Sometimes, because of prolonged convulsions before death, agonal (distress) hemorrhages of heart and lungs and cyanotic congestion from low tissue oxygenation may be seen.ĭeath typically occurs within 1–2 hours of the onset of clinical signs, however, death can take up to 24 hours or longer if the dose is low. Frequency of the seizures increases, and death eventually occurs from exhaustion or asphyxiation (suffocation) during seizures. The mucous membranes become cyanotic (blue in color) and the pupils become dilated. Intermittent periods of relaxation are seen during convulsions but become less frequent as the clinical course progresses. Breathing becomes impaired due to spasms of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles. The animal remains conscious during these early stages of toxicity.Īs more strychnine is absorbed, seizures become more severe and prolonged, hyperthermia (increase in body temperature) occurs. Animals will often display a ‘sardonic grin’ due to spasm of the facial muscles and jaw. An extreme and overpowering rigidity causes the animal to assume a “sawhorse” stance - a pulling of the animals neck and head back in a high arch, and front legs stiffened to point forward. These tetanic convulsions may last from a few seconds to one min. Severe tetanic seizures begin and may appear spontaneously or may be initiated by stimuli such as touch, sound, or bright lights. Strychnine produces some of the most dramatic and painful symptoms of any known toxic reaction.ĭeath by strychnine ingestion is inhumane. Early signs consist of apprehension, nervousness, rapid breathing, drooling, tenseness, and stiffness. This excitation of the central nervous system leads to uncontrollable muscle contractions and convulsions. Once the inhibitory effect of glycine is gone, persistent and uncontrollable excitement of the spinal reflex occurs. Strychnine acts by antagonizing the neurotransmitter glycine. Therefore, to minimize the potential hazard to dogs, promptly dispose of all livestock carcasses as well as coyote carcasses suspected of being poisoned by Compound 1080 according to instructions in this bulletin.Strychnine is absorbed into the blood stream within minutes of ingestion and clinical signs may occur in 10 to 30 minutes. Dogs could be poisoned by scavenging the carcasses of collared livestock. As little as 0.1 ml of a LP collar’s contents may be fatal to a 25 pound dog. In field studies, dogs have died after they attacked collared livestock and punctured the collars. Compound 1080 is hazardous to domestic animals including livestock and pets. No effective antidote is known.Ĭompound 1080 is highly toxic to warm blooded animals, including man, when taken internally. The first symptoms of poisoning are changes of heart sounds and premature, weak contractions. In monkeys, and presumably in humans, effects on the heart are the primary cause of death. Poisoning is characterized by a symptom-free period of 0.5 to 2 hours or longer between ingestion and onset of symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactive behaviour leading to convulsions). Sodium monofluoroacetate poisoning results from fluoroacetate changing into fluoroacetate within cell mitochondria. Precautions: Sodium monofluoroacetate is toxic to all warm-blooded animals. Similar label for SK and AB (Source: Predator Defence)
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