Retrospective evaluation of feline rodenticide exposure and gastrointestinal decontamination: 146 cases (2000-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of rodenticide exposure in cats, describe the use of gastrointestinal decontamination (GID) after rodenticide exposure, and examine the efficacy of GID following exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ACR).

DESIGN: Retrospective study from 2000-2010.

SETTING: Emergency service of an urban university teaching hospital.

ANIMALS: One hundred forty-six cats presented for rodenticide exposure.

MAIN RESULTS: Annually, the number of cats that were presented for rodenticide exposure averaged 13 of 3,336 (0.39%) and totaled 146 cases over 11 years. Cats that had been exposed to rodenticide were significantly more likely to be young (P < 0.001), sexually intact (P < 0.001), and presented in the fall season (P = 0.002). The majority of cats lived indoors (67.6%). The type of rodenticide involved in the exposure was unknown in 50% (71/142) of cases. Of the known types, ACRs were most common (59/142, 41.5%) followed by cholecalciferol (7/142, 4.9%) and bromethalin (5/142, 3.5%). Gastrointestinal decontamination was attempted in 21/36 (58%) cats with exposure to a known ACR. Emesis was attempted in 17/21 (81%) and charcoal administered in 14/21 (67%) cats that underwent GID. This study did not detect an effect of GID efforts on prothrombin time (PT) prolongation 48 hours after exposure to a known ACR.

CONCLUSIONS: Cats consume rodenticides. Due to the lack of evidence of altered outcome associated with GID in cats exposed to ACRs, a PT should be evaluated 48 hours after first exposure regardless of whether GID is performed. Treatment should be based on the results of the PT. Gastrointestinal decontamination should be performed at the clinician's discretion based on history, risks, calculated toxic dose, low prevalence of ACR toxicosis in cats, general resistance of cats to ACR toxicosis, and treatment options.