Rodenticide poisoning in pets: A serious threat

Anti-coagulant-based rat baits are the most used products. These work by depleting Vitamin K, which is typically stored in the liver and needed for activation of some clotting factors.

As the liver has some storage capacity for Vitamin K, it can take several days for levels to be depleted due to rodenticide ingestion.

Once this vitamin K has run out, there is minimal ability to clot blood and internal bleeding occurs, eventually leading to death.

Anticoagulant rodenticides can be separated into first generation (e.g. warfarin) or second generation products (e.g. bromadiolone), with the latter being more potent.

Secondary exposure through ingestion of rodents affected by anticoagulant rodenticides has been reported, although high amounts would be needed to cause toxicity.

Signs that your animal may have ingested an anticoagulant rodenticide include:

• Pale gums

• Lethargy

• Poor appetite

• Coughing or increased respiratory rate.

• Blood nose

• Blood in stools or urine

If caught early enough (within six hours of eating) a veterinarian can give medication to induce vomiting, and hopefully remove the product before it has been absorbed.

Coagulation blood tests can also be performed if you suspect rodenticide toxicity, and this is typically diagnostic.

In severe cases, animals may need to be admitted to hospital for supportive care such as intravenous fluids and blood transfusions.

Fortunately, anticoagulant rodenticides have an antidote in the form of a Vitamin K supplement.

Depending on the generation of rodenticide eaten, vitamin K therapy for two to four weeks may be needed until normal vitamin K production returns.

Another type of rodenticide used are bromethelin based products.

There is no antidote for these forms of rodenticides, and they are incredibly dangerous to pets.

Bromethelin works by limiting the brain’s ability to utilize oxygen, causing the brain to swell and leading to death.

In dogs and cats, toxicity can occur in two forms. High doses cause seizures and low to medium doses cause paralysis.

The success of treatment and survival rate is incredibly poor for both scenarios.

It is highly recommended that bromethelin based products are not used around households, or anywhere pets may have easy access.

To reduce the chance of your pet ingesting rodenticides, it is recommended that it is stored out of reach from cats and dogs.

You should also use bait stations and dispose of dead rodents.

It is also recommended that the packaging is kept so if ingestion does occur, the veterinarian knows what type of rodenticide it is.

If you suspect your animal has eaten rodenticide, seek veterinary advice immediately.

The Finley Clinic is located at 21 Pinnuck St, Finley and is open 8.30am to 5.30pm weekdays. Call the Clinic on 5890 8444. This is also the number for the 24 hour emergency service.

The Tocumwal Clinic is located at 8 Murray St, Tocumwal and is open Tuesday from 9am to noon.

For more information about the Finley Veterinary Clinic or its many services, go to www.finleyvet.com.au.