PARASITIC DERMITIS IN A DOG. 
335 
HiEMATURIA PRODUCED BY BRYONY ROOT. 
BRYONIA ALBA. 
In a communication received a short time ago from Mr. J. E. 
King, M.R.C.V.S., Diss, he says : — “ I have lately had some 
very interesting cases of haemorrhage from the kidneys among 
some horses, five in number, belonging to a farmer in this 
neighbourhood. From the circumstance of these being the 
only horses he had, and all being affected, I was led to infer 
that some special cause was in operation. I examined their 
food, water, &c., but could not detect anything to account 
for their illness. On making further search, I found in the 
stable some white bryony root, and upon inquiry I ascer- 
tained that the carter had during the past week been giving 
large quantities of this agent to the horses c to improve their 
condition.’ I have no doubt that this was the cause of the 
haematuria. I am happy to say that they all recovered ; but 
one, an aged mare, continued ill longer than the others, her 
liver appearing to suffer as well as her kidneys. Aperients, 
followed by mild, diffusible stimulants, taking care to avoid 
those that were likely to act on the kidneys, were the 
remedies employed.” 
Dr. Lindley, in his * Flora Medica,’ says, that c the root of 
the white bryony is acrid and purgative, owing to the pre- 
sence of an extractive matter called bryonine . It produces 
violent vomiting and purging, tormina, profuse watery eva- 
cuations, and fainting. It is not admitted into the British 
pharmacopoeias, but is a frequent instrument in the practice 
of quack doctors in the country. Burnett says it is sold in 
Covent Garden market as a discutient to remove the bruise 
of a blackened eye. Withering considers it one of the best 
cathartic medicines for horned cattle.” 
[In Mr. King’s experience, the chief action of this root 
appears to have been on the kidneys. It would be important 
to ascertain if it also acts sometimes as a violent cathartic, 
as stated by the authorities we have quoted.] 
PARASITIC DERMITIS IN A DOG. 
Mr. James Austin, M.R.C.V.S., Exeter, has sent us 
some desquamating epidermis, &c., from the skin of a dog, 
which had for six months been the subject of cutaneous 
irritation. 
