Tricks, Treats & Tox Panels: Preparing for Fall Toxicology Cases

Fall is a high-risk time for accidental pet poisonings from a combination of holiday foods, environmental exposures, and wildlife interactions.

Veterinary technicians play a key role in identifying toxic exposures, initiating appropriate diagnostics, and guiding owners when emergency care is needed. This post outlines how and when to initiate toxicology screening, key monitoring protocols post-exposure, and strategies for guiding pet owners toward timely emergency care.

1. When and How to Initiate Tox Screens

Initiate tox panels or supportive diagnostics in the following situations:

• Known ingestion of a high-risk substance (even if asymptomatic)
  
• Unexplained vomiting, tremors, or lethargy with seasonal exposure history
  
• Access to unknown substances (e.g., unsecured Halloween treats, garbage)
  
• Incongruent clinical signs (e.g., bradycardia + elevated BP + neuro signs)

Wildlife-Related Exposure Scenarios

Increased wildlife movement in autumn brings pets into closer contact with:

• Rodents and small mammals (carry parasites, may be poisoned by bait)
  
• Opossums and raccoons (potential hosts for Leptospira, Baylisascaris)
  
• Snakes and toads (e.g., Bufo toads in the Southeast release cardiotoxins)
  
• Scavenged remains of deceased wildlife, often harboring botulinum toxins or bacterial pathogens

2. Monitoring Vitals and Progression Post-Exposure

Vital Parameters to Monitor Closely

• Heart rate and rhythm – Tachycardia or bradycardia can signal cardiotoxic exposure.
  
• Respiratory rate/pattern – Watch for respiratory depression or effort increase.
  
• Neurological status – Tremors, ataxia, seizures can develop hours post-exposure.
  
• Temperature – Some toxins cause hyperthermia or hypothermia.
  
• Blood pressure – Especially important in cholecalciferol and mycotoxin cases.
  
• Urine output – Essential when monitoring renal toxins (grapes/raisins, cholecalciferol, NSAIDs).

3. Helping Owners Understand When ER Care Is Needed

Red Flags That Require Immediate ER Referral

• Seizures or active tremors
  
• Ingestion of known high-risk toxin (e.g., xylitol, rodenticide, mushroom)
  
• Collapse, dyspnea, or extreme lethargy
  
• Inability to induce emesis at home (or inappropriate to attempt)
  
• Delayed symptom onset after possible ingestion (especially mushrooms or cholecalciferol)
  

Client Education Tips

• Always assume ingestion is significant unless proven otherwise.
  
• Provide a list of fall-specific toxins and keep it visible at the front desk or exam room.
  
• Encourage clients to bring product labels, wrappers, or photos of substances ingested.
  
• Reinforce that some toxins (e.g., cholecalciferol, mushrooms) can have delayed but deadly effects.