Here is a primer for first responders with little to no training in emergency care of working dogs and veterinarians who have very little training on recognition of the clinical signs of many of the toxic agents to which working dogs are exposed (*e.g., the Beagle Brigade). With the increase in working dogs in the field it is imperative that we provide them with a similar level of protection as their human partners.
Toxic syndromes, called toxidromes, are a group of clinical signs that are characteristic of a specific class of toxin. Focusing on a class of agents rather than on each individual toxin allows for rapid identification of common clinical signs associated with that particular class of toxin. Ideally an antidote or treatment will be identified and administered quickly using this identification scheme.
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, July 2022. Link. Identification of toxidromes with canine specific clinical signs as well as antidote dosages and supportive care are likely to become an essential tool for veterinarians and first responders.
INSIGHTS: This article needs to be liberally shared in veterinary practices and colleague groups. We recommend teams review it together and keep it in printed form for easy access in veterinary practice locations.
*Also see: The ‘Beagle Brigade’ receives industry-wide support in protection of U.S. agriculture, Drovers, July 20, 2022. Link. Over 116 agricultural canine teams provide screening at border crossings, airports, cruise terminals, cargo warehouses and mail facilities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.
Industry groups . . . have submitted a letter to U.S. Congress leaders in favor of passing the Beagle Brigade Act of 2022 (S. 3678/H.R. 8432), congressionally authorizing and funding the National Detector Dog Training Center.