ReadyRESCUE™ vs. Toxiban: Why Every Veterinarian Should Make the Switch

As veterinarians, we are constantly seeking better ways to protect our patients from harm. One of the most urgent situations we face is intoxication—when a pet ingests something toxic, immediate intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Traditionally, activated charcoal (Toxiban) has been the go-to treatment in veterinary hospitals for toxin decontamination. However, a new, superior option is now available: ReadyRESCUE™.

Not only is ReadyRESCUE™ more effective and practical for in-hospital use, but it is also a game-changer for pet owners at home. Progressive veterinary hospitals are ensuring their clients have ReadyRESCUE™ in their pet medicine cabinet—just like a "fire extinguisher under the sink"—to initiate immediate decontamination before veterinary intervention- to make veterinary intervention more effective. Let’s explore why ReadyRESCUE™ should be your first choice over traditional activated charcoal.

Why ReadyRESCUE™ Is the Superior Choice for Veterinary Hospitals

1. Faster and More Effective Absorption with Early Treatment

Research supports that time is critical when treating toxin ingestion. The faster activated charcoal is administered, the more effectively it binds toxins and prevents absorption into the bloodstream. Studies show that within one hour post-ingestion, treatment efficacy drops by nearly two-thirds (Abdallah Tye et al., 1967).

ReadyRESCUE™ is an advanced form of activated charcoal that is more concentrated and efficiently binds toxins, ensuring higher absorption than Toxiban. Unlike emesis induction, which can recover as little as 31-54% of an ingested toxin (Corby et al., 1968), activated charcoal can prevent 50-78% of toxin absorption (Tenenbein et al., 1987). The result? Better clinical outcomes, with fewer complications, faster.

2. Practical and Clean Administration (your techs will love you)

Let’s face it—Toxiban is messy, thick, and difficult to administer. ReadyRESCUE™, on the other hand, is designed for clean, easy delivery, reducing stress on both veterinarians and pet owners. The higher density formulation means a smaller volume is required, making administration more efficient and less traumatic for patients.

3. No Cathartics = No Electrolyte Disturbances

A major drawback of traditional activated charcoal formulations like Toxiban is the inclusion of cathartics, which can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and GI distress. ReadyRESCUE™ is formulated without cathartics, making it safer for a broader range of patients, including those with underlying conditions where electrolyte disturbances could be detrimental.

Why Every Pet Owner Should Have ReadyRESCUE™ at Home

Veterinary hospitals should not only be using ReadyRESCUE™ in-clinic but also ensuring that pet owners have it readily available at home. Here’s why:

1. Immediate Administration = Better Outcomes

Research consistently shows that the sooner activated charcoal is given, the better the outcome. One study found that when activated charcoal was administered within 30 minutes of toxin ingestion, it significantly reduced absorption of the toxin, whereas waiting 90-120 minutes led to absorption rates as high as 78% (Bond et al., 1989). Pet owners are the first responders in an intoxication emergency, and ReadyRESCUE™ bridges the critical time gap before they reach the hospital.

2. Easy for Owners to Use

Toxiban is not practical for at-home use due to its thick consistency and difficult administration. ReadyRESCUE™ is designed with pet owners in mind, ensuring easy and clean dosing. A frantic pet owner should not have to struggle with a messy, uncooperative treatment when every second counts.

3. Safe to Administer Without Definitive Diagnosis

One of the biggest concerns in toxin ingestion cases is whether immediate treatment will cause harm if intoxication is uncertain. Studies have confirmed that pre-hospitalization administration of activated charcoal is safe in humans (Villarreal et al., 2014). Furthermore, ReadyRESCUE™ is Safe when given preemptively, even if a toxin is not ingested.

A New Way to Combat an Old Problem

Pet poisonings happen every day. Owners try to be careful, but accidents occur, ALWAYS—dogs eat chocolate, cats nibble on lilies, and households contain medications and chemicals that can be deadly to pets. As veterinarians, we must be proactive rather than reactive.

By using ReadyRESCUE™ in the hospital and ensuring that every pet owner has it at home, we can set a new gold standard in poisoning management. This is not about replacing veterinary care—it’s about making treatment more effective, more immediate, and ultimately, more lifesaving. Because at the end of the day, saving lives is what it is about.

Veterinarians who embrace innovation and prioritize practical, evidence-based solutions are leading the way in modern veterinary medicine. ReadyRESCUE™ is the future of toxin treatment, and it’s time for all of us to ensure that every pet has access to this essential, life-saving product.

Take Action Today

• Stock ReadyRESCUE™ in your hospital for superior in-clinic intoxication management.

• Educate pet owners on the importance of having ReadyRESCUE™ at home (and provide it in hospital for them to purchase).

• Promote ReadyRESCUE™ as part of routine pet safety discussions, just like flea prevention or vaccinations.

Because when a pet eats something they shouldn’t, every second matters. Let’s give them the best chance possible.

ReadyRESCUE™: A smarter, safer way to fight pet intoxications.

 

Submitted by Dr. Cuddles