Dear John Doe, 

We hope that you and your furry companions are well. We notice that mice, moles, and other rodents are emerging as the weather gets warmer, which can sometimes be problematic for pet owners. This is a time of year when people may be using rodenticides to control rodent populations. Our pets can be exposed to these products by consuming them directly or by consuming a rodent or animal that has ingested the poison. We hope to educate you on the different types of rodenticides and how to respond if your pet accidentally comes into contact with a rodenticide known as "rat" poison.

If you need to use pest control rodenticides (rat poison), we recommend keeping track of the brand and type you use to quickly provide this information in an emergency. Your pet must be treated based on the type of rodenticide exposure, as there are multiple types of poison sold over the counter.  

The two most common types of rat poison are "anticoagulant toxins" and "neurotoxins." Anticoagulant rodenticides can be treated effectively if reported promptly to a veterinarian, as antidotes are available. However, neurotoxin rodenticides do not currently have an antidote and can cause death if ingested. It is crucial that you are aware of the kind of product you are using in and around your home.

Two Most Common Types of Poison:

Different types of poison are over the counter. It is important to know which kind of poison you are purchasing. Anticoagulant versions cause internal bleeding, and neurotoxin versions cause brain swelling.

Anticoagulant rodenticides cause internal bleeding, and the victim does not show signs of poisoning for approximately 2 - 5 days after consuming them. If ingested, the pet will show weakness, and their mucus membranes, such as the gumline, will appear paler. However, internal bleeding will likely not be obvious externally. Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning is life-threatening but can be treated with an available antidote. Taking proactive measures is crucial to ensure your pet's safety when using other types of rodenticides that may not be reversible.

Neurotoxin rodenticides cause irreversible brain swelling, seizures and paralysis. There is no direct antidote to neurotoxins like Bromethalin. 

Bromethalin is commonly found in bricks, pellets, and blocks. When a pet ingests this rodenticide, it can experience low-dose or high-dose toxic effects depending on the severity of the toxicity.

In lower doses: Bromethalin toxicity can take 2 - 4 days to impact your pet's health. Commonly, the pet will experience back limb weakness/paralysis, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), and tremors, but with aggressive treatment, the patient can survive. 

In high doses: Bromethalin toxicity will show within a few hours of ingestion and the pet will experience convulsions/tremors/seizures, increased body temperature, and may lead to death. 

1. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ingested poison or you suspect they have but are unsure. Immediate attention is crucial to your pet's well-being, so do not delay.

2. Collect evidence of the brand/type of poison at home so that your veterinarian and toxicology specialist can determine the correct course of treatment. Different kinds of poison are available over the counter. 

3. Contact poison control and speak with a toxicology specialist. They can assist your veterinarian with creating a treatment plan tailored for your pet. 

Sincerely,
Your friends at Acorn Veterinary Clinic

Please visit the Veterinary Partner links provided below for more education about this topic:

Rat Poison's Effect on Dogs and Cats Rat Poison (Bromethalin-Based) in Dogs and Cats