VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

INTRODUCTION

• Basic approach in the treatment of poisoning is to treat the animal and not the poison.
• On initial presentation of poisoning case, adequate vital physiological functions must be ensured immediately.
• Antidotal measures are useless if the animal has lost one or all of the vital functions.
• For stabilization of vital functions, ensure that airways are open and if necessary ventilate animal.
• Prevent aspiration of vomitus by keeping head lower than body.

• Treatment is based on the following principles.
  • Removal of the source of the poison and preventing further exposure
  • Delaying further absorption
  • Hastening elimination of the absorbed poison
  • Providing supportive therapy
  • Use of specific antidotes