From:
katharine@nettally.com
Date: 2001-10-06 08:27:00 UTC
Subject: Re: emergency kit
One thing I forgot to mention in my previous post is that it is
important to know whether your need to induce vomiting
(hydrogen peroxide) or absorb the poison (activated charcoal) in a
poisoning case. I would NOT suggest making this determination on your
own. My first step would be to call Animal Poison Control for their
guidance. Then, if you have the necessary items, they can walk you
through treatment.
For instance, Tansy wrote that she tried to induce vomiting for rat
poisoning. I would have no clue what the proper treatment would be.
Doing the wrong thing could be just as deadly as the poison itself.
This could add additional time if you take the animal to the emergency
vet. They too may need to call APC to find out the correct procedure.
Of course, I would recommend taking the animal in if there is some
reason you can't give treatment at home. My main thing would be to
stabilize the animal. I would still take it to the vet immediately
after emergency treatment was administered.
I know I sound like I know what I'm talking about and what my actual
capabilities are. I actually have, fortunately, not had to deal with
this type of emergency and have no idea whether I would actually be
able to provide the necessary treatment. I do think that, in an
effort to save my animal, I could provide treatment. I would just
fall apart afterward <g>.
Katharine