Strychnine poisoning in small dog

Question
My 7# chihuahua is at the vet's right now receiving IV fluids for having chewed on a ground squirrel late yesterday afternoon that died from strychnine poisoning on the ranch.  This morning when I determined what had happened, I gave her multiple doses of 6x Mag Phos which helped.  Is there a better remedy such as Nux Vomica that I could take down and give her?  My vet respects that I know quite a bit about homeopathy but knows nothing herself.

Any help you can give will be appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer

Hi Charla,

You're lucky a dog as small as a Chihuahua survived strychnine poisoning. If you suspect strychnine poisoning, you're supposed to induce vomiting immediately (if it is within minutes of ingestion) assuming the dog is alert and not seizuring. At that point you should seek veterinary attention.

Nux Vomica is a popular homeopathic remedy and used for such things as hangovers, digestive issues, headaches, stress, and other conditions. It is not a remedy for strychnine poisoning.

There is no specific antidote for strychnine. Treatment of strychnine poisoning involves an oral application of an activated charcoal infusion which serves to absorb any poison within the digestive tract that has not yet been absorbed into the blood. Anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital or diazepam are administered to control convulsions, along with muscle relaxants such as dantrolene to combat muscle rigidity. IV fluids are often administered to maintain hydration. The dog should be monitored and treated for hyperthermia. It can be helpful to keep the dog in a quiet, darkened room to decrease sensory input while it undergoes treatment. Treatment may need to be continued for 48 hours or longer until the strychnine is out of the body's system.

Should your dog eats strychnine again, do not waste time trying to treat it on your own, as it could cost your dog her life.

Best of luck,

Patti