Toxicology Flashcards
How should we go about treating toxicity cases?
Treat the ptx not the toxin
major body assessment: what can kill our ptx first and how can we get that under control?
What is there to consider when dealing with a toxin?
What?
When?
How much (toxic dose, volume)
Clinical signs?
Recumbent/seizure/gag reflex
Pharmacokinetics (enterohepatic, renal, charcoal binding, antidote)
Risk of treatment?
What are the potential treatments for toxins?
emesis
gastric lavage
enema
activated charcoal
sorbitol (cathartic)
IVF
dermal decontamination
antidotes
intralipid
dialysis
What are the categories for ddx?
VITAMIN D
- vascular
- inflammatory/infectious/immune mediated
- toxin/trauma
- anomalies
- idiopathic/iatrogenic
- neoplasia/nutritional
- degenerative
What is considered a toxic dose?
lethal dose in 50% of animals
What are the indications for emesis as tx for toxins?
ingestion under 4h
this depends on what is ingested as well
What are the contraindications for emesis as tx for toxins?
neurological changes: recumbent, unconscious, no gag, seizure
caustic (acid/alkali/bleach)
petroleums
detergents
What are the complications possible with emesis as tx for toxins?
aspiration pneumonia
How do we induce emesis?
apomorphine for dogs
xylazine, medetomidine, dexmedetomidine for cats
What are the indications for gastric/colonic lavage as tx for toxins?
ingestion under 4h
emesis contraindicated
ingested large amounts
What are the contraindications for gastric/colonic lavage as tx for toxins?
caustic
What are the possible complications for gastric/colonic lavage as tx for toxins?
aspiration pneumonia
cuffed et tube
hypothermia
How do we do a gastric lavage?
general anaesthesia, cuffed et tube (length from muzzle to last rib)
water, slosh in abdomen, tube below animal to empty and repeat until no contents left
kink tube so contents dont link in oesophagus when removing
What are the indications for activated charcoal as a tx for toxins?
toxins which can bind to charcoal
enterohepatic metabolism
What are the contraindications for activated charcoal as a tx for toxins?
recumbent, unconscious, no gag, seizure
what DOES NOT bind to it
What are examples of toxins that do not bind to activated charcoal?
ethylene glycol
alcohol
alkali
petroleum
heavy metals
xylitol
What are the possible complications for activated charcoal as a tx for toxins?
aspiration pneumonia
if containing sorbitol: dehydration
ONLY USE ONCE
What are the indications for diuresis as tx for toxins?
renal excretion of toxins
nephrotoxic
What are the contraindications for diuresis as tx for toxins?
risk of fluid overload
-anuric/oliguric
-cardiac dz
-pulmonary dz
How do we use diuresis as tx for toxins?
6+ml/kg/h IVF for 48-72h
if anuric/oliguric use furosemide
What are the indications for dermal decontamination as tx for toxins?
dermal toxins ex: permethrin, engine oil, oil on birds
What are considerations to think about when using dermal decontamination as tx for toxins?
hypothermia
sedation
How do we use dermal decontamination as tx for toxins?
clip contaminated area
wash with vegetable oil + dish washing liquid
What are the indications for intralipids as tx for toxins?
lipophilic toxins
What are examples of lipophilic toxins
local anaesthetics
ivermectin
permethrin
naproxen
baclofen
marijuana
mycotoxin
tca, b-blocker, ca channel blocker