LEAD POISONING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 308, 27 November 1936, Page 5

LEAD POISONING.

SYMPTOM AND TREATMENT. Cattle sometimes suffer from lend poisoning on account of their partiality to lead preparations, especially when mixed with linseed oil. The most common preparations are red and white lead. It has been found that horses are more tolerant of lead, and may take more than 10 times the amount required by cattle to produce toxic effects.

Sheep take only one-half of the amount required by the ox to produce poisonous effects. It is safest, therefore, to turn only horses into fields where there is a possibility of lead poisoning. If a dangerous amount be taken the symptoms appear in about 24 to 48 lioufs, and are, in acute eases, intense abdominal paim grinding of teeth, discharge from the nose, constipation, slobbering ffOm the mouth, and later on coma and death. In many cases, where only a small quantity is taken, there may be a discharge from the nose and mouth, food Will be refused; constipntion, general symptoms of wasting, lack of ruminating, convulsions and coffia will precede death. In milch cows there is complete drying off of the milk. In chronic cases the animals may remain ill for weeks and months before they will recover. On post-mortem examination portions of lead may be found, also inflammation of the fourth stomach and intestines is common. In chronic eases a blue line is noticed on the gums. Cases of lead poisoning even, from feeding on pastures adjacent to lead smelting works have occurred. The treatment consists of giving small and repented doses of some soluble sulphates, such as Epsom or Clauber salts. A useful drench may be made as follows:—Epsom salts, 30z.; dilute sulphuric acid, 1 dram; water to 1 pint. Give one dose three or four times daily. If not feeding drench with a quart of milk and a pint of strong tea three or four times daily, as the albumen in the milk and the tannin in the tea both form insoluble lend compounds, and prevent absorption into the system.