Approach to Toxicologic Emergencies.

This research article discusses toxicological emergencies in horses, stressing the critical role of field veterinarians in managing these situations, focusing on patient stabilization and the importance of prioritizing triage before any further procedures or referrals.

Overview of Toxicologic Emergencies in Horses

• Despite not being frequent, toxicologic emergencies in horses can cause serious health issues and even result in death. Such emergencies typically occur in groups of horses co-managed in a single location, implying a shared source of the toxin.
• The field veterinarian plays a critical role in handling these emergencies, requiring them to perform triage, assess the severity of the situation and prioritize the animals that need immediate attention.

Role of Stabilization and Decontamination

• The first steps in managing toxicologic emergencies involve stabilization of the individual horse. This requires supporting the essential organ functions, creating time for treatments to take effect or for the elimination of the toxic agent naturally through the horse’s body systems.
• Once the individual patient is stabilized, decontamination procedures can be performed if appropriate. These procedures aim to remove or neutralize the remaining toxic agent within the body.

Use of Antidotes and Referrals

• Although antidotes can be effective in managing intoxications, they are often not available or practical in the context of equine toxicologic emergencies. This limitation emphasizes the importance of early detection and immediate response to control and manage these emergencies effectively.
• The field veterinarian’s role doesn’t stop at on-site treatment and procedures. It also includes deciding on a timely referral to a specialist, based on the triage and condition of the horse.

Importance of Diagnosis and Sample Collection

• Effective handling of these emergencies also requires accurate identification of the toxic agent. The field veterinarian is responsible for collecting the necessary diagnostic samples to support the diagnosis and inform an appropriate treatment strategy.