Strychnine toxicity

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Acute presentation, Geographic incidence, Age predisposition, Sex predisposition, Breed predisposition, Cost considerations, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Prevention, Control, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Kyle Braund BVSc MVSc PhD FRCVS DipACVIM
Synonyms Rodenticide, mole/gopher poison

Introduction

  • Rodenticide, rat poison.
  • Signs : extensor rigidity, seizures, tremors, sensitivity to light and/or sound.
  • Diagnosis : history, clinical signs, analysis of vomit or stomach contents.
  • Treatment : symptomatic - no specific antidote.
  • Prognosis : good if seizures controlled and decontamination procedures followed.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Apprehension.
  • Anxiety.
  • Muscle tremors.
  • Extensor rigidity, especially when stimulated with light, sound or touch.
  • Opisthotonus.
  • Tachycardia.
  • Tachypnea.
  • Hyperthermia.
  • Tonic clonic seizures.
  • Vomiting may or may not occur.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Tetanus Tetanus.
  • Metaldehyde toxicity Metaldehyde poisoning.
  • Theobromine Theobromine chocolate poisoning or caffeine toxicity.
  • Organophosphates Organophosphorus poisoning.
  • Carbamates.
  • Pyrethrins/pyrethroids.
  • Lead Lead toxicity.
  • Nicotine.
  • Tremorgenic mycotoxins.
  • Certain mushrooms.
  • Organochlorines.
  • Bromethalin Bromethalin poisoning.
  • Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) Blue-green algae poisoning

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Prognosis is good if supportive care is maintained for at least 24 to 48 hours, decontamination procedures are posssible, and seizures are controlled.

Expected response to treatment

  • Elimination of clinical signs.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Massive overdosage and failure to seek treatment early.

Sources

Publications

Other sources of information

  • Talcott P A (2004) Strychnine. Clincal Veterinary Toxicology. Mosby. pp 454-456.
  • Talcott P A (2001) Strychnine . Small Animal Toxicology. Saunders. pp 741-747.
  • Walters JM (2001) Rodenticides. The Veterinary ICU Book.Teton New Media. pp1113-1114.
  • Murphy M J (2000) CVT Update: Rodenticide Toxicosis. Current Veterinary Therapy XIII.Mosby. pp 211-212.
  • Gfeller R W, Messonnier S P (1998) Strychnine. Handbook of Small Animal Toxicology & Poisonings.Mosby. pp 248-250.
  • Osweiler G D (1996) Rodenticides. Toxicology.Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. pp 284-286.

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