TOXIC GASTBO-ENTERITIS. 



239 



Gerlach has observed a chronic poisoning in the horse, caused 

 by Papaver rhœas; after ingestion the cut straw was found to con- 

 tain a large quantity of poppies. The symptoms were especially 

 marked by anaesthesia and immobility. 



15. Poisoning by Fennel Seed (Agrostemma githago). 



Symptoms. Colic, regurgitation, vomitings, salivation, dys- 

 phagia, diarrhea ; paralysis, trembling, dizziness, and dyspnœa. 



Autopsy. Lesions of gastro-enteritis. Hyperemia of spinal 

 cord and brain ; softening of the medullar substance ; evidences of 

 asphyxia. 



Treatment. Change of diet. Purgatives and stimulants. 



Lately we have observed poisoning produced by the mixture of 

 fennel seed with flour or bran ; these accidents have been observed 

 in the pig, calf, and cow. Tabourin has described numerous poison- 

 ings observed in sucking calves which had received flour containing 

 fennel dust. According to Malaport, the acrid narcotic poison of 

 fennel — githagin — presents characters similar to saponin. For 

 the dog 16 grammes of fennel flour is fatal. Fennel may also pro- 

 duce a chronic poisoning. 



16. Various Poisonings by Acrid Narcotio Plants. 



We have observed gastric and nervous troubles produced by 

 rhododendron, stramonium, staphysagria seed, Aristolockia clematitis 

 (upon the cow),^ the leaning chevril, belladonna (paralysis, dilata- 

 tion of the pupil, gastric troubles), and also by the Ailanthus glan- 

 dulosus. 



17. Poisoning by Ergot of Pye: Ergotism. 



Symptoms, (a) Acute poisoning. Gastro-enteritis, sometimes 

 having a certain similarity to bovine pest ; salivation, vomitings, 

 colic, diarrhea ; ulcerous stomatitis similar to that of aphthous fever. 

 In bearing females, parturition pains, abortion, and prolapsus of 

 the uterus. Vertigo, stupefaction, anaesthesia, paralysis, dilatation 

 of the pupil, spasm of the flexors (spasm of ergotism). 



(6) Chronic intoxication. Gangrene of the extremities (gan- 

 grenous ergotism); sterility, enzootic abortion (Heusinger). 



Autopsy. Lesions of gastro-enteritis. 



1 Schwarz: Adam's Wochenschr., 1887. 



2 Curaven-Cachiu : Annal, de Bruxelles, 1885. 



