In cases of acute poisoning the symptoms develop rapidly. Torpor becomes more marked, the movements of the heart tumultuous, and the temperature rises to 105° Fahr. (40·5° C.), diminishing later until death occurs.
In chronic forms of poisoning constipation is present at first, but is soon followed by profuse, fœtid, blackish diarrhœa, sometimes containing streaks of blood and accompanied by abdominal pain.
In exceptional cases these digestive symptoms are amplified by the presence of broncho-pneumonia, pleuro-pneumonia, nephritis, and cystitis, as in poisoning by tannin and essential oils. These complications are of infectious origin.
In young animals, like lambs and young pigs, still with their mothers alimentary intoxication may also occur though the mothers show no signs of illness. The passage of poisonous principles into the milk cannot be disputed. Moussu has seen numerous cases of alimentary intoxication in lambs whose dams were fed with decomposed beet pulp, and in sucking pigs whose mothers had received bad maize, turnips, etc.
Diagnosis. Careful examination of the substances with which the animals are fed, and consideration of the history, prevent confusion with ordinary poisoning. Anthrax as a cause can easily be eliminated.
The prognosis is grave, unless the practitioner is summoned early.
The lesions are those of acute gastro-enteritis—congestion of the mucous membrane, abomasum, and intestine, submucous infiltration, shedding of the epithelium, which sometimes attains the stage of ulceration, suffusion and intestinal or superficial hæmorrhage, dilatation of the capillaries, etc.
The symptoms of poisoning are produced by the absorption of toxic products, which pass from the intestine into the blood current.
Poisoning is frequently complicated by infection produced in a similar manner.
Treatment. The first point is to change the food. This alone is often sufficient to dispose of the digestive disturbance in a week or two. In addition, mustard plasters may be applied, and purgatives, stimulants and mucilaginous drinks may be given. Finally, diuretics are useful in eliminating the toxic products accumulated in the blood. They comprise general stimulants like wine, alcohol, tea, coffee, etc. Subcutaneous or intravenous injection of physiological salt solution is indicated.