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.