THE POISON CENTER AS A RESERVOIR FOR ANTIDOTES FOR VETERINARY POISONING EMERGENCIES

Animal poisonings account for a significant number of the cases respon ded to by poison centers. The majority of consultations involve small animals and do not necessitate the use of large amounts of pharmacolog ic antagonists, such as atropine to treat anticholinesterase pesticide poisonings. However, large animals such as cattle present unique mana gement problems, since phenomenal amounts of antidotes may be needed t o treat a herd of cattle, creating a significant economic impact. The most challenging dilemma is providing 24-h availability and a means of acquisition of sufficient quantities of antidotes to reduce the econo mic impact of large-animal poisonings. In conjunction with a state vet erinary medical association, a RPIC serves as a depot for the storage and distribution of emergency veterinary antidotes. Sufficient quantit ies of atropine, methylene blue, calcium EDTA, sodium nitrite and thio sulfate, and activated charcoal are available via the RPIC to treat a herd of 200 cattle. The antidotes are available only for emergency tre atment and with a veterinary prescription. The 24-h nature of the pois on center makes it an ideal location to serve the needs of veterinaria ns.