Rivva, the four-year-old red kelpie presented to us this month, collapsed, pale, breathing rapidly and with a racing heart rate.  She was rushed through for immediate hospitalization and treatment with Dr. Tracy.  As investigations began and bloodwork was performed, it showed that Rivva was extremely anaemic (reduction in the amount of haemoglobin in the blood), and thrombocytopenic (lower than normal number of platelets in the blood).  With these results being indicative of a number of different disease processes, it wasn’t until Dr. Tracy scanned Rivva’s chest with an ultrasound and discovered a large amount of free fluid (most likely blood) in her thoracic cavity, that things became a little clearer.  After speaking to her family more, it was deemed that Rivva was likely suffering from rodenticide toxicity, or what is more commonly known as rat bait toxicity.

The most common type of rodenticide contains anticoagulant compounds, which interfere with the blood’s ability to clot. These compounds affect the normal functioning of vitamin K, an essential component in the blood clotting process.

Here’s how rat bait toxicity typically unfolds:

• Ingestion: Animals may accidentally ingest rat bait if they come across rodenticide pellets or baits left out to control rodents. The other method of ingestion that is quite common is when animals eat rodents who have eaten the bait themselves.
• Anticoagulant Effect: The active ingredients in many rodenticides, such as warfarin, bromadiolone, or brodifacoum, interfere with the blood clotting process. They inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, leading to an inability of the blood to clot properly.
• Bleeding Symptoms: The animal becomes prone to bleeding, both internally and externally. This bleeding may manifest as nosebleeds, blood in the urine or faeces, bruising, or even more severe internal bleeding such as in Rivva’s case.
• Delayed Onset: One characteristic of anticoagulant rodenticides is a delayed onset of symptoms. Clinical signs may not appear until several days after ingestion, making it challenging for owners to associate the symptoms with the toxic exposure.

Symptoms of rat bait toxicity in dogs may include:

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Bloody faeces or urine
• Nosebleeds
• Bruising or petechiae (small, pinpoint haemorrhages under the skin)

Rivva was critically unwell; she was extremely nauseous, lethargic and her heart was struggling to pump blood around her body quick enough to keep her alive.  Despite her grave prognosis, her owners were willing to do absolutely everything she required to try and save her life, recognising her as very important member of their family.

Within a few hours of being at the clinic, Rivva received a blood transfusion from one of the team’s lovely donor dogs.  Essentially, a blood transfusion was like giving Rivva a boost of healthy blood to help her body recover from the harmful effects of the rodenticide. It was a crucial intervention to prevent excessive bleeding and support her overall health during her recovery process.

A vitamin K injection was also administered to try to counteract the anticoagulant effects, and with all going well and Rivva returning home, an extended course of Vitamin K tablets were dispensed for a few weeks after.

Early intervention increases the chances of a positive outcome, so prompt veterinary care is essential if you suspect your dog or cat has ingested rat bait. Additionally, it is highly encouraged to keep rodenticides out of reach and use pet-safe alternatives to control rodent populations.

After a few days in hospital and after a lot of medications, blood tests, fluids and cuddles, we are so very pleased to report that Rivva is doing very well at home, whilst also looking very promising with her blood results on her revisits with us.  Even though she’s been on forced bed rest for quite some time (torture for a working dog), she is still the most loving and gorgeous girl! Rest and very limited activity is critically important during the recovery period after rat bait ingestion as strenuous activities could potentially lead to injury and more bleeding. We couldn’t be more thrilled that Rivva’s family had the ability to get her the care she needed and that she is now safely back home with not a rat bait in sight!  Well done gorgeous red dog!