How do you treat poisoning in a rat? - briefly
Determine the toxin involved and administer the appropriate antidote, such as vitamin K for anticoagulant poisoning, while providing supportive care including fluid therapy and gastrointestinal decontamination. Monitor clinical signs and adjust treatment until recovery is evident.
How do you treat poisoning in a rat? - in detail
Treating rodent toxicity requires rapid assessment, decontamination, and administration of antidotes or supportive care. Initial steps focus on stabilizing the animal and identifying the toxic agent.
The first action is to isolate the rat in a clean, well‑ventilated cage to prevent further exposure. Observe clinical signs such as tremors, salivation, respiratory distress, or seizures. Record the time of symptom onset and any known source of poison (e.g., anticoagulant rodenticide, metal phosphides, organophosphates).
Decontamination proceeds with the following measures:
- Remove contaminated bedding and replace with fresh, absorbent material.
- Gently cleanse the fur and skin with warm water and a mild, non‑irritating soap to eliminate residual toxin.
- Flush the oral cavity with sterile saline if ingestion is suspected, taking care not to aspirate.
Pharmacological intervention depends on the toxin class:
- Anticoagulant rodenticides – administer vitamin K₁ (phytonadione) subcutaneously at 2–5 mg/kg daily for 7–10 days; monitor coagulation times.
- Organophosphates – give atropine intraperitoneally at 0.1–0.2 mg/kg, repeat as needed to control cholinergic signs; consider pralidoxime chloride 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally for reactivation of acetylcholinesterase.
- Metal phosphides – provide supportive care with intravenous fluids, oxygen supplementation, and correction of metabolic acidosis; no specific antidote exists.
- Cyanide – administer sodium thiosulfate 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally and consider hydroxocobalamin 70 mg/kg if available.
Supportive measures include:
- Intravenous lactated Ringer’s solution, 10 ml/kg/hour, to maintain perfusion.
- Supplemental oxygen delivered via a small‑animal mask.
- Temperature regulation with a heating pad to prevent hypothermia.
- Analgesia with buprenorphine 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously if pain is evident.
Monitoring continues for at least 24 hours. Check vital parameters (respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature) every 2–4 hours. Re‑evaluate blood coagulation, serum electrolytes, and organ function tests according to the suspected toxin. Adjust therapy based on clinical response and laboratory findings.
If the animal fails to improve within the expected timeframe, consider referral to a veterinary specialist for advanced diagnostics, such as toxicology screening or imaging, to identify hidden contaminants or secondary complications.