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‘much less ‘severe, than those above described. One of the animals died, but 
the remaining three made a gradual recovery, and were soon again at work. 
It was ascertained in these instances that the drug had been given in the 
form of the ordinary white arsenic. The waggoner had for some time 
previously given to each of his horses every night, as much as he could place 
on the end of a large pocket knife. On the night when the horses were so 
suddenly affected, he had given an extra dose to each, three or four hours 
previous to the appearance of the symptoms of poisoning. Several months 
afterwards, we took the opportunity of examining two of the horses which 
hhad recovered. Both were found to have diseased hearts, and the foreman 
informed us that they never regained their previous strength. 
That arsenic when given in solution acts much more rapidly and 
powerfully, is shown by the following record of nine cases of poisoning, 
which occurred in the late Mr. D. Gresswell’s practice some years ago. One 
of the waggoners ona large farm having obtained a pound and a half of 
white arsenic, stirred it in a tub of boiled linseed gruel. This was served 
out equally to nine horses, on their return from work, at two o’clock in the 
afternoon. Very shortly afterwards the horses manifested considerable 
uneasiness, and eight of them died very quickly, while the ninth recovered 
under very careful treatment and management. 
We might record many other cases, but the above will suffice to illustrate 
the baneful effects of arsenic. Before closing our remarks on the subject, we 
must say a few words concerning chronic arsenical poisoning. At the present 
time, this form of poisoning is of much more frequent occurrence than the 
acute form; and although sometimes the horse may escape any outward signs 
of indisposition from the occasional administration of small overdoses of 
white arsenic, yet the practice of administering this drug by.attendants, is to 
be deprecated from every point of view, as it not unfrequently totally 
incapacitates the animal from any prolonged exertion. In February, last 
year, we were called to see a valuable seven-year-old hunter, belonging to a 
gentleman residing on the Lincolnshire wolds. The horse had an excellent 
Appetite, but was in- poor condition. The pulse was fairly strong, but 
irregular, losing a beat every now and again. The breathing was somewhat 
accelerated. We were informed that when galloped even for a short distance 
the horse breathed laboriously, and could only with difficulty be induced to 
go beyond a slow trot. It was ascertained that for many months previously, 
the late groom had given to’ the horse small doses of arsenic at regular 
intervals. The untoward symptoms were attributable to this practice, as the 
horse had always enjoyed perfect health previously, and made much improve- 
ment after the groom left. 
Arsenic should not be given unless for some definite object, and, when 
necessary, is best administered in the form of Fowler’s solution, of which the 
dose is half an ounce in the drinking water after meals. Arsenic has a 
special action on the skin, and is very useful in many forms of skin diseases 
in horses and other animals. It is mainly given by attendants to make the 
coat more glossy and smooth, and it is a common ingredient in the alterative 
