Page 260 - ATP-P 11th Ed

K9 RDX (C-4) INGESTION PROTOCOL

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Very small (pea-sized) amounts of C4/RDX can be extremely toxic or lethal in dogs.
2. RDX is released from C4 slowly so clinical signs may not appear for 4–6 hours
following ingestion.
SECTION 2 Signs and Symptoms
1. Tonic – clonic convulsions
2. Coma
3. Lethargy
4. Confusion
5. Muscle spasms
6. Nausea/vomiting
7. Abdominal tenderness
8. Cardiac arrhythmias
Treatment
1. If recognized immediately after ingestion, induce vomiting (prior to the occurrence of
clinical signs) with one of the following:
a. Morphine: 10–30mg given IM or IV
b. Hydrogen peroxide: 30mL orally. Repeat dose in 15 minutes if patient does not
vomit. Be aware of possible oxidative concerns with this depending on training aid
ingested.
c. Apomorphine (Apokyn ) Place 0.25mg tablet in the conjunctival sac. Once pa-
®
tient vomits, remove any tablet that is left and flush eye with large amounts of saline.
2. Control seizures with one of the following:
a. Diazepam (Valium ): 15–30mg IV or per rectum bolus for a standard 30kg
®
dog (dose is 0.51mg/kg). Repeat as necessary to a maximum of 3 doses over 5–10
minute intervals.
b. OR midazolam: Give 0.3mg/kg IV for a maximum of 2–3 doses over 5–10
minute intervals.
3. Ipecac syrup is contraindicated in the treatment of K9 toxic ingestion.
4. If you have time during evacuation, initiate IV fluids.

Disposition
Urgent evacuation to veterinarian immediately for follow up or supportive care.

250 SECTION 2 TACTICAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS (TMEPs) ATP-P Handbook 11th Edition 251