Reference

Toxicity Triage Quick Guide

Use this fast framework for first-pass urgency assessment while preparing your full diagnostic and decontamination plan.

Back to Reference

Is This an Emergency?

Known or suspected toxin exposure within the last 6 hours?

Species: Dog

Red flags: Tremors, tachycardia, seizures

Urgent threshold: Dark/baking chocolate or symptomatic patient

Initial actions: Emesis if appropriate, charcoal, ECG monitoring

Species: Dog

Red flags: Hypoglycemia within 30-60 min, acute liver injury

Urgent threshold: Any known ingestion

Initial actions: Blood glucose checks, dextrose support, LFT monitoring

Species: Cat

Red flags: Vomiting, depression, rising creatinine within 12-24 hr

Urgent threshold: Any true lily exposure

Initial actions: Immediate decontamination, aggressive IV fluids, renal panel

Species: Dog

Red flags: Vomiting, lethargy, azotemia

Urgent threshold: Unknown dose or symptomatic

Initial actions: Emesis/charcoal early, 48-hour renal monitoring

Species: Dog/Cat

Red flags: GI bleeding, AKI, neurologic signs at high doses

Urgent threshold: Any cat exposure or moderate/high dog ingestion

Initial actions: Decontamination, GI protectants, renal perfusion support

Emergency pathways here are educational and not a substitute for poison control or direct veterinary supervision.