ABSTRACT
TOXICOLOGY is derived from the Latin word toxicon, meaning poison. In small animal veterinary clinical practice, toxicology cases will often present as medical emergencies. The diagnosis and medical treatment are often fairly routine when the history provides the knowledge of exposure, but when that information is unavailable, the diagnosis will pose a definite challenge to the clinician. This is why the recognition of the characteristic signs of certain toxins is essential for making a timely and often life-saving diagnosis. The images that follow are all from true life cases representing the more common clinical toxicologic disorders. The clinician should also remember the antidotes for the various toxins and have them readily available in the hospital or close-by, where access can be expedient.
