How is poisoning treated in rats? - briefly
Poisoning in rats is addressed through rapid decontamination, supportive therapy, and toxin‑specific antidotes such as activated charcoal, vitamin K, or appropriate chelators, chosen according to the chemical involved.
How is poisoning treated in rats? - in detail
Poisoned rats require rapid assessment and targeted intervention to prevent fatal outcomes. Initial evaluation includes observation of clinical signs—tremors, salivation, respiratory distress, seizures—and determination of the toxin involved. Identification of the agent guides antidote selection and supportive measures.
The first therapeutic step is decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract. If ingestion occurred within the past 30–60 minutes, gastric lavage with a sterile solution may be performed, followed by administration of activated charcoal at a dose of 1–2 g/kg to adsorb residual toxin. For highly corrosive substances, lavage is avoided to prevent additional tissue damage.
Specific antidotes are administered according to the poison class:
- Organophosphates: atropine 0.05–0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally, repeated as needed; oximes (e.g., pralidoxime) 30 mg/kg to reactivate acetylcholinesterase.
- Metal salts (lead, copper): calcium disodium EDTA 30 mg/kg subcutaneously, repeated every 12 hours; dimercaprol 75 mg/kg intraperitoneally for acute copper poisoning.
- Anticoagulant rodenticides: vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 2–5 mg/kg orally, continued for 7–10 days; fresh frozen plasma for severe coagulopathy.
- Bromethalin: supportive care only; no specific antidote, focus on maintaining hydration and controlling seizures.
Fluid therapy is essential to correct hypovolemia and support renal clearance. Isotonic crystalloids (0.9 % sodium chloride) are delivered at 10–20 ml/kg/h, adjusted for blood pressure and urine output. Electrolyte imbalances are corrected based on serial blood gas analyses.
Seizure control employs benzodiazepines (midazolam 1–2 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or phenobarbital (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Respiratory support—oxygen supplementation, intubation, mechanical ventilation—may be required for toxins causing pulmonary compromise.
Monitoring continues for at least 24 hours, with repeated assessments of neurological status, coagulation parameters, and renal function. Survivors are observed for delayed toxicity, especially with rodenticides that have prolonged half‑lives.
After acute treatment, environmental control prevents re‑exposure. Removal of contaminated feed, sealing of entry points, and proper disposal of poisoned carcasses reduce future incidents.