DETECTION OF ARSENICAL POISONING IN AN EXHUMED CARCASE
By M. RAMAKRISHNAN, G.M.V.C., Veterinary Investigation Officer. Madras
(Received for publication on 1 March 1948)
ARSENICAL poisoning in animals as well as in human beings is quite common, but a record of
cases in animals where the carcases have been exhumed are rare or almost absent. The object of
this note is to record one such investigation. It was reported in the Indian Express of 23 September
1947, that a thousand head of cattle had died of poisoning in Ottapalem area in Malabar District
but on confirmation, however, it was found that only cattle worth 1,000 rupees had died. Arsenical
poisoning of malicious nature was suspected because of the value of the skins that would become
available on death of animals. It was stated that after some deaths, carcases were buried, thereby
preventing the interested parties for having access to the skins and that, this precautionary measure
resulted in the stoppage of such deaths. No detailed investigation was intended because it was
thought that the carcases would be several days old and that it would be difficult to make out any
organs or structure or to get material for chemical analysis. Mr Hurley, the Director however
considered that it would be useful to conduct one or two postmortem examinations since arsenic
is suspected and that the carcases might still be in a state of preservation.
HISTORY
Twenty two animals had died after an illness of one to two days duration in the course of about
a month. No occurrence of any contagious disease during that period was reported. The symptoms
mentioned by the ryots were highly suggestive of arsenical poisoning. The poison was said to be
concealed in jack fruits left in the grazing areas, for the animals to ingest, while grazing.
Postmortem
The carcase of an animal that had died most recently was selected and examined. The animal
was a dark brown bullock—five years old. It was reported that the symptoms that the animal
exhibited were uneasiness, colicky pains, profuse diarrhoea which later on became mucus-coated
and eventually blood stained. The symptoms lasted for about 28 hours. Just before death prostra-
tion, violent kicking, of the legs, striking of the head from side to side as if in acute pain was noticed.
Anus became everted and the animal starined violently. The interval between death of the animal
and the postmortem was roughly calculated to be about six weeks.
External appearance
On exhumation, the carcase was seen lying on its left side. The earth covering the carcase was
found charred for about half an inch depth all-round. The skin with hairs was found in tact. No
external injury was noticed. Decomposition was only partial and the odour was not offensive. It
smelt like fermented aloes. Neither were any blow flies attracted, nor any maggots had formed.
The hairs came off the skin only after a light pull. The abdomen was found contracted and. there
was a perceptible depression at the flanks. On the whole, the general appearance of the carcase
was one of mummification. Rigor mortis had passed away. Eyelids were open and eyeballs tumified.
There was no discharge at the mouth and nostrils. The tongue still retained its colour and consis-
tency while the skeletal muscles had undergone partial decomposition and softening.
Internal appearance
There was present moderate subcutaneous fat. Peritoneumx was dried up and the position
of the organs in the abdominal cavity was normal. The heart had contracted to one quarter of its
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