238 



BISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



of an epileptic nature, tumultuous heart-action. Death in convul- 

 sions within twenty- four to forty-eight hours. 



Autopsy. Lesions of gastro-enteritis, asphyxia, cerebral œdema. 



Treatment. Tannin, narcotics, chloral hydrate. 



Hemlock poison is an alkaloid, obtained by Bohn and designated 

 by the name of cicutine ; it is a very violent spasmodic. 



12. Poisoning by the American Water Hemlock (Conium maculatum). 



Symptoms. Salivation, nauseas, stupefaction, staggering, par- 

 alysis, convulsions, and rapid death. 

 Autopsy. Lesions of gastro-enteritis. 

 Treatment. Tannin, stimulants, and camphor. 



13. Poisoning by the Small Hemlock {Mthusa cynapium). 



Symptoms. Salivation, nauseas, stupefaction, paralysis, and 

 convulsions. 



Autopsy. Shows gastro-enteritis. 



Treatment. The same agents as for the large hemlock. 



This plant is much less dangerous to our domestic animals than 

 the other hemlocks ; Harley thinks that many authors have con- 

 founded it with the great hemlock in the cases of poisoning which 

 they have mentioned. 



14. Poisoning by Field Poppy (Papaver Rhœas). 



Symptoms. They are : ptyalism, colic, constipation, tym- 

 panites, bloody diarrhea ; rabiform attacks in the ox, bellowings, 

 grinding of the teeth, aggressive tendency, butting with horns, 

 biting, violent and wild movements ; epileptiform spasms, falls, 

 collapse, somnolence, staggering, and genital excitement. The 

 duration of these attacks is ordinarily about seven hours. Their 

 termination is rarely fatal. 



Autopsy. Lesions of gastro-enteritis, nephritis, and asphyxia. 



Treatment. Tannin. Cold douches upon the head. We must 

 combat the somnolence with stimulants — for instance, with ether, 

 camphor, etc. 



This poisoning is produced by an acrid narcotic agent contained 

 mainly in the tops of green poppies (in June and July) ; it has, 

 therefore, nothing in common with opium poisoning, which, besides, 

 is very exceptional in our animals. Intoxication by the Papaver 

 somniferum (rare) is expressed by nearly the same symptoms. 



