Diagnostic toxicology for the food animal practitioner

In most competent veterinary diagnostic laboratories, analytic findings are interpreted by a veterinary toxicologist to determine the significance of the finding in light of historical, clinical, and pathologic findings. A veterinary toxicologist also provides consultation about possible toxic rule-outs for a case, treatment of affected animals, and prevention of additional cases. Once all of the information is available, a complete summary of the findings can be provided to the client. When the procedures outlined herein are followed, including a systematic approach to collecting all the evidence (historical, clinical, pathologic, and analytic), using proper sampling techniques, and maintaining good communication among the clinician, client, and laboratory, the usefulness of the toxicology investigation is maximized.