Pott refers to a case which occurred in Guernsey among horses. Animals with white muzzles and feet had diarrhœa, while other horses remained healthy. All white places on the body were badly inflamed. Pammel states that the plant causes stupor, paralysis and convulsions in domestic animals.
REFERENCES.
[45], [73], [81], [121], [130], [141], [190], [203], [213], [214].
Chervils (Chaerophyllum sp.). No investigation of these plants appears to have been undertaken, but C. sylvestre L., though eaten by some animals, including the ass and the rabbit, is stated by a German observer (vide Cornevin) to have caused the death of pigs. Müller states that according to the literature both cows and pigs have been poisoned, even fatally, by C. temulum L. The plants have a strong odour and acrid taste.
Toxic Principle. This, if any, appears to be unknown, though Müller (1897) says that C. temulum contains in all its parts the little known Chaerophyllin (? alk.).
Symptoms. The pigs referred to above as having died were said to show paralysis, dilated pupils, and enteritis, and to refuse food. Postmortem examination showed acute gastro-intestinal inflammation. In the case of cows there are similar symptoms.
REFERENCES.
Hemlock (Conium maculatum L.). This plant, famous from ancient times as extremely poisonous, has a fœtid, disagreeable odour—a mousy smell—especially noticeable when the plant is bruised. It has caused human poisoning in three ways: the seeds have been eaten in error for anise, the leaves for parsley, and the roots for parsnips.
Animals rarely appear to eat this plant, but cases have been recorded. It is stated that in the United States many domestic animals have been killed by it; and Ewart says that it is responsible for poisoning a number of cows in Victoria. Goats are believed to be largely immune to the poison, or are less harmed than other animals, and sheep are stated to eat the plant with impunity, though cases of poisoning are recorded. Johnson and Sowerby state that horses have occasionally swallowed considerable quantities without apparent effect, while Cornevin remarks that to cause death a horse would need to eat 4 to 5½ lb. of the fresh plant, or a cow 8¾ to 11 lb.