Toxicologic Emergencies

Toxicologic emergencies are less common in equines than in other domestic species, but when they do occur, they are stressful situations for owners, patients, and practitioners. Cases involving contamination of feed, hay, or water supply can affect a large number of animals in a short time frame. Just as in non-toxicologic emergencies, triage and patient stabilization are foremost concerns in toxic exposures, and initial treatments depend on the individual patient’s status. Once patients are stabilized, the practitioner can consider the treatment steps unique to toxic exposures: decontamination measures and antidotes or specific treatments. Finally, thorough physical examinations, history documentation, and environmental investigations are critical in definitive diagnosis and prevention of future intoxications.