NHS - Veterinary Poisons Information Service

The service

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is an internationally renowned poisons information service, advising on the management of approximately 25,000 cases each year.

The service was officially launched in 1992 and has since assisted with over 150,000 cases. We provide 24-hour telephone advice for veterinary professionals on the diagnosis and management of poisoned animals. In addition to operating our telephone advice line we also; publish reviews and reports using data collected from poisons enquiries in scientific journals and magazines, perform toxicosurveillance (monitoring trends in poisoning) and teach at various universities and veterinary colleges.

The VPIS is a division of the Medical Toxicology Information Services (MTIS), part of Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust based in London. The MTIS (formerly known as Guy’s Poisons Unit) was established in 1963.

The VPIS is a subscription based service and does not take enquiries from members of the public or pet owners, who are encouraged to call their local veterinary practice for advice.

The team

Enquiries are answered by a multidisciplinary team of Information Scientists with qualifications that include Toxicology, Zoology, Biology, Chemistry, Botany, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences. All Information scientists have a minimum of 5 years’ experience, with many having worked for the service since it was officially launched in 1992.

Telephone Advice

Each VPIS enquiry includes case specific recommendations such as:

Information on expected clinical effects
Suggested treatment protocols
Possible prognosis

Although the majority of enquiries concern dogs and cats, we also answer enquiries regarding livestock and exotics.

Information sources used

To answer each enquiry a wide array of sources are used. Our current arsenal of information includes:

Over 550 animal specific index sheets (a VPIS composed document summarising information on toxicity, expected clinical effects, treatment guidelines etc).
Over 3500 animals specific journal articles.
The VPIS database (the largest animal specific case database in Europe, holding over 150,000 past cases of poisoned or potentially poisoned animals).
A large library of toxicology text books.
Prodrep - A VPIS maintained database holding over 100,000 product datasheets.

Research

Information collected at the time of each enquiry, and from follow up data (clinical effects, treatment regimens carried out etc) is used to refine and improve VPIS recommendations and advice.

The information collected from case data are also used to produce publications in scientific journals, newsletters, annual reports and magazine articles to raise awareness and increase the scientific literature.

Toxicosurveillance

By monitoring trends in poisoning we are able to identify:
• Potentially contaminated medicinal products/ pet foods
• New or newly formulated products which may pose a risk to pets
• Previously unidentified poisons
• Geographical trends in poisoning
• Spates of malicious poisoning

Education

We regularly lecture to undergraduate and postgraduates of several UK veterinary colleges and universities. In the past we have provided some CPD (Continued Professional Development) training for veterinarians and veterinary nurses already in practice, and could do so if requested.

We have collaborations with many other veterinary associations and animal welfare groups, and have produced several leaflets and other publications to increase awareness amongst pet owners and veterinarians.

Poisons advice 24 hours a day For poisons advice please call 020 7188 0200 For non urgent admin enquiries please email vpis@gstt.nhs.uk The VPIS is a subscription service for veterinary professionals only. Pet owners should contact their local veterinarian. Don't have a vet? Click here to find your local veterinary practice.	The VPIS
	The service The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is an internationally renowned poisons information service, advising on the management of approximately 25,000 cases each year. The service was officially launched in 1992 and has since assisted with over 150,000 cases. We provide 24-hour telephone advice for veterinary professionals on the diagnosis and management of poisoned animals. In addition to operating our telephone advice line we also; publish reviews and reports using data collected from poisons enquiries in scientific journals and magazines, perform toxicosurveillance (monitoring trends in poisoning) and teach at various universities and veterinary colleges. The VPIS is a division of the Medical Toxicology Information Services (MTIS), part of Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust based in London. The MTIS (formerly known as Guy’s Poisons Unit) was established in 1963. The VPIS is a subscription based service and does not take enquiries from members of the public or pet owners, who are encouraged to call their local veterinary practice for advice. The team Enquiries are answered by a multidisciplinary team of Information Scientists with qualifications that include Toxicology, Zoology, Biology, Chemistry, Botany, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences. All Information scientists have a minimum of 5 years’ experience, with many having worked for the service since it was officially launched in 1992. Telephone Advice Each VPIS enquiry includes case specific recommendations such as: Information on expected clinical effects Suggested treatment protocols Possible prognosis Although the majority of enquiries concern dogs and cats, we also answer enquiries regarding livestock and exotics. Information sources used To answer each enquiry a wide array of sources are used. Our current arsenal of information includes: Over 550 animal specific index sheets (a VPIS composed document summarising information on toxicity, expected clinical effects, treatment guidelines etc). Over 3500 animals specific journal articles. The VPIS database (the largest animal specific case database in Europe, holding over 150,000 past cases of poisoned or potentially poisoned animals). A large library of toxicology text books. Prodrep - A VPIS maintained database holding over 100,000 product datasheets. Research Information collected at the time of each enquiry, and from follow up data (clinical effects, treatment regimens carried out etc) is used to refine and improve VPIS recommendations and advice. The information collected from case data are also used to produce publications in scientific journals, newsletters, annual reports and magazine articles to raise awareness and increase the scientific literature. Toxicosurveillance By monitoring trends in poisoning we are able to identify: • Potentially contaminated medicinal products/ pet foods • New or newly formulated products which may pose a risk to pets • Previously unidentified poisons • Geographical trends in poisoning • Spates of malicious poisoning Education We regularly lecture to undergraduate and postgraduates of several UK veterinary colleges and universities. In the past we have provided some CPD (Continued Professional Development) training for veterinarians and veterinary nurses already in practice, and could do so if requested. We have collaborations with many other veterinary associations and animal welfare groups, and have produced several leaflets and other publications to increase awareness amongst pet owners and veterinarians.

020 7188 0200