Small Animal Exam 3

What is the primary goal in managing a toxicologic emergency?

To assess and stabilize the patient.

What techniques are used for decontamination in ocular exposure?

Flush eyes with tepid water or saline for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes.

What is the recommended action for dermal exposure to toxins?

Bathed in mild liquid dishwashing detergent while monitoring for hypothermia.

What should be done in cases of oral ingestion of corrosive substances?

Dilution with milk or water is recommended.

When is emesis contraindicated?

In cases of caustic toxin ingestion or in animals at risk of aspiration.

What is the role of activated charcoal in toxin management?

It acts as an adsorbent that can bind to certain toxins when administered orally.

What is the purpose of the ASPCA animal poison control center?

To provide telephone triage and treatment advice for owners and veterinarians.

What is the fee for using the ASPCA animal poison control center as of November 2026?

$110.

What is the Pet Poison Helpline?

A telephone service providing assessment and treatment advice for pet poisonings.

What is the fee for the Pet Poison Helpline as of November 2026?

$89.

What are the key components to assess in a patient with potential toxicosis?

Respiratory rate, capillary refill time, mucous membrane color, heart rate, and core body temperature.

What should be considered when managing poison emergencies?

Current clinical status, exposure details, animal's health history, and any treatments already attempted.

What types of hydrocarbons are considered petroleum distillates?

Diesel fuel, gasoline, lighter fluid, mineral spirits, kerosene, and lubricating oils.

What are some examples of chlorinated hydrocarbons?

Chloroform and certain insecticides.

What is the recommended dose of hydrogen peroxide for inducing vomiting in dogs?

1 ml/lb up to 45 ml, can repeat once in 15 minutes if no vomiting occurs.

What is the use of apomorphine in toxin management?

It is used to induce vomiting in dogs.

What should be monitored when administering activated charcoal?

Monitor for hypernatremia if using repeat doses.

What is the significance of timing in toxin management?

Timing is crucial for effective treatment, especially for emesis and activated charcoal administration.

What are some common household items that can be toxic?

Household cleaning agents, dangerous food items, and miscellaneous household items.

What clinical signs are expected with toxicosis?

Signs vary by toxin but may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures.

What should be done for animals exposed to toxic plants?

Identify the toxic component and describe clinical signs and decontamination techniques.

What are some examples of drugs of abuse that can be toxic?

Marijuana, cocaine, ethanol, and methamphetamine.

What is the importance of knowing the animal's weight in poison emergencies?

It helps determine appropriate dosages for treatments.

What is the first step in assessing a potential toxicosis case?

Assess the present condition of the patient.

What should be avoided when dealing with sticky substances in decontamination?

The use of chemical solvents should be avoided.

What is the recommended action if the toxin is caustic?

Do not induce vomiting.

What is the purpose of cathartics in toxicant elimination?

To decrease GI transit time and enhance elimination of activated charcoal and adsorbed toxicants.

What method is used to eliminate toxicants from the lower GI tract?

Enemas using plain or soapy water.

What is gastric lavage?

A method of gently pumping the stomach contents out of the animal, requiring anesthesia and intubation.

When should gastric lavage not be performed?

In cases of caustic or petroleum distillate ingestion.

What is enterogastric lavage?

A procedure to eliminate large pieces of fecal matter from the colon by connecting an enema tube to a water source.

What role does a technician play during decontamination?

They evaluate vital signs and parameters affected by the toxicant and provide supportive care.

What are tremorgenic mycotoxins?

Toxins produced by molds that can cause muscle tremors, ataxia, and convulsions.

What are the clinical signs of chocolate toxicity in dogs?

Lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, increased heart rate, seizures, and potentially death.

At what dose of chocolate can GI signs be expected in dogs?

Possible to see signs at any dose, more common over 20 mg/kg.

What is the LD50 of methylxanthine in chocolate for dogs?

100-200 mg/kg.

What are the clinical signs of onion poisoning in cats?

Hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, vomiting, weakness, and pallor.

What is the toxic principle of macadamia nuts in dogs?

Unknown, but causes weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia, tremors, and hyperthermia.

What can raw bread dough with yeast cause in dogs?

Ethanol and CO2 production leading to intoxication and bloating.

What is the risk associated with grapes and raisins in dogs?

Can cause kidney failure; mechanism is unknown.

What does xylitol cause in dogs?

Severe hypoglycemia due to insulin release and possible liver failure.

What are common household acids that can cause chemical burns?

Toilet bowl cleaners, drain openers, metal cleaners, and auto battery fluid.

What should not be done with household acids during poisoning?

No emesis should be performed; instead, oral dilution with water or milk is recommended.

What are common sources of alkalis that can cause burns?

Drain openers, oven cleaners, and household cleaners.

What is the effect of zinc poisoning in animals?

Causes damage to red blood cells leading to hemolysis and anemia.

What are the clinical signs of nicotine poisoning?

Agitation, tachycardia, vomiting, tremors, followed by depression and possible death.

What should be done if a dog ingests intact batteries?

Induction of emesis is possible unless the battery is punctured, which can cause esophageal burns.

What are the signs of glow-in-the-dark product ingestion?

Drooling or foaming at the mouth due to dibutyl phthalate.

What is the primary concern with silica gel packets?

Risk for obstruction depending on size.

What is the treatment for suspected mycotoxin exposure?

Minimizing absorption through decontamination procedures such as emesis, lavage, and charcoal.

What is the recommended treatment for chocolate ingestion in dogs?

Early treatment including decontamination procedures and supportive care.

What is the significance of the 3-7 day delay in clinical signs for onion poisoning?

Clinical signs develop after exposure, indicating the need for monitoring.

What are the clinical signs of ingestion of Rhododendron species?

Can lead to cardiovascular dysfunction.

What type of toxins do cardiac glycoside-containing plants produce?

All parts of the plant are toxic, leading to symptoms like vomiting and cardiac arrhythmias.

Name three plants that contain cardiac glycosides.

Lily of the Valley, Foxglove, Oleander.

What is the risk associated with castor beans?

Contains ricin, which can cause multi-organ failure.

What is the primary toxin in cycad palms (Sago palms)?

Cycasin, which can lead to liver failure and death.

What is the consequence of lily ingestion in cats?

Can cause acute renal failure and death.

What treatment is effective for lily-induced kidney failure in cats?

Early decontamination with emesis and charcoal, combined with IV fluid therapy.

What are the effects of insoluble calcium oxalate-containing plants?

Can cause painful oral irritation and edema.

What symptoms are associated with methomyl ingestion?

Salivation, lacrimation, urinary incontinence, diarrhea, dyspnea, brady/tachycardia, seizures.

What is the mechanism of action of anticoagulant rodenticides?

They halt the recycling of vitamin K.

What clinical signs are associated with cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) rodenticides?

Hypercalcemia, kidney failure, and soft tissue mineralization.

What are the effects of ethylene glycol ingestion?

Acute renal failure, vomiting, depression, ataxia, and metabolic acidosis.

What is the primary danger of methanol?

Can cause metabolic acidosis and seizures.

What are the effects of acetaminophen toxicity in cats?

Can cause methemoglobinemia and liver damage.

What are the symptoms of aspirin overdose?

Depression, vomiting, stomach ulcers, hyperthermia, acidosis, liver injury.

What are the effects of isoniazid overdose?

Seizures, acidosis, and coma.

What are the clinical signs of 5-Fluorouracil toxicity in dogs?

Generalized grand mal seizures, tremors, vomiting, and ataxia.

What are the symptoms of marijuana toxicity in dogs?

Onset of clinical signs occurs 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion.

What are the signs of cocaine toxicity in dogs?

Serotonin syndrome, lethargy, CNS excitement, hyperactivity, and seizures.

What are the symptoms of ethanol toxicity?

Vomiting, ataxia, CNS depression, hypotension, and coma.

What treatment is used for heroin toxicity?

Decontamination and administration of Naloxone.

What does capnography measure?

Capnography measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (EtCO2) in exhaled air.

What is hypovolemia?

Hypovolemia is a condition of decreased blood volume, which can lead to shock.

What is the normal pH range for blood?

The normal pH range for blood is 7.35 to 7.45, with 7.4 being the average.

What does tachycardia refer to?

Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

What is the purpose of pulse oximetry?

Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood.

What are the stages of shock?

The stages of shock are early (depressed/anxious, tachycardia), progressive (altered mentation, hypotension), and terminal (massive vasodilation, cardiac arrest).

What is SIRS?

SIRS stands for systemic inflammatory response syndrome, a systemic response to infection or injury.

What is the main complication of shock?

The main complications of shock include SIRS, sepsis, DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation), and MODS (multiorgan dysfunction syndrome).

What does DIC stand for?

DIC stands for disseminated intravascular coagulation, a condition that disrupts normal clotting mechanisms.

What is the normal range for blood pressure in adults?

Normal blood pressure is typically 100-140 systolic and 60-80 diastolic.

What is the function of an ambu bag?

An ambu bag is used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing adequately.

What is the primary treatment for urethral obstruction in cats?

The primary treatment for urethral obstruction in cats is urethral catheterization to relieve the blockage.

What are common causes of SIRS?

Common causes of SIRS include trauma, surgery, shock, pancreatitis, heat stroke, and infection.

What is the difference between respiratory arrest and cardiopulmonary arrest?

Respiratory arrest is the cessation of breathing, while cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) includes the cessation of both breathing and heart function.

What is the goal of CPR?

The goal of CPR is to restore circulation and breathing in a patient experiencing cardiac arrest.

What does POCUS stand for?

POCUS stands for Point-of-Care Ultrasound, used for rapid assessment in emergencies.

What is the significance of PaCO2 in blood gas analysis?

PaCO2 assesses ventilation status; elevated levels indicate hypoventilation.

What is the recommended compression rate for CPR in small dogs?

The recommended compression rate for CPR in small dogs is 120-130 compressions per minute.

What is the primary indication for using oxygen supplementation?

Oxygen supplementation is indicated for patients with hypoxemia or respiratory distress.

What is the purpose of a crash cart?

A crash cart is equipped with emergency medications and supplies for rapid response to life-threatening situations.

What are the three main arrest rhythms in advanced life support?

The three main arrest rhythms are asystole, pulseless electrical activity (PEA), and ventricular fibrillation.

What is the role of fluid therapy in emergency care?

Fluid therapy is used to restore blood volume and improve circulation in hypovolemic patients.

What does the term 'hypoxemia' refer to?

Hypoxemia refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood.

What is the function of the laryngoscope in emergency care?

The laryngoscope is used to visualize the airway for intubation during resuscitation.

What is the purpose of pain control in emergency care?

Pain control is essential to stabilize the patient and improve their comfort during treatment.

What is the period of neonatology for puppies and kittens?

The first 2 to 4 weeks of a puppy or kitten's life.

What do neonates depend on for nutrition and care?

They depend fully on their mothers.