Many of the methods used in participatory research are drawn from mainstream disciplines and conventional research itself involves varying degrees of participation. The key difference between participatory and conventional methodologies lies in the location of power in the research process.
Symptoms of botulism usually start around 7-10 days after contamination. The botulinum toxins block the action of the nerves on the muscles. As a result, the first signs of botulism are muscle weakness and poor co-ordination. In the early stages the horse has muscle tremors.
Aside from a longer incubation period, wound botulism is similar to foodborne botulism. The incubation period of wound botulism ranges from 4-14 days, with a mean of 10 days. Unlike foodborne botulism, wound botulism causes no gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients may be febrile, but this is more likely due to the wound infection rather than the wound botulism. In many cases, the wound appears benign.