Toxins

Toxins

1. Topical poisons

   • Remove from source
   • Separate from other animals/ children
   • Elizabethan collar
   • Clip hair
   • Copious amounts of water
   • Degreasing agent: swarfega
   • Never neutralize acids with alkalis etc

2. GI Decontamination

   • Emesis
     • ineffective after 2-3 hours
     • Should not be done if substance is corrosive, caustic, petroleum based or volatile
     • Not in rabbits, rodents, ruminants, horses etc.
     • Salt, mustard, Soda crystals
   • Gastric Lavage
     • Animal under GA
     • Large bore cuffed stomach tube, 10ml/kg of water 10-20 times until fluid returns clear
     • Head down to drain fluid. Won't work of substance too large.
   • Absorbents
     • Slurry
       • Not in severely dehydrated animals.
     • Activated Charcoal 1-4g/kg
       • Slows G.I. transit time
       • every 4-6 hours then 24-48 hours

3. Ocular decontamination

   • Flush with 0.6% Saline solution for 10-15minutes
   • Washing crystals?
   • Check surface of eye with flourescene for ulcers/ damage
   • Dipstick on surface to check PH?