Exposure-to-treatment interval and clinical severity in canine poisoning: a retrospective analysis at a Portland Veterinary Emergency Center.

摘要

A total of 416 cases of dogs requiring emergency treatment for poisoning in Portland, Oregon, USA, between July 2003 and July 2004 were analysed. Average age of the dogs was 0.15-13 years, with no age, breed and sex effects on the predisposition and frequency of poisoning. Overall average estimated exposure-to-treatment interval (ETI) was 7.44+or-12.64 h and was not significantly affected by the toxin/toxicant nor the clinical severity score. The majority of cases presented with no to mild clinical signs. The most common cases of poisoning requiring emergency treatment were due to rodenticides (25.7%), chocolate (25.5%), metaldehyde (10.6%) and non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (10.4%). The main method of clinical diagnosis was the case history combined with clinical signs at presentation. Average cost of treatment was US$73.00-2072.38 and was not affected by the type of toxicant. Based on these findings, the minimum ETI in these cases is too long for effective upper gastrointestinal decontamination..