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Anticoagulant Rodenticide Toxicity (view source)
Revision as of 12:33, 23 August 2010
, 12:33, 23 August 2010→Treatment
==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==