Common Rodenticide Toxicoses in Small Animals

Abstract

This article focuses on the 3 most commonly used rodenticide types: anticoagulants, bromethalin, and cholecalciferol. It is important to verify the active ingredient in any rodenticide exposure. Many owners use the term D-con to refer to any rodenticide regardless of the brand or type of rodenticide. The Environmental Protection Agency released their final ruling on rodenticide risk mitigation measures in 2008 and all products sold had to be compliant by June 2011, changing to consumer products containing either first-generation anticoagulants or nonanticoagulants, including bromethalin and cholecalciferol. These regulations have caused an increase in the number of bromethalin and cholecalciferol cases.

Anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis causing tracheal collapse in 4 small breed dogs

“…This case series documents 4 small breed dogs initially suspected of having tracheal collapse that were diagnosed and successfully treated for anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. While intratracheal hemorrhage has been previously documented in dogs secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity, to the authors’ knowledge, it has not been noted in breeds prone to tracheal collapse …”

“…Testing for hypocoagulability is quick, easy, and noninvasive. The prognosis for anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis is good if treatment is instituted in a timely manner . Therefore, it is the authors’ recommendation that dogs presenting with clinical signs of tracheal collapse that also have diffuse tracheal narrowing on radiographs have a PT and aPTT performed to rule out anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis.…”

“…Anticoagulant rodenticides exert their action via inhibition of vitamin K epoxide reductase, the enzyme necessary to reactivate vitamin K 1 . Vitamin K 1 is integral to the activation of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X …”

“…Nonspecific signs related to hemorrhage may also occur and include collapse, weakness, respiratory distress, pale mucous membranes, and abdominal distention. Lung and body cavity bleeding are the most common manifestations, but patients can also hemorrhage into the joints and muscle bellies . Treatment for anticoagulant rodenticide ingestion and resulting hemorrhage consists of providing exogenous vitamin K 1 (phytonadione), correcting the coagulopathy with active clotting factor products if necessary, and supportive care.…”

Protective effects ofGinkgo bilobaL. against natural toxins, chemical toxicities, and radiation: A comprehensive review

“…Bromethalin is a potent rodenticide, and it is used in the resistant cases to anticoagulant poisons (DeClementi & Sobczak, 2018). The mechanism of its toxic effects in the brain as a major target organ is by reducing cellular ATP level following the uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.…”