|
RODENTICIDES |
| There are three common types of rodenticides: anticoagulants, bromethalin and
cholecalciferol |
| |
|
ANTICOAGULANTS |
| Source |
| There are many types of anticoagulant rat poisons. They are
available as pellets, blocks, packs or powders, and are typically
green or blue in color. Anticoagulant rodenticides can be classified either as
coumarins or as indanediones, and are categorized as either first
or
second generation. First generation anticoagulants are toxic at high doses
and are retained in the body for days. Second generation anticoagulants are
toxic at low doses and are retained in the body for weeks. |
| Coumarins |
- First Generation -
Warfarin, D-CON
- Second Generation -
Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone
|
| Indanediones |
- First Generation -
Chlorphacinone, Valone, Pindone
- Second Generation -
Diphacinone
|
| Symptoms |
- Depression
- Weakness / collapse
- Pale or white gums
- Blood in stool, vomit or urine
- Bleeding from nose and gums
- Bruising
- Labored breathing
- Abdominal distension (from
internal hemorrhage)
|
|
Toxicity
|
| Anticoagulant rodenticides cause bleeding and internal
hemorrhage by interfering with the production of blood clotting proteins. |
| Diagnosis |
- Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and special blood tests to test
the blood’s ability to clot normally.
- Radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasound can show bleeding into the chest
and abdomen.
- Urine and stool can be examined for blood.
|
| Treatment |
| Treatment initially consists of eliminating the rodenticide
from the body. This is partially accomplished by making the animal vomit (if the
ingestion was within 2 hours) to help remove any remaining rodenticide from the
stomach. Your veterinarian may then give your pet an activated charcoal
suspension to help prevent further absorption of any compound that is still in
the intestinal tract. Vitamin K1 is helpful for some anticoagulant
rodenticides and may be given to your pet. Transfusions with plasma are often
needed and can replenish blood clotting proteins. Transfusions with whole blood
or packed red blood cells may be indicated. Hospitalization for supportive care
and monitoring may be necessary. |
| Prognosis |
| Prognosis is good if treatment is early and aggressive.
Prognosis is worse if there is active bleeding or hemorrhage. |
| |
| BROMETHALIN |
| Source |
| Bromethalin is found in pelleted rodent baits and blocks. |
| Symptoms |
- Progressive depression
- Weakness and/or incoordination
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
|
| Toxicity |
| Bromethalin rapidly inhibits the ability of cells to use
oxygen for energy. Cats are much more sensitive to this form of rodenticide than
are dogs. Exposure to low doses may not result in onset of symptoms for 3-4
days. Acute exposure to high doses typically cause signs within 12-24 hours. |
Diagnosis
|
| Although special blood tests can be used to detect
bromethalin in the blood, such tests are not frequently used in veterinary
medicine due to the length of time it takes to get the results. |
Treatment
|
| The priority is to remove the poison by inducing vomiting
(within four hours of exposure in an asymptomatic animal), pumping the stomach,
and administering multiple doses of activated charcoal to absorb any remaining
drug. |
| Prognosis |
| The prognosis for low dose ingestions is guarded, and the
prognosis for high dose ingestions is poor. |
| |
|
CHOLECALCIFEROL |
| Source |
- This kind of rodenticide is available in packs, or is mixed
with seeds or grain.
- Brand names include:Ortho Mouse-B-Gone, Rampage, Rat-Be-Gone
|
| Symptoms |
- Depression
- Increased drinking and urination
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Slow heart rate
|
| Toxicity |
| Cholecalciferol rodenticides disrupt calcium balance in the
body and cause a dangerous increase of calcium in the blood. This leads to heart
problems, mineral deposits in soft tissue, and soft tissue death. |
| Diagnosis |
| Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and blood tests to
test the calcium level in the blood. |
| Treatment |
| The priority is to remove remaining poison via induction of
vomiting, pumping the stomach, and administering activated charcoal to absorb
any remaining drug. Aggressive therapy is aimed at lowering the high blood
calcium level via diuretics, steroids, IV fluids, and calcitonin- a hormone that
regulates calcium balance in the body. |
| Prognosis |
|
Poor to grave. Less than one packet and a single exposure
to cholecalceferol is lethal to small dogs despite aggressive therapy. Prognosis
is poor to grave for large dogs based on amount ingested and time elapsed
before therapy is initiated.
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