RATTLE WEED OR LOCO-DISEASE. 
401 
Prof. Sayre has proven by repeated analysis the complete ab¬ 
sence of any kind of alcaloid in the loco-plant, and gives us no 
indication as to the true essence of the irritating element. There 
must be an unknown agent that causes some irritation of the ner¬ 
vous system when taken in small quantity, and if it enters the 
body in larger doses or for a long time, it will cause at the end 
congestion or mere stagnation, and consequently the various 
pathological lesions as have been found after death. The true na¬ 
ture of this irritating agent remains unknown until more com¬ 
plete analyses have been made of the plant, and until the disease 
has been more thoroughly studied in its different stages, before 
and after death, by learned professionals who can dispose of more 
time and more money than any regular practician can afford to 
spend on such patients. 
Treatment .—It is difficult, if not impossible to prescribe a 
positive treatment for this disease. For animals affected in laro-e 
pastures, the only good advice to give, is to remove the stock to 
another pasture, clean off the plant and plow up carefully all such 
land where the rattleweed plant grows. Even the working horses 
on a ranch are very difficult to treat, as it is generally impossible, 
if not dangerous, to approach and handle them. Such horses as 
are only lightly affected or only over-excited, might be kept mov¬ 
ing or working, must be fed on clean hay, or green feed, and 
might receive a dose of bromide of potassium in the feed every 
evening. Belladonna might’ answer as well. If it be possible to 
administer a good dose of akes, and at the same time take out 
three or four quarts of blood, it might have a good effect. It is 
practically not advisable to apply a blister behind the ears. In the 
course of five or six months a good many animals, thus cared for, 
especially when in a good green pasture, become more quiet and 
again able to work. 
When coma is present, the case is hopeless; general weakness 
and emaciation will progress and cause death, especially if the 
horse is left to himself in the pasture. 
Before closing this notice, I wish to call attention to the pre¬ 
cautionary advice given by the German, French, and Belgian 
authors in the use of Leguminos® in general, which advice is very 
