What should be given to rats in case of poisoning? - briefly
Give the rat activated charcoal to absorb the toxin and immediately consult a veterinarian for appropriate antidote and supportive care, such as fluid therapy. Prompt professional treatment is essential for survival.
What should be given to rats in case of poisoning? - in detail
If a rat has ingested a toxic agent, immediate intervention is essential to prevent fatal outcomes.
First, isolate the animal to avoid further exposure and assess clinical signs such as tremors, lethargy, respiratory distress, or gastrointestinal upset.
Provide decontamination when the toxin is still present in the oral cavity. Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water and, if the substance is not caustic, administer a measured dose of activated charcoal (1 g/kg body weight) via oral gavage to bind residual poison.
Select an antidote based on the identified class of toxin:
- Anticoagulant rodenticides (e.g., warfarin, brodifacoum): administer vitamin K₁, 2–5 mg/kg subcutaneously or orally, repeated daily for 7–14 days until coagulation parameters normalize.
- Organophosphate compounds: give atropine 0.02–0.05 mg/kg intraperitoneally to counteract muscarinic effects, followed by an oxime such as pralidoxime chloride 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally to reactivate acetylcholinesterase.
- Metal salts (e.g., zinc phosphide, copper sulfate): provide chelating agents; calcium disodium EDTA (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally) for zinc, and dimercaprol (2 mg/kg intraperitoneally) for copper, accompanied by supportive fluid therapy.
- Bromethalin (neurotoxic rodenticide): no specific antidote exists; focus on aggressive supportive care, including seizure control with phenobarbital (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) and maintenance of body temperature.
Supportive measures should include:
- Fluid therapy: isotonic saline, 10 mL/kg subcutaneously or intravenously, to maintain hydration and promote renal excretion.
- Electrolyte correction: monitor and adjust potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels as needed.
- Temperature regulation: provide a warm environment to prevent hypothermia, especially in compromised individuals.
- Analgesia and sedation: use buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously) for pain relief and to reduce stress.
Continuous monitoring of vital signs, blood glucose, and coagulation profiles is required throughout treatment. If the rat fails to improve within 24 hours or exhibits severe neurological deficits, referral to a licensed veterinary professional is mandatory for advanced diagnostics and intensive care.
Prompt, toxin‑specific therapy combined with rigorous supportive care maximizes survival prospects for poisoned rodents.