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Brodifacoum poisoning in a dog
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Brodifacoum poisoning in dogs, a rising concern, presents with severe bleeding and exercise intolerance. Prompt treatment with blood transfusion and vitamin K therapy can be life-saving for affected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Small Animal Medicine
- Rodenticide Poisoning
Background:
- Brodifacoum is a potent anticoagulant rodenticide with a long half-life.
- Poisoning in dogs by newer long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides (LAARs) is increasingly reported.
- Clinical signs often include hemorrhage and coagulopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of brodifacoum poisoning in a working dog.
- To highlight the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and successful treatment of brodifacoum toxicosis.
- To emphasize the growing prevalence of LAAR poisoning in canine populations.
Main Methods:
- A six-year-old Kelpie cross dog presented with severe clinical signs.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via prolonged whole blood clotting time.
- Treatment involved intravenous whole blood, intramuscular vitamin K1, and oral vitamin K3.
Main Results:
- The dog exhibited severe exercise intolerance, oral/nasal hemorrhage, dyspnea, and pale mucous membranes.
- Whole blood clotting time was significantly prolonged, confirming anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication.
- The patient responded successfully to the administered treatment regimen.
Conclusions:
- Brodifacoum poisoning can cause life-threatening hemorrhage in dogs.
- Aggressive treatment including blood products and prolonged vitamin K1/K3 administration is crucial for survival.
- Veterinarians should maintain a high index of suspicion for LAAR poisoning due to its increasing incidence.