Abstract
Objective: In 2014 rodenticides based on alphachloralose were first introduced on the Dutch market. Alphachloralose (3.4-4.0%) is packaged in 10 g bags with pasta or coated grain and are licensed for private indoor use. Here we present a case-series of 18 cats exposed to alphachloralose-based rodenticides. Case series: During the
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night three, nine months old cats entered the garage after the door was left open accidentally. In the garage, the cats found an open box with twelve 10 g bags containing 4% alphachloralose paste. The next morning, the petowner found one cat lying dead in its urine and stool. The second cat displayed neurological signs while the third cat seemed healthy. Neurological signs consisted of generalized tremors and ataxia. After activated charcoal was given and intravenous fluid therapy was started, this cat was hospitalized for observation in a warm, quiet environment. After 24 hours, the cat was almost recovered and discharged. In addition to the abovementioned case history we have follow up information for another 15 cats. One cat remained asymptomatic after vomiting was induced. The estimated dose was 11 mg/Kg body weight. Fourteen cats with a median age of 0.4 years (range: 0.1-19; n ¼ 12) and median body weight of 2.8 Kg (range 0.5-4.0; n ¼ 14) developed signs and symptoms. It was possible to estimate the exposure dose in 8 cats; median dose 83 mg/Kg (range: 34-320). Symptoms consisted predominantly of signs of CNS excitation, often sensory-induced i.e., tremors/cramps (n ¼ 12) and seizures (n¼ 3), and CNS depression i.e., drowsiness (n ¼ 2), lethargy/stupor (n ¼ 2), coma (n ¼ 1) and ataxia (n¼ 6). Hypothermia was noted in six cats; the median body temperature was 35.3 C with a minimum of 32.0 C. Gastrointestinal symptoms were seen in three cats; two vomited spontaneously and the rodenticide was visible in the vomitus. Salivation was seen in another cat. In one cat, vomiting was induced followed by activated charcoal. Treatment of the CNS excitation signs was necessary in 6 cats, diazepam (n ¼ 3), midazolam (n ¼ 1) and midazolam followed by propofol constant rate infusion (n ¼ 2) was used. One, an 8- week-old kitten with a body weight of 0.6 Kg did not survive the poisoning. It was found hypothermic (32 C) and deeply sedated next to a ruptured bag of rodenticide and died one day later. Conclusion: In this case-series predominantly young cats (median age: 0.7 years; n ¼ 15) were exposed to alphachloralose containing rodenticides. Due to their small body weight, cats may develop a severe, potentially life-threatening poisoning
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