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RAT OR MOUSE BAIT POISONING
Eight different anticoagulant rodentacides are available in the United States (95% of all rodentacides used are anticoagulants). These products are categorized as either first or second generation. First generation products tend to be short acting and require multiple doses to be toxic. Second generation products were developed due to resistance to the first generation compounds. As you would suspect, these second generation compounds are usually toxic after one exposure and have a long duration of effect. Because the lethal dose and duration of treatment are different for each product it is important to save the packaging so the type of poison can be confirmed.
These products work by preventing the body from recycling Vitamin K to the active form. Active Vitamin K activates coagulation proteins allowing blood to clot normally. If Vitamin K cannot be recycled eventually the body runs out of active coagulations factors. This low level first can be detected by a blood test at about 48 hours post exposure. By 72-96 hours post exposure clinical signs will start. These signs may include depression, anorexia, weakness, pallor, bruising, epistaxis, bloody vomit or diarrhea, bloody urine, bleeding gums and coughing.
If you see your pet eating the bait, first induce vomiting with 1-2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide orally 2-3 times. Next call your Veterinarian to set up an appointment for an Activated Clotting Time blood test.
If toxicity is confirmed by your doctor treatment will be started with Vitamin K, (orally and injection) along with possible blood or plasma transfusions. Vitamin K should be continued for the duration of the prescription. DO NOT STOP EARLY!!
48-72 hours after the last dose and ACT test should be run again. If normal repeat the test in 24-48 hours. If both tests are normal treatment can be stopped.
If either test is prolonged; Vitamin K therapy will be continued for two more weeks. This cycle continues until two consecutive ACT tests are normal.
During treatment restrict your pets exercise to leash walking only. Only SUPERVISED play with children and other pets is advised. No hunting, training, field work etc. is recommended. Any slight trauma can cause a bleeding crisis.
Feed your regular diet but supplement with a high fat canned food (Hill’s K/D) to enhance Vitamin K absorption from the intestinal tract. Call your Veterinarian if any of the aforementioned signs appear and please keep your follow up appointments.
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