General Pet Guides

Rodenticide Poisoning

Rodenticide poisoning is the accidental ingestion of products used to kill "rodents" such as mice, rats, and gophers. Rodenticides destroy Vitamin K, which is naturally produced in the body and aids in clotting blood. These products are common and accidental exposure is frequent. The impact on the poisoned animal varies depending on the type of poison ingested. Any animal may develop a bleeding disorder, neurological problems, gastrointestinal disorders or kidney failure. In some cases, rodenticide poisoning is fatal.

There is no single test that can be performed to make a definitive diagnosis.  However, in addition to a thorough history and physical exam, your veterinarian my recommend one or more of the following tests to aid in the diagnosis:

• A complete blood count (CBC) with platelet count
• A Serum chemistry profile
• A Urinalysis
• Clotting tests.

Therapy for rodenticide poisoning varies based on the type of poison ingested, the amount ingested, and the length of time elapsed since ingestion. Treatments may include one or more of the following:

• Vomiting should be induced if ingestion was recent
• Activated charcoal can be administered to bind poison remaining in the stomach
• Administration of Vitamin K is necessary to replace what has been lost. After the ingestion of poison, Vitamin K cannot be made by the body.

Do not place any type of rodenticide in areas that are accessible to pets. If ingestion is witnessed or suspected, call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may then request for your pet to come in for a physical. At that time you should bring any rodenticide containers and labels to your veterinarian for ingredient identification. This allows proper treatment to be initiated immediately and effectively.


ASPCA Poison Control Hotline

 

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