VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

Supportive Therapy

SUPPORTIVE THERAPHY

• Body temperature
  • Hyperthermia is controlled through the use of ice bags, cold water baths and cold water enemas.
  • In hypothermia, blankets, infrared lamps, heating pads and hot water jars may be considered.
• Respiratory support
  • A patent airway must always be maintained. In severe respiratory depression or apnoea, analeptic drugs and respiratory stimulants should be used.
  • Analeptics such as doxapram are effective.
• Cardiovascular support
  • An adequate circulatory volume, adequate tissue perfusion, correct acid-base balance and adequate cardiac output should be maintained. If hypovolaemia due to fluid loss is present, lactated Ringer solution or plasma volume expanders can be used.
  • Massive doses of corticosteroids can be administered intravenously if adequate tissue perfusion is not available.
  • Intravenous calcium gluconate can be administered for a good non-specific inotropic effect. Digoxin can also be used.
• Central Nervous system
  • Analeptics like doxapram can be used if central nervous system depression is noticed. If CNS hyperactivity is noticed in poisoning, CNS depressants are useful.
  • Avoid phenothiazine tranquilizers (acepromazine, chlorpromazine) to control CNS hyperactivity (seizures) as they can lower seizure threshold.
  • For small animals, to begin with diazepam can be given. If unsuccessful, phenobarbital or pentobarbital can be used.
  • Methocarbamol causes skeletal muscle relaxation and may be useful in controlling seizures.
• Acid-base imbalance, shock and pain
  • Measures should be taken to correct acid-base imbalance, shock and alleviate pain as the case may be.