Rodenticide Ingestion

Question 1

What is the most important difference between 1st and 2nd generation anticoagulant rodenticides?

Answer 1

The first-generation rodenticides generally have shorter elimination half-lives and require higher concentrations and consecutive intake over days
in order to deliver a lethal dose. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides were developed and are far more toxic than the first-generation anticoagulant compounds. Second generation compounds are now more commonly encountered in veterinary exposures

Question 2

Can domestic pets become poisoned by consuming a rodent that has recently eaten a meal of anticoagulant rodenticides?

Answer 2

Although secondary poisoning is theoretically more
likely with the second-generation compounds, it is extremely uncommon to confirm field cases of toxicosis in domestic species caused by secondary poisoning

Question 3

What is the lag time from anticoagulant rodenticide consumption in dogs, and the appearance of clinical signs?

Answer 3

3 to 5 days

Question 4

What is the importance of knowing that the half-lives of Vit.K-dependent coagulation factors are approximately II-60 hrs, VII-6 hrs, IX-14 hrs, X-18 hrs?

Answer 4

It can help clue you into how long ago ingestion occurred.

Question 5

Where can I expect to see bleeds in these patients?

Answer 5

Animals may hemorrhage from virtually any site

Question 6

Are there any in-house coagulation tests I can use to screen patients that I am suspicious may have this coagulopathy?

Answer 6

ACT - tests the intrinsic pathway

Question 7

Can patients become thrombocytopenic?

Answer 7

Yes, rarely fall to <35,000/µL

Question 8

Even though the coagulopathy might not be back to normal, when is the earliest I can expect to see coagulation times improving?

Answer 8

6 to 12 hours

Question 9

Is decontamination beneficial?

Answer 9

Yes, if it is within a few hours of exposure, contraindicated if coagulation abnormalities are already present

Question 10

What is a better treatment in affected patients, transfusing blood, or plasma?

Answer 10

Plasma

Question 11

Administering injectable Vitamin K1: which route?

Answer 11

Vitamin K1 is most commonly administered SC or oral routes. NOTE: IV route is not recommended due to potential anaphylaxis and IM is not recommended because of the pain and hemorrhage that may result

Question 12

Any special issues with oral administration of Vitamin K1?

Answer 12

Oral administration of vitamin
K1 should be reconsidered in animals known to have a fat malabsorption problem, those
that are vomiting, or those that were given oral activated charcoal.

Question 13

How do I monitor my poisoned patient who is on a Vitamin K1 therapy?

Answer 13

Continuously monitored for at least the first 24 hours