How does rodenticide affect mice? - briefly
Ingested rodenticidal compounds impair blood clotting, causing internal hemorrhage and swift physiological decline. Affected rodents usually die within 12–48 hours as vital organs fail.
How does rodenticide affect mice? - in detail
Rodenticides, primarily anticoagulant compounds, interfere with the blood‑clotting cascade in mice. The active ingredients—such as warfarin, brodifacoum, and difenacoum—bind to vitamin K epoxide reductase, preventing the regeneration of vitamin K1. Without functional vitamin K, the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X is halted, leading to progressive hemorrhage.
After ingestion, the substance is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream. Within hours, subclinical bleeding may begin in internal organs, but visible signs typically emerge after 24–48 hours. Common clinical manifestations include:
- Pale mucous membranes and skin due to blood loss
- Weakness, lethargy, and ataxia caused by anemia and hypoxia
- Hematuria or melena indicating renal or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Sudden death from catastrophic internal hemorrhage
The toxic dose varies with the specific formulation and the mouse’s body weight. Single‑dose anticoagulants require larger amounts to produce fatal outcomes, whereas second‑generation compounds are effective at microgram levels because they persist in the liver and are slowly released, extending the toxic window.
Metabolic processing occurs mainly in the liver. Enzymatic pathways convert the parent compound into metabolites that retain anticoagulant activity, prolonging the bleeding risk for several days. Excretion proceeds via bile and feces; a minor fraction is eliminated in urine. Because the compounds are lipophilic, they accumulate in fatty tissues, creating a reservoir that sustains toxicity even after the initial dose.
Antidotal therapy involves the administration of vitamin K1 (phytonadione) either orally or by injection. Prompt treatment can restore clotting factor synthesis, halt bleeding, and improve survival. The therapeutic regimen typically includes a loading dose followed by daily maintenance for 7–14 days, adjusted according to coagulation test results.
In summary, rodenticides disrupt clotting factor production, cause internal hemorrhage, and can lead to rapid death in mice. The severity depends on the chemical class, dosage, and timing of medical intervention.