logoPET OWNER VERSION

Diagnosis of Poisoning

BySteve M. Ensley, DVM, PhD
Reviewed/Revised Oct 2020

Diagnosis of poisoning is based on history, signs, tissue changes, and laboratory examinations. Giving your veterinarian a complete history is important to help him or her make an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment. You should have the following information available: 1) sex, age, weight, and number of exposed or sick animals; 2) a list of signs of illness in the order they appeared; 3) any prior disease conditions; 4) any medications the animal is receiving; 5) possible related events, for example, change in diet or water source, other medications, feed additives, or pesticide applications; 6) description of the environment, including access to garbage, machinery, or vehicles; and 7) recent past locations and when a geographic move happened (if applicable).

For More Information

quizzes_lightbulb_red
Test your Knowledge nowTake a Quiz!
Download the free Merck Vet Manual App iOS ANDROID
Download the free Merck Vet Manual App iOS ANDROID
Download the free Merck Vet Manual App iOS ANDROID