What happens if a dog eats a poisoned rat? - briefly
If a dog ingests a rodent containing poison, the toxin is absorbed and can cause vomiting, internal bleeding, seizures, and possibly fatal organ failure. Prompt veterinary intervention with antidotes and supportive care is essential.
What happens if a dog eats a poisoned rat? - in detail
A dog that consumes a rodent containing poison is exposed to a potentially lethal toxin. The severity of the response depends on the poison type, the amount ingested, and the speed of veterinary intervention.
Poison categories commonly used in rodent control include:
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, brodifacoum): block vitamin K recycling, causing progressive bleeding.
- Bromethalin: disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to cerebral edema and paralysis.
- Cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃): induces hypercalcemia, resulting in renal failure and cardiac arrhythmias.
- Zinc phosphide: releases phosphine gas in the stomach, causing cellular toxicity and multi‑organ failure.
Each class produces a characteristic pattern of clinical signs:
- Anticoagulants: bruising, nosebleeds, hematuria, prolonged clotting times; symptoms may appear 24–72 hours after ingestion.
- Bromethalin: tremors, ataxia, seizures, coma; onset typically within 12–48 hours.
- Cholecalciferol: vomiting, excessive thirst, polyuria, lethargy; signs develop over 24–48 hours.
- Zinc phosphide: vomiting, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, rapid collapse; symptoms often emerge within a few hours.
Veterinary assessment should include a thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory testing (CBC, coagulation profile, serum calcium, renal function). In cases of suspected anticoagulant poisoning, measurement of PT/INR confirms coagulopathy. For bromethalin or cholecalciferol exposure, electrolyte and renal panels help gauge organ involvement.
Emergency treatment protocols vary by toxin:
- Anticoagulants: administer vitamin K₁ (2–5 mg/kg PO q12h) for at least 4 weeks; provide fresh frozen plasma or packed red cells if active bleeding is present.
- Bromethalin: initiate aggressive seizure control (e.g., diazepam, phenobarbital) and provide intravenous fluids to reduce intracranial pressure.
- Cholecalciferol: induce diuresis with intravenous saline, give calcitonin or bisphosphonates to lower calcium, monitor renal parameters closely.
- Zinc phosphide: perform gastric lavage if within 1 hour of ingestion, administer activated charcoal, and support cardiovascular function with fluids and vasopressors as needed.
Prognosis improves dramatically when treatment begins before irreversible organ damage occurs. Delayed care may result in permanent neurological deficits, severe hemorrhage, or death.
Preventive measures include storing rodenticides out of reach, using bait stations inaccessible to pets, and opting for non‑chemical rodent control methods when feasible. Regular veterinary check‑ups can identify early exposure signs and reduce the risk of fatal outcomes.