Approach to Toxicologic Emergencies

Abstract

Equine toxicologic emergencies are relatively uncommon but can cause significant morbidity and mortality in a group of comanaged horses. The field veterinarian's role is to triage the situation, as well as the individual animal. Individual patient stabilization should focus on support of essential organ functions, providing time for treatments to have an effect or for elimination of the toxicant. Decontamination procedures can follow patient stabilization, if appropriate. Antidotes are often not available or feasible for equine intoxications. The field veterinarian should emphasize triage and stabilization before referral and on-site identification and collection of diagnostic samples to support the diagnosis.

Keywords: Activated charcoal; Antidotes; Decontamination; Toxicant.