TUTU.

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 19

TUTU.

TO COUNTERACT POISONING. Replying to a query as to what antidote should he used, and what treatment is rec cjuirod in the case of a beast that is poisoned by eating tutu, the Director of the Live Stock and Meat Division of the Agricultural Department says “It is often a very difficult matter to appl; medicinal treatment to animals suffering from tutu poisoning, seeing that the trouble causes more or less severe brain symptoms, which render the animal intractable and difficult to handle. Very useful treatment for this trouble, when it cun be app.ied, • is tho internal administration of liquid a m* nionia or carbonate of ammonia mixed with milk or thin gruel if possible; in addition a largo dose of linseed oil (not less than two pints) should bo given. 'lhe doss of liquid ammonia in cases such as this should bo loz in a quart of milk or thin gruel. 1! neither of these bo available it should be mixed with the two pints of linseed oil which is recommended above. Liquid ammonia is irritating to tho membrane of the mouth and threat; hence the necessity fof diluting it with a quantity of some domub cent fluid. It should be borne in mind that there are two liquid preparations of ammonia—one a very strong preparation, known as liquor ammonia fort; the other the ordinary liquid ammonia, which is here recommended. If carbonate of ammonia be ufxxl in cases of tutu poisoning tho dose U 1 “If the first stomach is greatly distcndol with gas, relief can be afforded by pnnctqring it at a spot midway between the haunchbonc and the last rib This should P»

done on the left side of the animal. Really the best instrument foi s o puncturing is that known as a trocar, fitted into a canula.. This is a round, sharp-iiointed instrument with a metal tube (the canula) fitting tightly over it. After making the puncture the instrument is withdrawn, and the tube left in, thus allowing the continued escape of gas. Tt is unlikely, however, that the farmer will have tins instrument at hand, and in an emergency .a sharp-pointed knife, with a long but thin blade, can be used. In this case, however, ..it must not be simply plunged in and withdrawn, but must be held m Eosition. after making the puncture, the lade being twisted slightly sideways thus maintaining an opening through which the gas can escapo from the first stomach. Owing to the usually excited condition of affected animals, however, it is often very difficult to do this. It is usually travelling stock which become the victims of tutu poisoning ; and . feeding on the plant undoubtedly causes much more trouble when taken on a more or Ices empty stomach