Abstract
Objective: In 2014 rodenticides based on alphachloralose were first introduced onto the Dutch market. Alphachloralose (3.4-4.0%) is packaged in 10 g bags with paste or coated grain and is licensed for private indoor use. Here we present a case series of 95 dogs exposed to alphachloralose-containing rodenticides. The influence of
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decontamination measures on clinical course are evaluated. Case series: Decontamination by the veterinarian was performed in 64 dogs. In 45 dogs vomiting was induced and in 14 cases (ruptured) bags and in 27 cases coated grains/pasta were visible in the vomitus. Vomiting induction followed by activated charcoal was performed in 17 dogs resulting in 8 cases with (ruptured) bags and 4 with coated grains/pasta retrieved. Two dogs received only activated charcoal. Thirty-one of the decontaminated dogs with a median body weight of 8 Kg (range: 2.7-30.0) developed signs and symptoms (48%). The estimated median dose was 56.7 mg/Kg (range: 2.5-195.1; n ¼ 29). Mild symptoms (e.g., drowsiness) which resolved within 4 hours were seen in 9 dogs (29%). The remaining 22 dogs developed predominantly signs of CNS excitation (often sensory induced), i.e., tremors/cramps (n ¼ 8), and seizures (n ¼ 1), ataxia (n ¼ 12), and CNS depression e.g., drowsiness (n ¼ 7), stupor (n¼ 4), and coma (n ¼ 2). Hypothermia was noted in one dog. All symptoms resolved within 24 hours. No decontamination was performed in 31 dogs. Twenty-two of the 31 dogs with a median body weight of 6.5 Kg (range: 2.5-31.0, n ¼ 21) developed signs and symptoms (71%). The estimated median dose was 62.6 mg/Kg (range: 12.9-300.0; n ¼ 20), mild symptoms (e.g., drowsiness) which resolved within 4 hours were seen in 4 dogs (13%). The remaining 18 dogs developed predominantly signs of CNS excitation, often sensory induced (i.e., tremors/cramps (n ¼ 13), and seizures/status epilepticus (n ¼ 8), and CNS depression (i.e., drowsiness (n ¼ 5), stupor (n ¼ 2), coma (n ¼ 4) and ataxia (n ¼ 11). Hypothermia was noted in 6 dogs. Five dogs vomited spontaneously retrieving (partially) the ingested rodenticide in 4 cases. One 10-year-old dog (2.8 Kg) was euthanized. All other dogs survived the poisoning and all symptoms resolved within 60 hours. Conclusion: Decontamination measures such as induction of vomiting are effective in reducing exposure if they can be performed before signs develop, and thereby reduce the severity of alphachloralose-based rodenticide poisoning in dogs.
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