Strychnine Toxicosis

Strychnine Toxicosis

Basic Information image

Definition

Strychnine is a toxic alkaloid from an Indian tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, commonly used in gopher, mole, rat, and coyote bait.

Synonym(s)

Gopher bait poisoning

Epidemiology

Risk Factors

• Usually dyed and coated in milo or in pellets that look like feed to horses

• Often comes in 5-gallon buckets

Clinical Presentation

Disease Forms/Subtypes

• Low dose

• High dose

History, Chief Complaint

• Muscle stiffness

• Clinical signs within 10 to 120 minutes of ingestion

• Seizures; similar to tetanus but much quicker onset

• Sudden death

Physical Exam Findings

• Anxiety

• Muscle stiffness

• Saw-horse stance

• Strained facial expression

• Violent tetanic seizures with opisthotonus and powerful extensor rigidity

• Seizures brought on by external stimuli

Etiology and Pathophysiology

• Readily absorbed

• Metabolized by the liver

• Detected in urine within 2 minutes of exposure

• Blocks the inhibitory effects of glycine

• Skeletal muscles become hyperexcitable

• Potent convulsant with powerful extensor rigidity

• Death by respiratory failure

Related posts:

  1. Aggressive Stallion Behavior
  2. Aflatoxin Toxicosis
  3. Biliary Atresia
  4. Black Widow Spider Toxicosis

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Strychnine Toxicosis

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