Diagnostic Toxicology Flashcards
T/F: Most poisoning cases will result in a definitive diagnosis
FALSE
many will just be treated symptomatically since many dx are needed to confirm poison
What is the most important aspect of dealing with a toxicosis?
Accurate or confirmed diagnosis
*but it doesn’t happen often :(
Through what methods do you come up with a tentative poisoning diagnosis?
Detailed case history + clinical and postmortem examinations
How does one come up with a presumptive diagnosis? Is this the same as a tentative diagnosis?
Presumptive dx means that there is more evidence than you had with a Tentative dx
Can be reached when: the hx and clinical signs are supported by circumstantial evidence and ID of the source of poisoning
Ex: having a negative atropine test for organophosphate poisoning
What are the 5 main criteria of a toxicosis diagnosis?
Case history clinical signs Postmortem findings Laboratory diagnosis Laboratory animal tests
What kind of history/information should be collected when you’re dealing with toxicosis of a farm animal?
# of animals affected # of animals dead Course of dz Type of management: feeding, vax etc Use of herbicides/pesticides Past illnesses presence of toxic plants on premises etc
What kind of hx/information should be collected if you’re dealing with the toxicosis of a companion animal?
Indoor/outdoor animal?
Use of any drugs or insecticides, rodenticies, household chemicals, vaccination hx etc
T/F: Most diseases have pathognomonic clinical signs
FALSE
T/F: In the PM examination - negative results are as good as positive results
TRUE
Chemical analysis should be done by what type of laboratory?
Qualified toxicology lab
What does the accuracy of chemical testing results depend on?
Good sampling
Specimens should be representing, avoiding dilution, contamination, or putrefaction
T/F: Positive results will always mean intoxification
FALSE
*negative results do not always mean that poisoning did not occur either
Specimens submitted for chemical analysis will be evaluated for toxicants both _____ and _________
Qualitatively and quantitatively
How should animal tissue specimens be prepared for chemical analysis?
Should be taken free of chemical contamination or debris
Specimens should not be washed
Should be frozen and packed separately (don’t mix different organ samples etc)
Where should blood samples be stored before being sent off for chemical analysis?
refrigerated
other body fluids should be frozen
*containers should be air tight sealed - waterproof ink should be used for labeling (owners name, patient name, tissue specimens etc)
