VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

CLINICAL SYMPTOMS

• The first and most common clinical sign in dogs is vomiting, which usually occurs within 2–3 h following ingestion.
• This time is often sufficient to remove enough contaminated food from the gastrointestinal tract to prevent the development of more severe clinical signs.
• However, vomiting can be protracted and leads to fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.
• Diarrhoea often develops within 2–48 h following ingestion of contaminated food and can be severe, sometimes bloody.
• The combination of both vomiting and diarrhoea in affected animal can quickly lead to profound fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.
• The animal may exhibit tenderness to the abdomen or the stomach and intestinal tract can be distended.