From Disaster to Decontamination: Common Toxicities and Advanced Elimination Strategies

Course overview

This lecture reviews a practical, stepwise approach to the toxic veterinary patient, from initial exposure and triage through decontamination and advanced elimination strategies. Participants will discuss common intoxications encountered in small animal practice, including risk assessment, stabilization, gastrointestinal decontamination, antidote use, and supportive care. The session will also introduce advanced extracorporeal toxin removal techniques including carbon hemoperfusion, hemodialysis, and therapeutic plasma exchange, with emphasis on identifying appropriate candidates and understanding when referral is indicated. Attendees will leave with a structured framework for managing toxicity and making informed decisions about advanced toxin elimination.