Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning

Buy now to access the full article, existing subscribers login

Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Acute presentation, Geographic incidence, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Standard treatment, Prevention, Control, Prophylaxis, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Rosalind Dalefield BVSc PhD DipABVT DipABT
Synonyms Brodifacoum Bromadiolone Chlorofacinone Coumafen Coumatetralyl Ifenacoum Diphacinone Warfarin

Introduction

  • Anticoagulant rodenticides available commercially in cereal-based baits at a concentration of 0.02% to 1.0%.
  • Cats are rarely poisoned.
  • Cause :ingestion of rodenticide   →   blocks action of Vitamin K1.
  • Signs : delayed from 1-5 days post exposure: internal and external hemorrhage and bruising.
  • Treatment : vitamin K1 (phytomenadione)  Vitamin K  , whole blood transfusion if required.
    Do not use vitamin K3 as it is less effective.
  • Prognosis : good with appropriate therapy.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

Generalized hemorrhagic syndrome
  • Signs related to site of hemorrhage.
  • Coughing.
  • Dyspnea very common (intrathoracic or pulmonary).
  • Bruising.
  • Partial paralysis (CNS or intramuscular).
  • Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (intestinal).
  • Hematuria  Hematuria  (genitourinary).
  • Cardiac tamponade ie right-sided failure (hemopericardium).
  • Seizures  Seizures  or depression (meningeal or cerebral).
  • Pallor  Conjunctival pallor  due to anemia and hypovolemia (especially apparent in final stages).
  • Hypothermia  Hypothermia  .

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Other coagulopathies: primary (inherited)  Hemostatic disorders: inherited  , other secondary (acquired ).
  • DIC  Disseminated intravascular coagulation  .
  • Vit K1 responsive coagulopathies.
  • Cirrhosis  Liver: cirrhosis  .
  • Malabsorption syndromes  Malabsorption  .
  • Chronic cholestasis  Bile duct: disease  .

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Good: if treatment started soon after exposure and clotting time carefully monitored.
  • Guarded: if severe case. Depends on site of hemorrhage.

Expected response to treatment

  • Normal coagulation times.
  • Color returns to mucous membranes.
  • Patient becomes more alert/responsive.
  • Resorption hematomata/hemorrhages.
  • Increase in erythrocyte count  Hematology: red blood cell count  and PCV  Hematology: packed cell volume  in longer term.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Non-detection of hemorrhage (eg internal).
  • Delay in treatment.
  • Inadequate doses vitamin K1 given, or given by inappropriate route.
  • Inadequate supportive therapy (plasma or blood) in period during which new clotting factors are being synthesized following Vitamin K1 administration.
  • Insufficient duration of treatment.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references fromPubMed.
  • Kohn B, Weingart C & Giger U (2003)Haemorrhage in seven cats with suspected anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication.J Feline Med Surg5(5), 295-304PubMed.

Other sources of information

  • Murphy M J & Talcott P A (2001)Anticoagulant Rodenticides.InSmall Animal Toxicology.Eds: M E Peterson and P A Talcott. Philadelphia: W B Saunders. ISBN: 0 7216 7826 2.
  • Osweiler G D (1995)Toxicology.Philadelphia: Williams and Wilkins. ISBN: 0 6830 6664 1.

Sample content only, to unlock the full article login or buy now

Loading...