POISONING BY BROMINE AND IODINE.
Poisoning by these agents is rare in domestic animals. Bromine 2 drs. killed a dog in 5 hours: 10 to 12 drops in 1 oz. water intravenously killed a dog suddenly, and 5 to 6 drs. of iodine by the mouth killed in a few days (Orfila). A horse had colic from taking ½ oz. iodine (Tabourin), others died from the effect of 2 drs. doses intravenously (Patu).
Symptoms. Violent colicy pains, salivation, emesis in vomiting animals, diarrhœa, iodine or bromine odor, acute coryza, red eyes, dilated pupils, weakness, debility, vertigo, convulsions. If the patient survives the glandular system undergoes atrophy, with emaciation and scaly skin eruptions.
Lesions. After large doses there are congestion, ulceration, corrosion and sloughing of the œsophagus, gastric and intestinal mucosa, and more or less yellow discoloration of the parts. The odor is characteristic. With iodine there may be blue iodide of starch in the ingesta.
Treatment. Favor emesis by tickling the fauces and giving tepid water, or apomorphia subcutem. Boiled starch is the best antidote and may be given freely, both by mouth and rectum. Opium is often called for to relieve suffering.