Toxicology - Lecture 1 - New

Question 1

Discuss the DAMNIT scheme

Answer 1

D - developmental, degenerative, dimentia
A - Anomalous
M - Metabolic, mechanical
N - Neoplastic tumor
I - inflammatory, infectious, immune mediated, idiopathic, ischemic
T - toxic, trauma, tumor

Question 2

Discuss the important questions to ask with toxin exposures

Answer 2

1) is the patient stable?
2) any current or past medical concerns and medications
3) Patient signalment: species, breed, age, sex, reproductive status, and weight
4) what is the expected toxin and route of exposure?
5) what is the suspected exposure dose?
6) how long ago did this occur?
7) where did the exposure occur?
8) other factors involved?

Question 3

Describe what a confirmed topological diagnosis rests upon

Answer 3

1) signalment, history, and circumstances of exposure
2) clinical signs
3) specific evidence of pathophysiological derangement - clinical tests
4) gross and histologic lesions: ultimate diagnostic test —> necropsy; know that both the ABSENCE & PRESENCE of both gross and histological lesions CAN BE IMPORTANT
5) Detection of toxicant in animal tissues or environment

Question 4

Discuss the 6 goals of maintenance in an acutely poisoned animal (details for each goal are missing on this flash card)

Answer 4

1) maintenance of respiration
2) maintenance of cardiovascular function
3) Control CNS stimulation (convulsions, seizures, muscle fasiculations, aggressiveness, agitation)
4) Control CNS and respiratory depression
5) control body temperature —> identifying underlying cause and correct

Question 5

Discuss the 6 goals of emergency stabilization and or life support (briefly)

Answer 5

1) assess and maintain adequate respiration
2) assess and maintain adequate cardiovascular function
3) control CNS stimulation
4) control CNS/Respiratory depression
5) control temperatures
6) idk it’s missing

Question 6

Discuss the first goal of emergency stabilization and or life support in detail

Answer 6

1) assess and maintain adequate respiration: respiratory rate, depth, pattern, and noises

• patent airway: endotracheal tube, tracheotomy; evaluate by direct examination; O2, gag cough reflex, protect their airway/positoning
• adequate ventilation - complications include 1) ventilators failure 2) hypoxia 3) bronchospams

Question 7

Discuss the second goal of emergency stabilization and or life support (in detail) - also discuss the subjective and objective parameters for hydration status

Answer 7

• determine 4 step fluid/resuscitation plan -> idk
• many ways to assess the CV function and hydration status

Subjective parameters = skin tenting, mucous membranes
Objective parameters = Pulse rate, pulse quality, pulse rythm