VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

STRYCHNINE

• Strychnine obtained from Strychnos nuxvomica is used as a vertebrate poison to kill squirrels and rabbits.

Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Strychnos_nux-vomi...

• It is rapidly absorbed and distributed.
• Too many nerve impulses reach the skeletal muscle.
• Clinical signs include unrest, panting, nausea, vomiting, corners of the mouth are drawn out in a “grin”, twitching of eyelids, ears are drawn together, hyper responsive to tactile stimulus, muscle stiffness and stance become rigid and the animal exhibits opisthotonus position.
• Treatment is symptomatic.