Principles Of Treatment Of Toxicosis Flashcards
True or False. An acutely poisoned animal must be considered as an emergency.
True
Explain the telephone instructions to the owner of the acutely poisoned animal.
- keep in quiet safe place to avoid further stress
- if topical exposure, skin and eyes of animal should be cleaned with copious amounts of shampoo and water (owner wear protective clothing)
- inducing emesis when combining is indicated using syrup of IPECAC (1/2-2 teaspoonfuls in small animals) or HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% (1-2ml/kg PO) in conscious animals
- admin of milk or egg white or activated charcoal tabs in some cases (if animal is not depressed or in seizures)
- bring to the vet asap
- bring any suspected specimens
What are the 4 treatment principles of toxicosis?
- Symptomatic (supportive tx) – the ABCs- airway, breathing and CV support
- Removal of the Poison
- Specific (antidotal) treatment
- Observation of the acutely poisoned animal
Give some examples of symptomatic supportive tx for respiration
Tracheostomy under local anesthesia
Cuff endotracheal tube in unconscious animals
Ventilators or manual compression of bad
Bronchodilators
Respiratory analeptics
What is an example of a bronchodilator?
Aminophylline
What is an example of an respiratory analeptics?
Doxapram IV (not always effective)
If the patient is hypovolemic (CV problems) how can we get adequate circulatory volume back?
Blood transfusion, plasma or fluid therapy depending on the level of the hypovolemia
What are two ways we can increase cardiac activity?
Cardiac massage (closed or open chest)
Cardiac stimulants -10% calcium gluconate IV, glucagon IV, digoxin IV
Hypotension - fluid therapy, sympathomimetics
If the patient is suffering from an acid base imbalance, how do you treat each case?
Acidosis- sodium bicarb IV every 15 mins; 1/66 molar sodium lactate of lactated Ringer’s soln
Alkalosis- (Normal saline IV followed by ammonium chloride only)
How do you treat pain in a patient?
Opioids
Explain how to treat changes in body temp.
Hypothermia (blankets or warm water pads)
Hyperthermia (ice bags, cold water, baths, cold water enema, or cold periotoneal dialysis)
Explain how to treat CNS problems.
CNS depression- artificial respiration
CNS stimulation- anticonvulsants
What are the 4 ways to remove the poison?
Removal of the suspected source of poisoning
Removal of the poison from the site of absorption
Decreasing the rate of absorption
Enhancing elimination of the poison
Explain how to remove poison via the suspected source of poisoning.
- figure out if farm or companion animal (indoor/outdoor)
- cut the link between animal and source of poisoning
- many different sources
What are the 6 ways to remove the poison from the site of absorption?
Emetics Gastric lovage Enterogastric lavage Rumenotomy Purgatives (cathartics) Skin
When are emetics used?
Used in vomiting animals such as dogs and cats within 1-2 hours
What are the contraindications of emetics?
Unconsciousness Corrosives Petroleum products Dehydration Animals showing convulsions