Mouse/Rat Bait
One of the most dangerous substances commonly ingested by pets is mouse or rat bait. The bait is highly palatable and the scent can be detected by pets even if the bait is hidden. The toxic component in the bait varies with each brand. It is extremely helpful to the veterinary staff to know which type has been ingested. If available, locate the package and bring it to the veterinary hospital.
Baits containing warfarin, coumarin, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, diphacinone, chlorphacinone or pindone are Vitamin K rodenticides which cause internal bleeding. Signs of Vitamin K rodenticide toxicity include:
- lethargy
- trouble breathing
- anorexia
- blood in stool and/or urine
- bleeding from gums and/or nose
- bruising (look on areas with little hair growth such as inside ears, armpits and in between the back legs)
These signs can take up to 3 days to present, therefore if your pet has ingested the bait but seems fine, you must take action immediately or even with treatment, toxicity can be fatal. For dogs, It is highly recommended to INDUCE VOMITING as soon as the ingestion is noticed. You must then take your dog to the veterinarian to recieve the antidote. For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately. It only takes a small amount of the bait to affect the pet and, it is recommended to recieve the antidote from your veterinarian to be on the safe side even if ingestion is only suspected.
Baits containing cholecalciferol are Vitamin D rodenticides which cause high calcium in the blood, leading to kidney and heart failure. Signs of Vitamin D rodenticide toxicity include:
- lethargy
- anorexia
- vomiting
- constipation
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- muscle twitching
- seizures
- bloody diarrhea
These signs can take up to 3 days to present, therefore if your pet has ingested the bait but seems fine, you must take action immediately or even with treatment, toxicity can be fatal. For dogs, It is highly recommended to INDUCE VOMITING as soon as the ingestion is noticed. You must then take your dog to the veterinarian to discuss medications and a low calcium diet to aid in the recovery or prevention of symptoms. For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately. It only takes a small amount of the bait to affect the pet and, it is recommended to recieve treatment from your veterinarian to be on the safe side even if ingestion is only suspected.
