6,502
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Anticoagulant Rodenticide Toxicity (view source)
Revision as of 12:33, 23 August 2010
, 12:33, 23 August 2010→Treatment
Line 99:
Line 99:
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
+
+Treatment of anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning must
+be supportive in nature and is directed at correcting the
+hypovolaemia and coagulopathy. Fresh blood or plasma
+will help to correct the hypovolaemia and enhance
+haemostasis by restoring depleted clotting factors.
+Vitamin K1 (5 mg/kg) should be given as a loading dose
+subcutaneously at multiple sites, followed by subcutaneous
+or oral doses (1.25 to 2.5 mg/kg) at eight to 12
+hour intervals for as long as necessary (until the toxin is
+metabolised or excreted). The duration of treatment will
+depend on the anticoagulant involved. A one-week treatment
+may be undertaken initially. The PT and PTT must
+be checked 48 to 72 hours after cessation of vitamin K1
+therapy. With the more persistent anticoagulants, these
+clotting tests may become prolonged again, indicating a
+residual toxic effect and the need for continued vitamin
+K1 therapy. In some patients, treatment for a month or
+more may be required.
+Although less expensive, vitamin K3 is relatively
+ineffective and is not recommended as a treatment for
+anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity.
+Hypocoagulable patients are at great risk of internal
+haemorrhage. Physical activity must therefore be
+minimised and their condition monitored closely. Other
+forms of supportive therapy may be indicated to reduce
+discomfort and to protect the animal from injury. The
+administration of drugs with known antiplatelet effects is
+contraindicated, as is the administration of agents by
+intramuscular injection.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==