Q: My dog, Max, died recently after eating rat poison. Max was treated by my veterinarian but went into convulsions and died even with treatment. I knew that rat poison could cause bleeding but I thought if I got him to my doctor right away he would be ok.

A: I am so sorry for your loss. Many pet owners do not know there are different types and dangers of rat poison.

There are 3 distinctly different kinds of rodenticides on the market. Many people think that all rodenticides work by preventing blood clotting but they are distinctly different.

1. Anticoagulants – are a type of drug that reduces your pet’s ability to form clots in their blood – causing internal and external bleeding that will lead to death if left untreated. The prognosis for pets that have ingested anticoagulants depends on the length of time between exposure and treatment.

2. Cholecalciferol Rodenticides – also known as Activated D3 – these poisons are products that kill by causing high levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood. The high levels of calcium and phosphorous cause kidney failure, sudden death from heart rhythm irregularities and bleeding into the stomach and intestinal tract.

3. Bromethalin Rodenticides – is a neurotoxin that affects cells in the brain and liver. It causes sodium accumulation within cells and results in fluid buildup within the brain. These poisons work directly on the nervous system to cause hyperstimulation, convulsions, seizures and death.

The last 2 types of poisons – Bromethalin and Cholecalciferol products have no antidotes – so once a lethal dose is ingested and absorbed into the body – death occurs even with treatment. Anticoagulant products can be treated with Vitamin K supplements and when toxicity is diagnosed early – treatment is usually successful.

If your pet is accidentally exposed to a rodenticide, call your veterinarian immediately. Making your pet vomit and treating with activated charcoal after vomiting to reduce gastrointestinal absorption are the most important steps you can take. Minutes count if a toxic amount has been absorbed.

Your veterinarian may direct you to induce vomiting at home if you cannot get to a clinic quickly. Giving hydrogen peroxide and water orally in a 1:1 ratio usually causes vomiting within 5 minutes. If you have the package with the ingredients ingested – give this information to the doctor as soon as possible so they can begin the most effective treatment possible.

If you must use a rodenticide – make sure to read the label and know what product you are purchasing . The use of the anticoagulant type is safest for pets since there is an antidote available in case of accidental ingestion.

Countryside Veterinary Clinic
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