Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-05-13
TREASURE STATE FARM AND LIVESTOCK
POISON PLANTS OF MONTANA
AND AMT0D0TE TREATMENTS

the are covered with fine white
hairs While those OF the tall larkspur
are smooth. The geranium has two stlp-
ules little appendages) about one-hali
inch long, which are attached on oppo-
site sides OF the stem at the base OF the
leaf.
Tall larkspur is dangerous from early
spring until 1t blossoms. After that its
taxicity gradually diminishes.
Distribution
Tall larkspur is mostly confined TO
moist. wooded areas, especially between
mountain meadows and brushy ravlnes
in the foothills. 1t has been definitely
located In Beaverhead. Gallatin, Madison
and Powell counties. and undoubtedly
occurs In several other counties but den-
mite information regarding It's presence
is lacking. 1t does not appear practical
to eradicate the plant. except from small
ravines, and here 1t is often easier to
fence the stock away from 1T.
Animals Affected
This Is the poison known to cattle
men and is of the greatest Importance
because Of heavy losses that occur every
year among cattle pastured in noun
tains and at high attitudes. 1t usually
grows in definite strips and patches. On
some ranges. however, the tall larkspur
occurs In every draw. ravine and park SO
that 1t is almost impossible to avoid 1t.
Under these conditions the presence Of
the weed renders the whole range dam
gerous for cattle unless they are closely
herded during the early summer
Tall larkspur Is not poisonous to sheep,
and Is rarely. If ever. poisonous to horses.
Symptoms
Cattle poisoned by larkspur are usually
found dead with only the cropped-off
plants to tell the story. A COW that has
eaten q considerable amount OF the
plant developes a stiff. straddling gait
and suddenly falls. She may struggle to
her feet only to fall again, staggering
about until she can no longer rise. The
amount of larkspur necessary to kill a
COW is about Is pounds, SO that many
animals hat have eaten a smaller
amount may stumble and fall AND show
symptoms OF poisoning and then entirely
recover. Some animals die whiting ID
minutes of the appearance OF symptoms
and may be found dead in the larkspur
patch. Others may live for several hours
and die after travelling some distance,
usually down hill. Not all poisoned cat
tie bloat, but many OF them do, and In
some cases bloating is the real cause OF
death.
Treatment
The most essential treatment is to pull
the animal around until 1t lies with Its
head uphill and then leave 1T alone,
Since the effect OF the poison is to para
lyLS tlc DCdAb I'LL AAAl6o, IL PNNAtioA
with the head uphill and absolute quiet
give the best chance for recovery. II
dangerously bloated the paunch should
be tapped with a knife blade. The prac-
tice of bleeding poisoned cattle is prac-
ticed by some, but 1t is useless.
The bureau OF animal industry OF the
United States department OF agriculture
has recommended q ~hypodermic injec-
ton, consisting Of: one or. Physostigmine
two or. Pilocarpine and one-half or
strychnine. Tablets Of this description
should be dissolved In water and injected
under the skin Of the poisoned animal
with q hypodermic syringe. b method
to be valuable. would mean equippine
the herder with an outfit and might not
be practical. although the successful
treatment OF one COW would Justify the
expense.
Prevention
Cattle should be kept away from lark
spur until 1t Is beginning to blossom
Drift fences may b. put up to keep cattle
from large patches. Most losses occur II
late spring when late SHOWS may cover
the grass. leaving only the larkspur ex'
posed. Some ranges are closed unit
early July because Of larkspur. To pro-
tect himself the stockman should recog'
nize the plants In all stages OF growth
should be familiar with the distribution
Of the larkspur on his summer rang'
and should take the necessary precau
tions to keep his cattle away from thu
plants during the dangerous season.