Poisons Flashcards
What are the 4 possible actions to treat patients with poison
Prevent further absorption
Emesis - should be induced for non-corrosive and non-narcotic poisons, as long as conscious and not seizuring (Apomorphine 1st 2hrs)
Gastric lavage (wash out substance but must still be in the stomach)
Activated charcoal - after vomiting charcoal absorbs the toxins and carrys them outside the body
IV Fluids, protect renal failure and replace fluids from vomiting
Supportive drug therapy - anticonvulsant and antacids
Specific antidotes - VPIS (veterinary Poisons Information service
what does the VPIS stand for
Veterinary Poisons Information Service
What is Theobromine poisoning
Chocolate poisoning - darker higher cocoa therefore more toxicity
What is the tx for Theobromine
Emesis, activated charcoal and IV fluids
What is Warfarin poison
Rodenticides such as rat bait
What is the tx for Warfarin poisoning
Patient can haemorrhage up to 7 days after ingestion
emesis and charcoal if quick.
Vitamin K to aid blood clotting and possible blood transfusion
What are the indications for warfarin poisoning
Petechiae - pinpoint haemorrhage to the gums with pale MM
What is Metaldehyde poisoning
Slug bait poisoning
What are the clinical signs for Metaldehyde
Seizures and other neurological signs.
Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Hyperthermia
Metabolic acidosis
What is the tx for Metaldehyde
Antiseizure drugs, keep cool and fluids
Ethylene Glycol
Antifreeze poisoning
What are the clinical signs for Metaldehyde
Ataxia
Vomiting
Dehydration
Renal failure
Treatment for Metaldehyde
Emesis and IV fluids
What are the contraindications to emesis
Toxin is caustic or acidic or petroleum. May cause more damage being vomited up.
Patient is depressed or seizing of a high risk of aspiration.
Species that are unable to vomit
