Lethal dose. Symptoms: Colics, tympany, emesis, salivation, pupillary
dilatation, diarrhœa, diuresis, hypothermia, stupor, palpitations,
trembling, spasms, palsy. Lesions: Congested gastro-intestinal mucosæ,
erosions, ecchymosis, congested kidney and bladder. Blood fluid,
bright red. Treatment: Emesis, stomach pump, water and mucilaginous
liquids, stimulants.
Nitrate of soda being used largely as a top dressing for grass and other
crops is more liable to be taken in toxic doses than nitrate of potash.
The former is also given in mistake for common salt. The toxic dose is
high. Morton gave 2 pounds saltpeter to a horse with only a temporary
purgative and diuretic effect. Huzard found that 3 doses of 16 ounces
each, given at intervals of 8 days sufficed to kill a horse. Cattle are
said to have died from taking 5 to 6 ounces.
_Symptoms._ There are colics, tympany, emesis in vomiting animals,
salivation, dilated pupil, diarrhœa, diuresis, hypothermia, stupor,
palpitations, weak pulse, trembling, convulsions, tetanic symptoms,
paralysis.
_Lesions._ Congestion of a cherry red, brown or purple of the gastric
mucosa and that of the small intestine, erosions and ecchymosis,
congestion and ecchymosis of the kidney and of the mucosa of the
bladder. Blood uncoagulated and of a bright red.
_Treatment._ Favor emesis or use stomach pump according to the species
of animal. Give abundance of water or mucilaginous fluids by mouth and
anus. Stimulants may be resorted to in case of sinking or collapse.