388 PRINCIPLES OP VETERINARY SCIENCE 



Larkspur poisoning results from cattle eating either the tall or 

 the low larkspur plant. It occurs almost entirely in cattle on 

 the ranges of the west. The symptom that first attracts atten- 

 tion is the sudden falling of the animal. In light cases the 

 animal may be able to get to its feet and walk away after a short 

 time. In severe cases attempts to rise are unsuccessful as the 

 legs are rigidly extended. Death results from paralysis of the 

 muscles of respiration. 



The following prescription has given beneficial results when 

 injected with a hypodermic syringe: Physostigmin salicylate 1 

 grain, pilocarpin hydrochlorid 2 grains, strychnin sulphate 

 J^ grain. By keeping cattle off ranges where larkspur grows 

 in abundance until about the first of July or permitting them to 

 feed for only a few days in succession, it is possible to prevent 

 serious losses. 



MINERAL POISONS 



Arsenic poisoning occurs from eating paris green, rat poison, 

 sheep dips, and weed killers containing arsenic in quantities. 

 The toxic dose for the horse is 10 to 45 grains; for cattle 16 to 

 45 grains. Iron oxid is an effective antidote. 



Common salt poisoning is not rare in poultry, swine, and sheep 

 that are salt-hungry. It often occurs from animals eating lumps 

 of salt and brine that was used for curing meats. Hogs die in 

 twenty-four to forty-eight hours after consuming too much salt. 

 Three pounds of crushed rock salt killed ten 175-pound hogs 

 the day after it was given. They showed symptoms of intense 

 abdominal pain and died in spasms. Give plenty of water and 

 stimulants as antidotes. 



Concentrated lye poisoning occurs in hogs fed on slop with 

 much dish water in it. It has caused the loss of many chickens 

 also. Albuminous substances are helpful to counteract this 

 poison. 



Lead poisoning occurs most frequently in cattle for they will 

 eat paint whenever given an opportunity. Poultry become 

 poisoned on lead from eating paint skins. The toxic dose for 

 the horse is 500 grains, for the Ox 50 grains. This relative 

 tolerance of the horse to lead is remarkable. The characteristic 

 symptom is a blue line on the gums. Milk and Epsom salts 

 are antidotes. 



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