TOXIC GASTRO-ENTERITIS. 



233 



Autopsy. The autopsy shows great emaciation ; also infîam- 

 matory alterations of the stomach (abomasum) and of the intestine; 

 besides degenerative alterations of the kidneys ; enlargement of the 

 liver and the spleen. Finally, lesions of asphyxia. 



Treatment. We apply prophylaxis and treatment as for com- 

 mon gastro-enteritis, such as mucilages, cutaneous frictions, hydro- 

 therapeutic compresses, etc. When the weakness increases we give 

 stimulants. We should combat nephritis with tannin and sugar of 

 lead. (See Acute Nephritis.) 



Enzootic gastro-enteritis is commonly designated under the name 

 of hematuria. We shall thus return to its consideration in the 

 articles on Hematuria and Hemoglobinuria. We only wish to 

 point out gastro-enteritis as an affection consecutive to the ingestion 

 of resinous and terebinthine plants. 



II. TOXIC GASTRO-ENTERITIS PRODUCED BY ACRID NARCOTICS, 

 (ACRIA NARCOTICA.) 



1. Poisoning by Colchicum — Meadow Saffron (Colchicum 

 autumnale). 



Symptoms. They are : acute gastro-enteritis, inappétence, vom- 

 iting, colic, violent diarrhea, sometimes bloody ; meteorism, dys- 

 phagia (Dentier) ; hematuria, polyuria. We see also apathy, a 

 more or less deep somnolence, weakness which is especially pro- 

 nounced in the hind quarters, trembling, staggering walk, falls, 

 difficulty or impossibility of rising. The pulse is small, imper- 

 ceptible; the horse is subject to periodic cardiac palpitations (Fried- 

 berger) ; the extremities are also chilled, and there is excessive 

 sweating, the mucous membrane is of a livid coloration ; the pupil 

 is dilated ; the breathing accelerated. Death occurs within one to 

 three days. 



Autopsy. Hemorrhagic gastro-enteritis is present ; numerous 

 ecchymoses ; the blood is black, thick, non-coagulated ; the liver 

 undergoes fatty degeneration (in one case on record). 



Treatment. We prescribe tannin, astringents, opium ; emol- 

 lients. We perform rumenotomy in the ox. Symptomatic treat- 

 ment of the gastro-enteritis and of the paralytic condition. 



Poisonings through meadow saffron are quite frequent (ox, horse, 

 sheep, pig). They are seen at the time of ripening of the plant (in 



