Rodenticide Poisoning in Dogs

Rodenticide Poisoning in Dogs

By: Dr. Ann Marie Manning

Section: Overview

Rodenticide poisoning is the accidental ingestion of products used to kill "rodents" such as mice, rats and gophers. These products are common and accidental exposure is frequent. Poisoning is most commonly caused by ingestion of a product containing one of the following ingredients:

  • Bromethalin
  • Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
  • Strychnine
  • Zinc phosphide
  • Anticoagulant (warfarin, fumarin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone, difethialone, pindone, bromadiolone, brodaficoum)

    Younger and older pets tend to be more sensitive to the affects of toxicity and underlying liver disease can exacerbate toxicity.

    The impact on the poisoned animal varies depending on the type of poison ingested. An animal may develop a bleeding disorder, neurological problems, gastrointestinal distress or kidney failure. In some cases, rodenticide poisoning is fatal.


    What to Watch For

  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Bleeding
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased thirst or urinations
  • Lameness, swollen joints
  • Incoordination
  • Difficulty walking
  • Collapse
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing
  • Extreme sensitivity to light
  • Noise or touch
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Sudden death is possible

     
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