What is Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison?
Poisoning due to ingesting rat poison is
a common canine health problem, and also an extremely serious one. But because the signs of poisoning and its onset
may vary depending on the kind of poison and the ingested dosage, it's critical to identify the exact type of rodenticide. Treatment of the wrong kind of intoxication may result in death.
There are three common types of rat poisons that are toxic to dogs: cholecalciferol, bromethalin and anticoagulant rodenticides. They are all extremely dangerous to dogs and have the potential to lead to life-threatening conditions and even death.
Cholecalciferol raises the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the dog’s system, which can lead to kidney failure and death if not treated properly and promptly. Bromethalin poisoning causes swelling of the brain, while anticoagulant rodenticides poisoning prevents the dog’s blood from clotting, which results in severe and uncontrollable bleeding.
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Symptoms of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
The symptoms you need to watch for vary depending on the type of rat poison your dog ingests.
Cholecalciferol
- Signs manifest between 4-36 hours after ingestion
- Increased drinking and urinating
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Dehydration
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Depression
- Fatigue
Bromethalin
- Large doses - signs manifest within 24 hours
- Severe muscle tremors
- Hyperthermia
- Extreme hyper-excitability
- Focal or generalized seizures
- Lower doses - signs manifest within 1-3 days
Anticoagulant rodenticides
- Signs manifest within 3-7 days
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding gums and/or pale gums
- Bruising
Causes of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
There are 2 causes of rat poison toxicity in dogs:
- Eating the rat poison
- Secondary exposure (eating a rodent intoxicated with rodenticide)
Diagnosis of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
If you think your dog has ingested rat poison, seek professional help immediately. If your dog has vomited, bring a sample of the vomit to your veterinarian.
Most importantly, if you have found the poison itself, take it (along with any packaging) to the veterinarian's office too as it will significantly shorten the time your veterinarian needs to make a diagnosis. The sooner the vet knows which poison has been ingested, the sooner they can start treating your dog.
Cholecalciferol poisoning
Dogs that have been exposed to this kind of rat poison will first exhibit the abovementioned signs within 36 hours, followed by nausea, vomiting, and hematemesis (vomiting blood). Your vet will conduct a baseline biochemistry profile, which includes the analysis of both the blood plasma and other body fluids, to check the dog’s calcium and phosphorus levels, confirm the diagnosis, and monitor the condition of the dog.Bromethalin poisoning
Dogs that have been exposed to bromethalin usually develop signs within 1-7 days of ingesting the poison. Dogs are diagnosed based off their history of exposure to the toxin, and clinical signs.Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning
Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning can be diagnosed in a number of ways, including assessing blood clotting times.Treatment of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
Cholecalciferol poisoning
If you are absolutely sure that your dog has ingested this type of rat poison in the previous 4 hours, you could induce vomiting yourself, under the advice of your veterinarian. However, do not attempt to induce vomiting if you are not certain that your dog has been exposed to cholecalciferol, or if they have already vomited.
Where possible, have your vet induce vomiting. This is more effective and safer.
Since your dog will most likely be dehydrated as a result of cholecalciferol poisoning, it’s of utmost importance to make sure that they are taking in enough water and that they are able to retain the fluid. Since this type of poison doesn’t have an antidote, your vet will administer IV fluids and diuretics, steroids, and other drugs to lower the calcium levels in the dog's body. To prevent kidney failure, it’s crucial to start the treatment as soon as possible.
Bromethalin poisoning
The first step to treating bromethalin poisoning is to decontaminate the dog’s digestive system, which includes inducing vomiting and then administering IV fluids and other medications to lower the risk of brain swelling.Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning
Since anticoagulant rodenticides can cause uncontrolled bleeding, the treatment includes administering blood or frozen plasma if needed. Veterinarians also give dogs vitamin K as an antidote, as the vitamin encourages normal blood clotting. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t force vomiting unless you have been given specific instructions by your veterinarian.
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Recovery of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
Cholecalciferol poisoning
Following the first 2 or 3 days, which are most critical when this type of poisoning is concerned, your vet will monitor your dog's calcium and phosphorus levels for 2-6 weeks after exposure or until they have returned back to baseline. Kidney function will be monitored during that period as well.Bromethalin poisoning
To prevent your dog from suffering from anorexia after bromethalin poisoning, include feeding supplements in their daily diet. It will take them some time to fully recover from the toxicosis, so taking them for regular check-ups is a must.Anticoagulant rodenticides
Depending on the dosage ingested, your dog may recover within a period ranging from 1 week to 1 month. In that time period, it’s vital to monitor their condition and report any signs of illness to your vet.
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Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $15,000
Average Cost
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Top
Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Boston terier
Poppy
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Shiver
Foul Gas,
Pain After Eating
My dog ingested something that caused severe enteritis. Radiologist said ingestion of toxins. I had her to several vets before she was diagnosed. It was 19 days and 4 vets before a diagnosis. Yes I suspected rat poison and said this each time, lost two dogs last year. Found dead squirrels on property. I use no poisons so dont know what. It's not the blood thinner. No brain swelling. Assume cholecalciferol or zinc phosphine. I'm working with her palliative. She is alive and has ups and downs. We hit day 21 now. If she eats, she gets pain. If she doesn't eat, she gets pale and weak. Ive fixed her homemade broth and put olive oil for lubrication. A half ml of mineral oil in morn and two carchoal tabs a day. And Baby Glycerin suppository in evening. If I don't give solids and only this, she gets perky and walks around. How long would repair take of her intestines? She went through regime of temeril p and orbax, from vet in NM when we were traveling. Vets here said the steroids aren't needed. I'm not so sure. The condition started out at moderate with critical bouts now waivers from serious to critical
May 2, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I unfortunately don't have any way of knowing how long it might take Poppy to recover from this episode without knowing more about her lab work, history, what damage occurred, and diagnosis. Since you have seen multiple veterinarians who know more about her case, it would be a good idea to follow up with the most recent veterinarian that she saw and ask if her progress is as expected. I hope that she recovers from this.
May 2, 2018
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Chion
Joli
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Vomiting Unsteadiness
Our papillion mix snarfed up a couple of chocolate squares and we took her promptly to the vet when we discovered the empty wrapping. The vet induced vomiting (with a rich chocolate smell) and gave her charcoal; to be on the safe side we let her stay overnight. In a few hours she started tremors and seizures, while her heart rate remained steady--inconsistent with chocolate poisoning. After a night of trying to keep a balance between mitigating the seizures with sedatives and keeping her body temperature from plummeting by waking her up, she finally vomited some green stuff, and the vet suspects Bromethalin poisoning (elevated liver factors, which have now gone down). It's been 36 hours since her hospitalization; she is alert but a bit wobbly when walking; continues to be on IV fluids and an antibiotic to prevent lung infection; she has thrown up twice she she started getting food. Could this be a sign of ongoing poisoning? She was on the brink and is going much better, but I'm still so scared.
April 16, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm glad that Joli is at your veterinarian receiving care. If she ate these toxins, it can take time and supportive care to help keep her alive - the fact that she seems to be improving is positive. I hope that she continues to do well.
April 16, 2018
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Terrier mix
Gravy
3 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My 3 month old puppy, terrier/Pomeranian mix,chewed on a TomCat bait block 2 days ago and I'm not 100% sure if he swallowed any. The main ingredient is Bromethalin but he hasn't shown any symptoms of poisoning yet. He has been playful and lively like usual. Not sure what steps to take now. Pretty nervous.
April 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
Bromethalin is a non-anticoagulant, single-dose rodenticide and is a neurotoxin; symptoms of toxicity may take up to seven days to present, so regardless of Gravy’s lack of symptoms you need to seek help from a Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/condition/anticoagulant-and-bromethalin-poisoning
www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/rodenticide-poisoning/bromethalin
www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/bromethalin/
April 4, 2018
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Pit Bullmastiff
Hansley
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Hi my dog ate some ramik mouse poison pellets today and I immediately called the number on the pack to see what I could do as it couldn’t have been more than 2-3 hours since she’d eaten it if that. They told us to give her hydrogen peroxide so I did so by soaking bread with a couple tablespoons as directed to induce vomiting but she has yet to do so. I’m going to get the vitamin k as directed by the line but will she be okay until I can? Should I be concerned if she won’t vomit from the hydrogen peroxide
March 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hansley should be seen by a veterinarian. i'm not sure how long it has been since she ate the mouse poison, but they will be able to induce vomiting, evaluate her, and prescribe any medications that she may need, including Vitamin K if appropriate. This is not a condition that should be managed at home.
March 28, 2018
My dog dugout rat poison that had been buried in the ground for almost 6 months , and of course he had to eat it. My question is, Is rat poison still as potent and as Toxic as it was, 6 months ago. ? He seems fine but I’m not sure how long ago he got into it , might have been a week ago or so .he is going to the vet just to be safe.
March 31, 2018
Ila S.
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Pomeranian
Baby
3 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Throwing Up, Not Eating, Poop Blood
My dog ate rat poison wednsday late afternoon while I was at work my father came home and took it away from him and told me about it the next day I took him to the vet that Thursday morning and they just gave me vitamin k for him to take he was doing fine Friday he was acting like his usual playful self again but today which is now Saturday he started acting weird again didn’t want to eat and kept throwing up so I took him to the vet and the vet says it’s critical I left him there over night but I guess my question is will my dog make it out of this will he be ok I’m terrified I’m going to loose my baby he had been throwing up from Thursday till today I figured it was because of the medication they gave me for him to get the poison out of his system but when we got to the vet he pooped blood for the first time I’m trying to be calm but I’m terrified because I’m not sure what’s going to happen
March 24, 2018
2 Recommendations
The amount of poison consumed, the amount of time until treatment and the type of treatment will give an indication of prognosis; if Baby consumed an anticoagulant your Veterinarian should be monitoring prothrombin time to ensure that Baby’s blood is clotting; if Baby consumed bromethalin (a neurotoxin), vitamin K is ineffective as treatment. I cannot tell you if Baby will make it or not, but monitor for improvement and follow instructions from your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/rodenticide-poisoning/anticoagulant-rodenticides-warfarin-and-congeners
www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/rodenticide-poisoning/bromethalin
March 24, 2018
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Pit bull
sky
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Paralysis
sky my dog ate rat poison and was vomiting and bleed we took to the vet and they gave her medicine she is doing much better but her back legs are still not working she is paralyzed from the waist down, will she be paralyzed forever are will she move her legs again and how much time could it take for her legs to move again?
Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $15,000
Average Cost
$8,000
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