Veterinary Toxicology (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1907. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter ii. special toxicology. metals and their compounds. arsenic. The different compounds of arsenic greatly vary in their toxic properties, metallic arsenic, if pure, being nearly inert. Orfila, Chevalier, and Barruel, it is true, claim to have poisoned dogs with it, but this can be attributed to impurities, as Bayen, who has experimented with chemically pure arsenic, has given dogs as much as 4 grammes without causing serious injury. The sulphides of arsenic (realgar and orpiment), being insoluble, are rarely causes of poisoning, but cases in cattle have been reported from Algeria. The combination of arsenic with oxygen, in the form of arsenious acid, or white arsenic and arsenic acid, are the most commonly met with, particularly the former, probably because it greatly resembles, when powdered, flour or powdered sugar, and for which it can be easily mistaken. Arsenate of soda (Pearson's solution) is often used in medicine, also Fowler's solution, and an overdose of either may cause fatal results. Predisposing Causes.--Arsenical fumes given off in certain manufactures, such as the smelting of metals which contain it, and vessels used in the preparation of food that may become contaminated, are predisposing causes; also the fact that it is used as a paste to destroy rats and vermin, and overdosing, when used medicinally. Individual idiosyncrasy does not seem to play any important part, the dose and solubility of the poison being the chief factor; but horses appear to be the least susceptible of the domestic animals, the dog the most. Determining Causes.--Dust and vapours containing arsenic may be taken into the lungs, or particles deposited on food and drink, such cases being generally seen in the neighbourhood of tin and copper sm...