SOLANACEÆ.
Thorn Apple (Datura Stramonium L.). This species is an escape from cultivation, but on occasion occurs plentifully in gardens, and if allowed to seed may escape to arable fields and find its way to stock, though it does not appear to have done so in Britain. Several species of Datura are recognized as virulent poisons in North America, where they are known as Jimson Weeds. All parts are poisonous, especially the seeds, which have a somewhat sweetish taste, and have frequently caused accidents to children who have eaten them. Cases are recorded in the United States in which cattle have been poisoned by eating the leaves of young plants in hay. Live stock, however, usually avoid the plant, which has an unpleasant odour and taste, while the seeds are enclosed in thorny capsules. Walsh states that the seeds are very fatal to young ostriches. Drying does not destroy the toxicity.
Toxic Principle. The Thorn Apple is usually stated to contain the highly poisonous narcotic alkaloid Daturine, but this appears to be a mixture of the two alkaloids Hyoscyamine (C17H23O3N) and Atropine (C17H23O3N), which, together with the alkaloid Scopolamine, or Hyoscine (C17H21O4N), have been found in the plant, the principal constituent being Hyoscyamine. In some analyses as much as 0·33 per cent. of Atropine has been found in the seeds, and 0·2 per cent. in the leaves (Pammel). The three alkaloids occur together to the extent of 0·48 to 3·33 per cent. in the leaves, 0·43 per cent. in the flowers, and 0·1 per cent. in the root, Hyoscyamine predominating (Esser). An investigation conducted at the Imperial Institute (Bul. Imp. Inst., 1911) showed the amount of alkaloids in European specimens to be:—
| Seeds | 0·21 to 0·48 | per cent. |
| Leaves | up to 0·4 | „ |
| Stems | average 0·22 | „ |
| Roots | average 0·17 | „ |
Symptoms. The general effect of Datura poisoning appears to resemble that of Atropa Belladonna, but is by some considered more rapidly effective. There is paralysis, dilatation of the pupils, suspension of secretion and of the inhibitory fibres of the vagus, leading to rapid action of the heart (Lander). Poisoning may terminate fatally. Pammel quotes Winslow as stating that two grains of Atropine produce mild toxic symptoms in the horse; cattle are as susceptible as horses, though herbivora are not so easily influenced as carnivora. Chesnut gives the following symptoms: “Headache, vertigo, nausea, extreme thirst, dry, burning skin, and general nervous confusion, with dilated pupils, loss of sight and of voluntary motion, and sometimes mania, convulsions, and death.” Walsh gives the toxic symptoms in ostriches as staggering gait, spasmodic jerking of the neck, stupor, and death in a comatose state.
REFERENCES.
[4], [10], [16], [39], [52], [53], [73], [81], [92], [128], [141], [170], [203], [213], [260].
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger L.). The poisonous character of Henbane is well known, but the plant is by no means common (except in Ireland), though found in parts of England, Scotland, and Wales. Poisoning of live stock may occasionally occur, but the disagreeable odour is likely to prevent all but abnormal or very hungry animals from touching it. The seeds are eaten by birds, apparently without injury, but poisoned chickens which ate the ripe seeds in Montana. Cornevin records that cows have been poisoned by eating the plant when given mixed with other herbage. There are numbers of cases of children having been poisoned by eating the seeds. The root has also caused accidents by being taken for other herbs, and the young shoots and leaves have been used in error as a vegetable. A case was reported in the press in 1910 in which 25 men and women visitors at a Davos pension suffered from the effects of eating the root of Henbane given in error for horse-radish, or mixed with it. All suffered from strange hallucinations, but with prompt and careful treatment all had recovered in twelve hours. Kanngiesser says that poisoning by this plant very seldom terminates fatally.
Welsby records a case in which animals were poisoned in a field in which Henbane was grown for medicinal use some years before (Veterinary Record, 1903). According to Rodet and Baillet (vide Cornevin) small quantities of the seeds are in some countries mixed with the food of fattening stock; if true that fattening is promoted, it is probably due to the inducement to quiet and repose caused by the narcotic properties of the seeds.
Toxic Principle. Poisoning by Henbane is due to the alkaloids Hyoscyamine (C17H23NO3) and the closely related Hyoscine, or Scopolamine (C17H21O4N). The glucoside Hyoscypicrin is also found in Henbane. The poisonous property is not eradicated by drying or boiling. The leaves of Henbane grown in Europe contain from 0·04 to 0·08 per cent. of total alkaloid, and the seeds 0·06 to 0·10 per cent. (Bul. Imp. Inst., 1911).
Symptoms. Henbane is an anodyne, and hypnotic. The symptoms resemble those caused by Atropa Belladonna (p. [58]). The important differences (Cornevin) are that there is here abundant salivation and no dryness of the mouth as in Atropa. There is dilatation of the pupils; and mydriasis, which is dissipated more slowly than in Belladonna poisoning.
Further differences in the action of the two poisons are given by Winslow (via Pammel): The tetanic stage succeeding spinal paralysis observed in Atropine poisoning does not ensue with Hyoscine. The latter alkaloid slightly depresses and slows the heart and does not paralyse the vagus terminations, nor depress the motor and sensory nerves or muscles. The circulation is but slightly influenced, and vasomotor depression only occurs in the later stage of lethal poisoning. Death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory centres. Poisoning in animals is exhibited by loss of muscular power, slowing and failure of respiration, stupor, and asphyxia. The pulse may be infrequent, the pupils are dilated, and the skin is moist rather than dry.
The following symptoms in animals are given by Welsby: Nervo-muscular exaltation, eyelids and irides much dilated, eyes amaurotic and very bright, pulse full, temperature normal, respiration difficult and hurried, profuse salivation, muscles of neck and extremities in a state of tetanic rigidity, considerable abdominal distension, stercoraceous and renal emunctories entirely suspended, death.
In a cow there was observed, two hours after eating, dilatation of pupils, the conjunctivæ were injected, and the carotids beat violently. There were general convulsions, loud respiration, salivation, and purgation. According to Pott the milk of affected cows is of an unpleasant taste.
REFERENCES.
[4], [16], [39], [57], [68], [73], [81], [128], [141], [151], [157], [161], [190], [203], [205], [213], [257].
Garden Nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.). This species is described as “one of the widest spread weeds over every part of the globe, except the extreme north and south; varying so much in warmer regions as to have been described under more than forty names” (Bentham and Hooker). In the same way there can be no doubt that, though it must always be regarded as poisonous, this plant varies considerably in toxicity according to soil, climate, and general condition of growth. For this reason the plant may sometimes be eaten in considerable quantities without ill effects, while in other cases it will undoubtedly prove poisonous.
Children have been poisoned by the berries, but may on occasion eat them with no other ill effect than a stomach ache, or, if eaten in excess, sickness and purging. The berries “have even been used instead of raisins for plum puddings with no effects out of the ordinary” (Ewart). The plant has also been used in Queensland and elsewhere as a substitute for spinach. In several cases the plant has proved fatal. Gohier gave 3 kilogrammes (6½ lb.) of the green plant to a horse and observed no serious symptoms. Cases of poisoning are recorded for calves, sheep, goats and pigs (Chesnut and Wilcox). According to Lehmann, Schraber and Haller, the berries are poisonous to ducks and chickens. Over thirty years ago the death of a number of cattle in Victoria was recorded as being due to poisoning by this weed.
Though cases of poisoning of stock are rare, partly perhaps because the plant is a weed of arable land and partly because animals are likely to avoid it unless starved, Solanum nigrum must be regarded as a poisonous plant, any examples of which may prove toxic. The downy and more prostrate form has been considered the most poisonous.
The “Wonderberry,” said to be a hybrid between Solanum guineense and S. villosum, which are probably varieties of S. nigrum, cannot in England be distinguished from the last named, the fruits of which appear to be edible in some countries and poisonous in others. Greshoff found that fruits of the “Wonderberry” contained more Solanine than the wild English S. nigrum or the Canadian form known as the “Huckleberry,” and hence they should not be eaten.
Toxic Principle. The Garden Nightshade, in particular the berries, contains the alkaloidal glucoside Solanine, of which the formula is considered doubtful. Solanine is readily converted into sugar and the poisonous Solanidine. It was isolated from the berries in 1821, and though decidedly active in sufficient quantity is not a violent poison. A small quantity of Solanine is present in the stem and berries, but these are probably less poisonous than green potatoes (p. [54]).
Symptoms. The symptoms of poisoning are apparently much the same in man and animals: “Stupefaction; staggering; loss of speech, feeling, and consciousness; cramps and sometimes convulsions. The pupil is generally dilated.”
REFERENCES.
[4], [10], [11], [16], [17], [52], [53], [57], [73], [81], [82], [128], [141], [161], [203], [235], [240].
Bittersweet (Solanum Dulcamara L.). Some doubt exists in regard to the toxic character of this common denizen of the hedge-row, some persons regarding the berries as harmless and others as poisonous. Possibly the plant varies in toxicity. Floyer states that 30 berries killed a dog. Though stock rarely touch the plant there seems to be no doubt that it is poisonous, stem, leaves, and berries containing the toxic alkaloid found in S. nigrum and the potato (q.v.), and it is especially possible that poisoning may follow the ingestion of the berries. Johnson and Sowerby (1861) say that the leaves are narcotic, causing nausea and giddiness, and that the fruit is equally harmful, though no fatal cases then seemed to be recorded. Gillam records (Vet. Record, 1906) a case of poisoning of sheep. An anonymous writer in the Mark Lane Express (July 24, 1911) states emphatically that this plant is very poisonous, and that he has known 14 per cent. of the sheep on a farm to be killed by it in a year, while his veterinary surgeon had had 40 cases that season, some proving fatal.
Toxic Principle. Like S. nigrum, the stems, leaves, and berries of Bittersweet contain Solanine. The berries are stated by Esser to contain 0·3 to 0·7 per cent. of Solanine. The stems also contain the glucoside Dulcamarin (C22H34O10), which imparts a bitter taste to the plant, but which has not been fully studied.
Symptoms. In the case recorded by Gillam (see above) the symptoms observed in sheep were small intermittent pulse, temperature 104° F., quickened respiration, staggering gait, dilated pupil, and greenish diarrhœa. The symptoms appear to be the same in the case of cattle (Farmer and Stockbreeder, July 10, 1911).
REFERENCES.
[4], [16], [40], [50], [52], [73], [81], [141], [147], [203], [213], [257].
The Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Though potato haulm is more or less commonly utilised on the Continent as a green fodder, and has been so used in England, yet there are good grounds for the general belief that it is not a suitable food for stock. The tubers may in general be eaten with impunity, but, under certain conditions, cannot be regarded as blameless, since they have caused serious injury. There are certainly records of injury to man from eating Potatoes, and accidents with animals have occurred more commonly. “Greened” tubers, and tubers with young shoots appear to be the chief cause of accidents, and, as regards live stock, usually when fed raw.
Cornevin knew of no case of poisoning in man, and considered that this was probably because man (1) eats only the part poorest in the toxic principle (see below), (2) does not eat the skin, (3) always cooks the tubers, and (4) rarely subsists only on potatoes for a considerable time. He found accidents among animals, however, not rare. In fact, eliminating cases possibly due to changes caused by weather, cryptogams, and ferments, he found poisonings every year unquestionably due to Solanine, chiefly among cattle. Cows will eat the haulm without trouble in times of scarcity of green fodder, but to the detriment of their health if such feeding is prolonged.
Macfadyen showed some time since that old sprouted Potatoes, even after boiling, are poisonous to horses. In 1896 eleven horses died from eating in most instances small quantities of spoiled and somewhat sprouted Potatoes, and two test-horses fed on the Potatoes died. In this case, however, it was conjectured that the poison was probably some organic substance generated by the bacteria or fungi growing on the Potatoes.
Chesnut and Wilcox (1901) recorded the death of six pigs due to eating sprouted uncooked Potatoes; after cooking the potatoes did not cause poisoning. With sufficient boiling most of the poison appears to remain behind in the water and might be thrown away.
Cases of poisoning of stock by Potatoes appear to have occurred more or less frequently in Germany. Two such cases were noted in the Berliner Tierärztliche Wochenschrift in 1909, in one of which 64 cows developed symptoms of poisoning after being fed on a large quantity of raw tubers, while in the other instance two cows became ill after eating Potato parings—which, as shown below, contain more Solanine than the “flesh.”
In the case of two children who died, F. W. Stoddart, Public Analyst of Bristol, after a post-mortem in one case, gave a very guarded opinion that death was probably due to Solanine poisoning, due to eating raw Potato peel, but was not confident. A most interesting case of severe but not fatal poisoning is described in The Lancet (1899). No less than 56 soldiers in Berlin were badly affected, until the supply of Potatoes was stopped, but the men recovered.
Pammel (1911) states that some persons cannot eat Potatoes because poisonous to them, but such persons must be extremely rare, and hypersensitive to minimum quantities of Solanine, which is almost if not quite absent in the “flesh” of Potatoes.
Toxic Principle. The Potato plant, like the other species of Solanum mentioned above, contains Solanine, which occurs not only in the haulm, but in the flowers and fruits, and in the peel of the tubers. Solanidine also occurs ready-formed in the young sprouts of potatoes to the extent of 1·5 per cent. (Allen). In the case of the soldiers poisoned in Berlin analysis demonstrated the presence of Solanine to the extent of 0·038 per cent. in boiled tubers and 0·024 per cent. in raw tubers, and on an average every man who fell ill had 0·3 gramme of the alkaloid, a sufficient quantity to produce toxic results. Esser (1910) states that in midsummer the haulm contains 0·0925 per cent. of Solanine but late in summer only 0·0374 per cent. In the tubers the alkaloid occurs in the inner layers of the peel to the extent of 0·0124 per cent., red or pink varieties containing rather more than yellow sorts. The same authority says that damp soils tend to a higher percentage of Solanine than dry soils[[3]], and that nitrogenous manuring as compared with potash tends to an increase of Solanine. In fresh spring shoots 1·5 per cent. of the alkaloid has been found, and the percentage is especially high in tubers which have been “greened” by long exposure to light. As already stated it is the greened tubers which appear to be the chief cause of accidents. Tubers with young shoots are richer in poisonous alkaloids than those which have not yet been sprouted; such tubers when fed raw to stock may on occasion induce poisoning, unless fed only in small quantities.
[3]. On the other hand, potatoes grown in a dry sandy soil are stated to contain more Solanine than those grown in other soils.
Writing in 1887 Cornevin remarked that Solanine, though neither very active nor very abundant in Potatoes, nevertheless causes accidents, as it is cumulative, or, to be more exact, is eliminated slowly.
Symptoms. In poisoning by potato haulm, Cornevin records constipation, loss of appetite, rise in temperature, accelerated circulation, normal respiration, salivation, tumefaction of eyelids, eyes watery, conjunctivæ injected, and hair erect. The skin is covered with scabs which exude matter, the skin being cracked. These scabs are found especially on the scrotum of male cattle and the udder of female cattle, but also in the caudal region and round the anus. An examination of the mouth shows places on the upper jaw which are devoid of mucus and are purulent at the centre, the mucus round the edges being swollen. The posterior members are similarly but not so badly affected. Movement of these members seems to cause the animal much pain. Defecation is frequent, the fæces being liquid and dark in colour. The animals are recumbent for a considerable time with the posterior members stretched out. In the worst cases there is pronounced emaciation.
According to Friedberger and Fröhner (vide Pammel) animals affected by potato tops show symptoms resembling those of foot-and-mouth disease.
According to Pott the berries cause colic and foul smelling diarrhœa in cattle. A German veterinary surgeon after feeding the green plant observed symptoms of delirium, paralysis, and flatulence. In other cases trembling and uncertain gait, with paralysis of the spinal cord, have been observed in cows.
In poisoning by tubers there is depression, loss of appetite, cessation of lactation, gritting of teeth, profound prostration, with a remarkable somnolence, but no dilatation of the pupils. The animals remain recumbent, with closed eyes, and refuse to get up. Respiration is somewhat retarded, and the pulse is small and accelerated. There are digestive disturbances, tympanitis, diarrhœa succeeds constipation, and there is vomiting (where possible). The poisoning is usually fatal.
Where a large quantity of sprouted Potatoes has been fed the prostration becomes paraplegia, with loss of sensibility, stupefaction, and death. Where there is prolonged ingestion of a large quantity of unsprouted tubers there is prostration, intestinal irritation, rapid emaciation and death in marasmus after an illness of from one to three weeks (Cornevin).
Pott states that potatoes diseased with wet rot, when fed raw, cause digestive troubles, bloating, diarrhœa, abortion, and decrease in milk yield, with fatal results in some cases. Potatoes diseased with dry rot cause constipation in sucking pigs, and a “fishy” butter from cow’s milk.
Lander notices two cases of poisoning of horses by tubers. In the first case the symptoms were a small and weak pulse, normal temperature and loss of coordination in movements; complete loss of appetite, excessive thirst, but inability to drink; mydriasis, stertorous breathing, suspension of peristalsis, and slight tremors over the crural muscles. In the second case there was a rapid and feeble pulse, temperature 103° F., intense congestion of the mucous membranes, and very fœtid diarrhœa, terminating fatally.
In poisoning of horses after receiving large quantities of raw Potatoes, Pott records boil-like swellings on the skin, loss of hair, diarrhœa, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, skin irritation, and swollen fetlocks and hocks.
In reference to the horses mentioned above (p. [55]) it is stated that an affected animal seems dull, and dies within twelve hours after being first observed, without evincing any sign of pain. The first symptoms in ten cases were weakness and loss of power over the limbs.
In cows the symptoms (Müller) are loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhœa, staggering, dilatation of pupils, convulsions, loss of sensation and paralysis. In many cases, however, these symptoms do not appear, but instead there are outbreaks on the skin of the hind legs similar to those in foot-and-mouth disease. Pott mentions abortion as a symptom. After the ingestion of green Potato parings by dairy cows he remarks catarrh of the stomach and intestines, and bad milk and cheese; consumption of diseased Potato parings resulted in the flow of hard mucus from the mouth, the legs being badly swollen, and covered with scabs, and the mouth and body covered with boils. Symptoms of paralysis were noticed after feeding dirty Potato parings to four cows and four bulls, and one cow died.
In the case of the cows already referred to (p. [55]) as poisoned in Germany, it was remarked as a noticeable feature in both instances that there was the appearance of eczema on the hind limbs, causing lameness.
A case in which pigs were fed on uncooked, sprouted Potatoes is noticed by Chesnut and Wilcox; there was slowly progressing paralysis, which became complete after about 24 hours, increased salivation, and a regurgitation of the stomach contents. According to Pott death may result in pigs. The symptoms given by Lander for poisoning in pigs are loss of appetite, dullness, exhaustion, imperceptible pulse, watery diarrhœa, low temperature and comatose condition.
In the case of the poisoned soldiers the symptoms were those of acute gastro-enteritis; rise in temperature to 103° F.; headache, colic, diarrhœa, general debility; in some cases vomiting, in others nausea only; several men fainted, and one had convulsions; the majority were drowsy and apathetic; but all recovered.
REFERENCES.
[4], [16], [19], [57], [73], [81], [128], [130], [141], [170], [190], [196], [203], [204], [205], [213].
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa Belladonna L.). This plant has long been known to be exceedingly poisonous, all parts containing a toxic principle. Both man and domestic animals may be poisoned, though the latter are very unlikely to touch the plant. As regards man, children are most likely to be affected, owing to the attractive character of the large bright black berries. Domestic animals appear to be rarely poisoned and are less affected than man, and in any case the susceptibility of various species—and even individuals of the same species—is very variable. Human beings are most susceptible, followed by the cat and dog; the horse is much less so; and the pig, goat, sheep, and rabbit are little susceptible to poisoning, even on eating the root—the most poisonous part (Cornevin). Gohier and others have given over 2 lb. of the green plant to horses without ill effects, and this repeated on three days did not cause marked pathological troubles. Hertwig considered large ruminants to be more sensible than horses to the action of Belladonna. It appears to be agreed that small ruminants are very slightly susceptible to this plant. Birds are considered almost insensitive, while rabbits may be fed for weeks on the leaves without poisoning, as also sheep, goats, and pigs. Horses and cattle are more sensitive but nevertheless resistant. The poison is no doubt quickly removed by the kidneys, since ordinary injection of Belladonna causes the usual symptoms. It is stated that the flesh of rabbits and birds which have eaten the plant and have been slaughtered apparently healthy is poisonous to man.
One berry can induce symptoms of human poisoning, and a child died after eating only three berries. Mortality in human cases of poisoning by Belladonna is given by Kanngiesser as 10 per cent.
Toxic Principle. Deadly Nightshade is the source of drugs widely used in medicine, and its properties as regards man have been extensively studied. The principal substance present is the alkaloid Hyoscyamine (C17H23O3N), readily converted into Atropine (C17H23O3N); Scopolamine or Hyoscine (C17H21O4N), and in smaller quantity Apoatropine, and Belladonine are also present.
All parts of the plant contain the toxic alkaloids, but in unequal degree. The total quantity of the alkaloids is largest in the roots (0·4 to 1 per cent.), which in the fresh state contain no Atropine, but only Hyoscyamine; the leaves and fruits contain less of the alkaloids, and cultivated plants have been found to be poorer (0·26 per cent.) than wild (0·4 per cent). The root has been found to be five times as toxic as the berries. Drying does not destroy the poisonous properties.
Symptoms. In quantities which are not fatal the symptoms are nausea, dilatation of pupils, muscular weakness, stumbling, falling, and rising only to fall again. These are followed by vertigo, frenzy, and coma (more rarely). There is a slight slackening in respiration, and an increase in the rapidity of the heart’s action. Dysury and constipation are observed.
In fatal quantities the symptoms are more intense and make their appearance more rapidly. The nausea is accompanied by vomiting, and there is almost complete loss of sight. Sensitiveness is at first increased but later diminishes and gradually disappears; complete incoordination of movements; increase in the heart’s action but a gradually weakening pulse; stertorous, painful respiration; decrease in temperature. There is repeated urination at the commencement of the poisoning, and then dysury. At the approach of death there are muscular trembling and clonic contractions. This phase of convulsions is short but very clear in some cases: other cases do not leave the deep coma in which they are plunged (Cornevin).
In regard to cattle, the following symptoms are given by Müller: Injury to sight, dilatation of pupils, constipation, later bloody evacuations, pain in hind limbs, rapid pulse, difficult breathing, restlessness, frenzy and finally paralysis.
REFERENCES.
[4], [16], [61], [73], [81], [128], [138], [143], [151], [157], [161], [190], [205].
CHAPTER V
SCROPHULARINEÆ
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.). The Foxglove has been recognized as poisonous for centuries, and one of its trivial names is Dead Men’s Bells—a name suggestive of the consequences of taking it. It is the source of the well-known drug; and cases of human poisoning have been very common, though by no means always fatal—indeed, Esser says “seldom resulting in death.” Animals are not known to touch this plant, but it may possibly be included in rough meadow hay, though only one case, in which two cows and a horse became ill after eating hay containing dry foxgloves, has come to notice (Veterinary Record, 1906). Cornevin, however, experimented on animals, and found the following amounts of fresh leaves capable of causing death in the animals specified:—
| Horse | 120–140 | grammes | (4 to 5 oz.) |
| Ox | 160–180 | „ | (5·5 to 6·5 oz.) |
| Sheep | 25– 30 | „ | (0·88 to 1 oz.) |
| Pig | 15– 20 | „ | (0·5 to 0·7 oz.) |
The weight of dried leaves would be only one-fourth of these figures.
All parts of the foxglove are poisonous, but especially the seeds, and the leaves are more active before than after the flowering period. Cultivated varieties are stated to be less toxic than the wild species. The effects of poisoning may terminate fatally in a few hours, or if small quantities are taken regularly the poison may be cumulative and induce chronic poisoning.
Toxic Principle. The foxglove contains several poisonous glucosides, investigated by Kiliani, Schmiedeberg, Cloette, Bourquelot, Herzig, and others. The following substances are toxic: Digitalin (C35H56O14 or C36H58O14) in the seeds and leaves; Digitonin (C54H92O28 or C55H94O28) in the seeds; Digitalein, only in small quantity; Digitoxin (C34H54O11) in the leaves; and Digitin. The toxic property of the foxglove is not lost on drying or boiling.
Symptoms. Digitalis is an active heart poison, and causes nausea, pressure in the region of the stomach, with diminished pulse, darkening of the field of vision, dizziness, buzzing in the ears, and usually dilated pupils.
According to Pammel the symptoms in animals are dullness, lassitude, loss of appetite, nausea, flatulence, diarrhœa; infrequent, full pulse (reduced 6–10 beats in the horse); and contracted pupils. In fatal cases these symptoms are followed by severe colic and tympanites; rapid, feeble, dicrotic, irregular or intermittent pulse (120–140 in horses), while the heart may be heard and felt beating wildly and strongly, and a systolic blowing murmur can frequently be detected. This is due to mitral or tricuspid regurgitation caused by irregular contraction of the columnæ carnæ. The pulse is imperceptible because of the failure of the heart to fill the vessels. The extremities are cold, the eye is protruding, and salivation occurs. Bloody diarrhœa is very often present and the urine may be suppressed. The breathing finally becomes difficult and death ensues within a few hours, or as late as several days.
The following account of the symptoms of poisoning in various animals is collected by Lander:—
Horses. On the first day sleepiness, swollen eyelids, dilated pupils, injected conjunctivæ, considerable swelling in submaxillary space; respiration normal, temperature 103·5° F.; pulse full, between 65 and 75, very intermittent, being occasionally normal; the second heart sound frequently obliterated. On the next day laboured breathing, head immensely swollen, tongue greatly enlarged and protruding, pulse 80 and most erratic, temperature very slightly up, great restlessness. Respiration became more difficult and stertorous, tongue and buccal membranes livid, jugular standing out.
A mare experimentally poisoned showed on the third day dullness and loss of appetite; fourth day nauseated; nose, mouth, and ears cold; abdomen blown, with colicky pain, and occasional pawing; pupil somewhat contracted, pulse firm at axilla and heart, but not perceptible at jaw; at 4.30 p.m. she was down, much pained, and attempting to roll; pulse 82, but unequal; fifth day, pulse, imperceptible at jaw, about 120; respiration 25, and very much laboured: lips retracted and saliva dripping from the mouth; enormous abdominal tympanites, and much pain; rapid sinking: died sixth day.
Cows. Fed erratically, breathed hard, lay down after feeding. Pulse almost imperceptible, contracted pupil, and excessive urination.
Pigs. Languid and sleepy: refused to eat or drink, attempting to vomit and repeatedly passing small quantities of fæces. Urination was scanty and strained.
In a case of poisoning among horses to which Müller refers the animals had an exhausted appearance, there was loss of appetite, increasing thirst, often also colic, and later diarrhœa, urination often in great quantity, and staggering. Some of the animals died after a few days in convulsions.
REFERENCES.
[4], [16], [73], [76], [79], [81], [161], [170], [187], [190], [203], [204], [205], [213], [229], [252], [257].
Lousewort (Pedicularis, sp.). Two species of lousewort are involved, P. palustris L. and P. sylvatica L., and though both are regarded as poisonous the extent to which they are so is not well known. They have an unpleasant smell and sharp taste, and are in general refused by all classes of stock. P. sylvatica may be eaten when young (Cornevin). Lindley says that both plants are acrid, but are eaten by goats. P. palustris is regarded by Pott as an acutely poisonous plant, especially for sheep. A decoction of these plants was formerly used against lice, and hence the trivial name.
Toxic Principle. Very little appears to be known about the poisonous principle, but, like Rhinanthus and Melampyrum, they have been found to contain the glucoside Rhinanthin (see p. [96]).
Symptoms. The plants are held to be emetic and purgative; to cause inflammation of the digestive tract, and to cause anæmia in cattle. Brugmann stated (vide Cornevin) that if, pressed by hunger, animals eat P. palustris, the first consequence is hæmaturia. Müller also notes hæmaturia.
REFERENCES.