POISONS AND POISONING 



387 



toms are loss in condition, a staggering gait, and increasing 

 weakness. A fatal end rarely occurs if the feed is changed and 

 purgatives are given to rid the system of the poison. A valu- 

 able antidote for this and other plant poisons is permanganate 

 of potash; 20 grains dissolved in a pint of water with an equal 

 amount of sulphate of aluminum to increase the acidity of the 

 stomach contents gives best results. 



Strychnin poisoning is quite common. This agent is fre- 

 quently used to kill animals that are no longer useful. It is also 

 used maliciously. Most rat and squirrel poisons contain some 

 strychnin. Sedatives like morphin are employed as antidotes. 



Fig. 100. — A typical locoed horse. Note the abnormal growth of tail and mane 

 which is characteristic of the disease. (Farmers' Bull., 1054.) 



The general rule applies to this poison that should be followed 

 in all cases where the poisonous agent is taken into the stomach, 

 namely produce vomiting. 



Ergot poisoning occurs from the eating of ergot, a fungus found 

 on certain grasses and grains. Most cases are chronic due to the 

 gradual accumulation of the poison in the system. Affected 

 animals may have colicky pains, abort, and the circulation in the 

 tip of the tail, ears, and feet be stopped to such an extent that 

 death of the parts occurs and they drop off. The treatment is to 

 remove the cause and provide laxative nourishing food. 



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