CHAPTER XXI
Poisons and their Remedies
Poisoning by Arsenic—By Antimony—Strychnine—Phosphorus—Rat and Other Vermin-Killers—By Lead—Mercury—Ptomaine Poisoning
POISONING BY ARSENIC
Very small quantities of this drug are capable of bringing on a fatal inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and it is only prescribed in the most minute doses.
Fowler's Solution of Arsenic is the compound generally selected for administration of the drug in the liquid form, the average dose of it for the larger sporting dogs being 10 drops. Arsenious acid or white arsenic is an extremely cheap compound, and one that enters largely into the composition of many sheep-dips, a fact that it may be worth while to bear in mind should a dog be poisoned in a manner, suspiciously regarded.
This same poison is not uncommonly used for the destruction of rats and other vermin, though the facilities for obtaining it are, to a great extent, a barrier against its frequent employment for such purposes.
Arsenic is a corrosive and irritant poison, producing vomiting, dysentery, acute pain within the belly, thirst, prostration, and a speedy but painful death.