RAT POISON (ANTICOAGULANT) TOXICITY IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Anticoagulant rodenticides prevent blood clotting, causing internal bleeding 2–5 days after ingestion. Newer formulations (bromethalin, cholecalciferol) can cause brain swelling or kidney failure.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD OR SELF-LIMITING CAUSES (COMMON)
None. All exposures are emergencies.
MEDICAL CAUSES (NON-EMERGENT BUT SERIOUS)
• Minimal ingestion without symptoms yet
• Early mild lethargy
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Vomiting blood
• Nosebleeds
• Coughing blood
• Pale gums
• Labored breathing
• Sudden weakness or collapse
• Seizures (bromethalin)
• Excessive thirst/urination (cholecalciferol)
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Any exposure, even if symptom-free
• Bruising or bleeding
• Labored breathing
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Bring packaging for identification
• Seek immediate care
• Do not induce vomiting unless advised
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Induce vomiting (if early)
• Vitamin K therapy
• Blood clotting tests
• X-rays if bromethalin suspected
• Activated charcoal
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Anticoagulant toxicity
• Internal bleeding
• Brain swelling (bromethalin)
• Kidney injury (cholecalciferol)