Cyanide Poisoning

Question 1

Some non-plant forms of cyanide poisoning?

Answer 1

Fumigant rodenticide

Sodium nitroprusside for hypotension

Question 2

T/F hydrogen cyanide gas is volatile and has a characteristic ‘bitter almond/ammoniacal’ smell

Answer 2

True

Question 3

T/F cyanide has an anti thyroid effect

Answer 3

False, it is thiocyanate

Question 4

Greater than ____ ppm of cyanide in a plant is toxic

Answer 4

200

Question 5

T/F Ruminants are more susceptible than horses and swine and sheep

Answer 5

True

Their rumenal microflora release cyanide from cyanogenic plants

Question 6

What part of the plant has the least amount of cyanide?

Answer 6

Fruit

Question 7

T/F older plants contain more glycoside

Answer 7

False! Younger plants

Question 8

What is the mechanism of action in ACUTE TOXICITY

Answer 8

Excess CN binds with iron and copper to block electron transport and oxygen.

Neuronal damage and CNS stimulation

Question 9

What is the mechanism of action for CHRONIC TOXICITY

Answer 9

Neuronal degeneration and demyelination at the spinal cord

Peripheral and locomotor signs

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action for ACUTE POISONING

Answer 10

Extremely rapid onset death 4-6min

Question 11

What is the mechanism of action in CHRONIC POISONING

Answer 11

Posterior paralysis and goiterogenic effect

Question 12

Mucous membranes? DDx?

Answer 12

Bright red!

Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide

Question 13

What are good specimens to submit for cyanide testing?

Answer 13

Brain and heart

Question 14

What two tests can you use for dx?

Answer 14

** elevated thiocyanate levels in urine

Sodium pricate test - yellow changes to brick red

Question 15

Treatment?

Answer 15

Sodium nitrate IV

Question 16

T/F activated charcoal is effective

Answer 16

False

Question 17

What plants are involved in cyanide poisoning?

Answer 17

Cyanogenic glycosides!
Wild cherry
Elderberry
Sorghum
Johnson grass 
Lima beans? Lol