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Rat Bait Toxicity
With recent flooding in Victoria, rat and mice numbers are increasing, this leads to an increased use of rat bait and this in turn increases the risk of ingestion of rat bait products by our pets.
These products have additives which make them a tasty treat for mice as well as our pets. Dogs and cats may be affected by eating the bait or eating the rodent which has eaten the bait.
Ingestion of these products by our pets results in a deficiency of vitamin K, which is necessary for clotting. These clotting factors are used routinely by the body in day to day maintenance of blood vessels and without them bleeding will occur.
Clinical Signs of Rat bait poisoning:
1. Bruising
2. Unexplained bleeding
3. Pale mucous membranes
4. Coughing or increased respiratory rate and effort
5. Lameness or swelling of joints
6. Lethargy
7. Signs may not appear for 3-5 days after ingestion of rat bait.
Treatment
In severe cases life saving blood transfusions may be required.
If you have seen your pet eat rat bait, consult your veterinarian immediately so they can induce your pet to vomit. Vitamin K treatment is important for any pet that has eaten rat bait even after vomiting is induced. A minimum of 1 month on vitamin K treatment is required before the effects of the ingested bait is overcome. Early treatment gives your pet the best chance of a fast recovery. |
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