Ate something poisonous or Ate a toxin (ingested a toxin)- or, your pet may have had something in their mouth and no one can truly be she if they swallowed it or hid it somewhere. Please do not “wait and see”

What we will do

  • Gather Historical Data: It is important to know how long ago the toxin was ingested and if the patient is already exhibiting any symptoms. Sometimes it is necessary to consult with a veterinary pharmacologist, such as Poison Control if it is a less common toxin.
  • Gather Current Data: We will perform a thorough physical examination. Baseline blood work is necessary so we have something to compare to as symptoms change. Some blood values (such as electrolytes, liver enzymes, kidney values, and red blood cell counts) can change in hours and at times need to be closely monitored. Bloodwork is run on site.
  • Treatment: Medical management. Vomiting can sometimes be helpful if the ingestion was recent and the patient is alert or without symptoms. Vomiting only empties 2/3 of the stomach, so if the patient ate a lot of toxins, then the remaining 1/3 of a lot is still A LOT and further treatment will be necessary. Many patients require several doses of a decontaminant, such as activated charcoal, along with hospitalization while receiving intravenous fluids through an IV pump. Patients that are more critical (due to concerns for seizures, rapid changes in temperature, heart rate blood pressure or level of consciousness) are monitored closely until symptoms resolve.
  • For critical cases, we can have a consultation with Internal Medicine.

Common toxins that we treat