The heartbeat is rapid and weak. Muscle twitching occurs quickly and spasms precede death. Muscous membranes are bright red, indicating a lack of oxygen transfer throughout the body that is necessary for continued survival. Death from respiratory paralysis comes during severe convulsions. The heart continues to beat for several minutes after struggling ceases and breathing stops.
Blood often passes from the nostrils and mouth near the time of death.
This entire process seldom takes longer than 30 to 45 minutes. Of animals who live for more than two hours after the onset of signs of this illness, a high percentage of them will recover. Several of these crops are used as hay or grain feed. Because of the importance of speed in treating cases of c yanide toxicity , sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate are usually administered together. Some success has occurred by using oral preparations of sodium thiosulfate.