form into the bowels and 

 kidnej's. Magnesium sulohate converts lead into an insolu- 

 ble sulphate in the intestines and then sweeps out the salt. 

 The stomach pump or emetics should be employed in acute 

 poisoning. Alum is the best emetic. This treatment should 

 be followed by the administration of opium and Epsom salts. 



Administration. — Lead acetate is given to the larger 

 animals in solution or ball ; to the smaller patients in pill ; 

 to young animals in solution in milk. 



Uses External. — Lead acetate is useful in the treatment 

 of skin diseases, as weeping eczema and erythema, and in 

 excoriations, blistered surfaces, bruises, strains, and burns. 

 An efficient lotion having an astringent and sedative action 



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