RODENT BAIT — CHOLECALCIFEROL (VITAMIN D3 RODENTICIDES)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Modern “safer for humans” rodenticides use cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). In pets, it causes life-threatening high calcium, kidney failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. One small ingestion can be fatal.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD OR SELF-LIMITING CAUSES (COMMON)
There are no mild cases.
MEDICAL CAUSES THAT NEED DIAGNOSIS (MODERATE CONCERN)
• Small ingestion without symptoms yet
• Early vomiting or thirst
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Extreme thirst
• Excessive urination
• Vomiting
• Bloody stool
• Seizures
• Collapse
• Kidney failure within 24–72 hours
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• ANY ingestion
• Increased thirst
• Vomiting within hours
• Pale or yellow gums
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Bring bait packaging
• Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed
• Seek emergency care immediately
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Calcium and phosphorus levels
• Kidney values
• Induce vomiting (if early)
• Activated charcoal
• IV fluids
• Medications to reduce calcium
• 48–72 hours of monitoring
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Cholecalciferol toxicity
• Hypercalcemia
• Acute kidney failure