Strychnine

Question 1

Which species are most frequently poisoned and are more sensitive?

Answer 1

Dogs

Question 2

What is the toxic dose in dogs and cats?

Answer 2

Dogs: 0.5-1.2 mg/kg
Cats: 2 mg/kg

Question 3

Which species is resistant?

Answer 3

Poultry

Question 4

T/F: Strychnine crosses BBB

Answer 4

True

Question 5

How does strychnine work in the body?

Answer 5

Blocks postsynaptic effect of glycine in spinal cord –> stimulation of spinal cord –> tonic seizures

Question 6

What does strychnine antagonize and what does it bind to?

Answer 6

Antagonizes glycine and binds to chlorine ion

Question 7

What is a major Ddx for strychnine?

Answer 7

1080

Question 8

What are some CS?

Answer 8

Rapid onset and death, panting, mydriasis, stiffness, muscle twitching, tonic seizures, respiratory failure leading to death

Question 9

What contents should be analyzed in a ante/post-mortem patient?

Answer 9

Ante: urine
Post: stomach contents

Question 10

T/F: Opioids, phenothiazines, NMBD and cyclohexanes should be used to decrease the muscle twitching?

Answer 10

FALSE

These are contraindicated