Treatment of accidental strychnine poisoning in horses

Six mixed breed horses of varying ages accidentally consumed strychnine-laced barley. Onset and severity of clinical signs were associated with age and sex of the horse. Of the 6 horses, 5 exhibited clinical signs and 2 died. Under field conditions xylazine proved to be beneficial in treating strychnine poisoning. Two horses were treated with a combination of pentobarbital, diazepam, and xylazine to maintain complete anesthesia. Activated charcoal and mineral oil were used effectively to decrease the amount of strychnine available in the alimentary tract of the horses.