Page 367 - Veterinary Toxicology, Basic and Clinical Principles, 3rd Edition

334 SECTION | III Nanoparticles, Radiation and Carcinogens

VetBooks.ir Triage and Screening solid, liquid, and aerosolized forms of contamination.
Depending on the nature of the incident, animals may
In human medicine, being irradiated or contaminated with
have also been exposed to chemical and biological
radiation is not generally considered a medical emergency
hazards that are beyond the scope of this chapter
(Rella, 2015). However, animals are much more likely to
(Gwaltney-Brant et al., 2003; Soric et al., 2008).
internally contaminate themselves if triage and external
Prior to decontaminating animals, any collars, halters,
decontamination is delayed. Animal patients will need to
or other items should be removed, labeled, and retained in
be evaluated for burns or injuries following a radiological
a designated location. Documentation of all such items
incident in addition to being screened for radiation
may be critical to reuniting an animal and its owner, even
exposure. Personnel can likely accomplish this wearing
if the items cannot be returned. When possible, radiologic
dosimeters and Level C PPE. Animal recovery and decon-
assessment should occur prior to decontamination.
tamination plans that will require animal handling and
Depending on the type of incident involved, it is probably
contact should incorporate the basic radiation safety
prudent to fully decontaminate all stable animal patients
principles of time, distance, and shielding. Can a team
whether or not radiologic contamination is evident to
approach be used to decrease the total exposure for any
facilitate the removal of other chemical or biological
one individual? Can animals be removed from heavily
hazards that may be present on the animal.
contaminated environments to decrease their exposure but
The most common decontamination method for people
also limit the proximity of personnel to these areas? Can
and animals is using soap and water. Ideally the wash
shielding be practically employed?
water should be uncontaminated. However, using slightly-
When personnel initially encounter animals involved
contaminated water when necessary is preferable to no
in a radiological incident they should be considered
decontamination at all. Washing must be thorough enough
potentially contaminated in one or both of the following
to penetrate through hair or feathers to reach and clean
ways (Berger et al., 1987). First, animals may have had
skin, without producing abrasions or excessive skin irrita-
radioactive particles deposited directly on their skin or on
tion. Eyes, nares, and ears should all be flushed. Skin
the ground around them. Second, animals may ingest
folds, such as those between toes and where limbs meet
radioactive particles from contaminated food, water, or
the torso, may inadvertently trap contamination and will
other environmental sources. The likelihood of both sce-
require additional inspection and cleaning. Fully fleeced
narios may be increased because animals may not be ini-
sheep are more protected from radioactive particles than
tially accessed or evacuated as quickly as people
shorn animals (Berger et al., 1987), so shearing may be a
following a radiological incident. This delay may also
decontamination approach to consider for sheep. Wash
further complicate the ability to accurately estimate
water and other waste generated during animal decontam-
doses received by animals compared to estimates for
ination should be contained as much as possible. Animals
people in the same geographic area, particularly when
determined to be “clean” by the use of a radiation survey
large flocks or herds are involved that make assessment
meter can either be returned to their owners or transferred
of individuals less practical. When dose estimates are
to an animal housing or sheltering facility for continued
not available, the following procedure has been sug-
care.
gested: 80% 100% of animals will survive if no or
Animals with urgent but potentially treatable medical
mild signs are apparent within 21 days of the incident,
problems that are not necessarily directly related to radia-
50% 75% will survive if signs of illness develop on or
tion exposure, such as traumatic injuries, may require
after 14 days postincident, and ,5% will survive if
expedited external decontamination so they can receive
severe signs begin within 10 days of the incident
immediate care. An isolation area will be needed for treat-
(Berger et al., 1987). This may be a useful tool for
ing and at least temporarily housing these animals. After
assessing groups of animals and to direct segregation of
patients are stabilized a more thorough decontamination
animals based on their likelihood of survival.
should take place, followed by a radiologic assessment.
Decontamination Additional Treatments and Monitoring
Ideally, decontamination should occur before transporting A more thorough physical examination and baseline labo-
animals away from the incident scene or receiving area to ratory testing should occur after initial triage and decon-
minimize cross-contamination of vehicles, equipment, tamination. These activities may need to occur in an
facilities, personnel, and other animals. A minimum of isolated environment if there are any concerns about
Level C PPE, consisting of a respirator, chemical-resistant residual external contamination or any internal contami-
clothing and gloves, boots, and eye protection, should be nation, especially for patients that are injured or already
used to protect personnel working with animals from exhibiting clinical signs consistent with ARS. Strategies