Special Report on Diseases of the HorseUnited States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Science
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse
United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Horses -- Diseases
This disease is not of frequent occurrence. It may be due to the
habitual drinking of water which has been standing in leaden conductors
or in old paint barrels, etc. It has been met with in enzootic form near
smelting works, where, by the fumes arising from the works, lead in the
form of oxid, carbonate, or sulphate was deposited on the grass and
herbage which the horses ate.
_Symptoms._--Lead poisoning produces derangement of the functions of
digestion and locomotion, or it may affect the lungs principally. In
whatever system of organs the lead is mostly deposited there we have the
symptoms of nervous debility most manifest. If in the lungs, the
breathing becomes difficult and the animal gets out of breath very
quickly when compelled to run. Roaring, also, is very frequently a
symptom of lead poisoning. When it affects the stomach, the animal
gradually falls away in flesh, the hair becomes rough, the skin tight,
and colicky symptoms develop. When the deposit is principally in the
muscles, partial or complete paralysis gradually develops. When large
quantities of lead have been taken in and absorbed, symptoms resembling
epilepsy may result, or coma and delirium develop and prove fatal. In
lead poisoning there is seldom any increase in temperature. A blue line
forms along the gums of the front teeth, and the breath assumes a
peculiarly offensive odor. Lead can always be detected in the urine by
chemical tests.
_Treatment._--The administration of 2-dram doses of iodid of potassium
three times a day is indicated. This will form iodid of lead in the
system, which is rapidly excreted by the kidneys. If much muscular
weakness or paralysis is present, sulphate of iron in 1-dram doses and
strychnia in 2-grain doses may be given twice a day. In all cases of
suspected lead poisoning all utensils which have entered into the supply
of feed or water should be examined for the presence of soluble lead. If
it occurs near lead works, great care must be given to the supply of
uncontaminated fodder, etc.
UREMIA.
Uremic poisoning may affect the brain in nephritis, acute albuminuria,
or when, from any cause, the functions of the kidneys become impaired or
suppressed and urea (a natural product) is no longer eliminated from
these organs, causing it to accumulate in the system and give rise to
uremic poisoning.
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