What will happen if a cat eats a poisoned mouse? - briefly
Ingesting a toxin‑laden mouse introduces poison into the cat’s system, producing vomiting, tremors, seizures, and possible organ failure that can be lethal. Prompt veterinary treatment is essential to neutralize the toxin and increase the chance of recovery.
What will happen if a cat eats a poisoned mouse? - in detail
When a cat swallows a rodent that has been treated with poison, the toxin enters the gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed into the bloodstream. The clinical picture depends on the class of rodenticide involved.
Anticoagulant rodenticides (e.g., warfarin, brodifacoum)
- Disrupt vitamin K recycling, preventing synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.
- Initial signs appear 24–72 hours after ingestion: lethargy, pale mucous membranes, bruising, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding from minor wounds.
- Laboratory tests reveal prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
- Treatment consists of high‑dose vitamin K1 administered orally or subcutaneously for several weeks, along with plasma or whole‑blood transfusions if severe hemorrhage occurs.
Neurotoxic rodenticides (e.g., bromethalin, zinc phosphide)
- Bromethalin blocks mitochondrial ATP production, causing cerebral edema.
- Early manifestations (12–48 hours) include tremors, ataxia, seizures, and coma.
- Zinc phosphide reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, leading to cellular hypoxia.
- Symptoms develop rapidly: respiratory distress, vomiting, abdominal pain, and multi‑organ failure.
- No specific antidote exists; supportive care—fluid therapy, seizure control, oxygen supplementation, and intensive monitoring—offers the only chance of survival.
Acute toxic doses of anticoagulants
- May produce hemorrhage within a few hours if the mouse contained a high concentration.
- Immediate veterinary intervention required: activated charcoal to limit absorption, vitamin K1, and clotting factor replacement.
Chronic low‑dose exposure
- Can cause subclinical coagulopathy, predisposing the cat to spontaneous bleeding over weeks.
- Regular blood work is necessary to detect early changes in clotting parameters.
Diagnostic steps
- Obtain a thorough history of possible rodent exposure.
- Perform physical examination focusing on mucous membrane color, capillary refill, and neurologic status.
- Conduct coagulation profile (PT, aPTT) and complete blood count.
- If neurotoxic poisoning suspected, consider imaging (MRI) to assess cerebral edema.
Prognosis
- Anticoagulant poisoning is recoverable with prompt vitamin K1 therapy; mortality rises when treatment is delayed beyond 48 hours.
- Neurotoxic agents carry a higher fatality rate; survival depends on early supportive care and the amount ingested.
Preventive measures
- Use non‑chemical pest control methods indoors.
- Store rodenticides in secure containers unreachable by pets.
- Inspect any captured rodent for signs of poisoning before allowing a cat to consume it.
In summary, ingestion of a poisoned mouse can lead to coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, or systemic organ failure, with outcomes dictated by the toxin type, dose, and speed of veterinary treatment. Immediate professional care is essential to mitigate life‑threatening effects.