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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