Cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3, is an active ingredient in some of the most potent mouse and rat poisons available today. When animals ingest an overdose of cholecalciferol, they develop gastrointestinal distress (e.g., vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea), electrolyte disturbances (e.g. elevation in calcium and phosphorous), and kidney injury. Without prompt treatment the overdosed animal…

Mouse and rat poisons containing bromethalin cause swelling of the brain which results in neurological symptoms when ingested in toxic amounts. Unlike the long-acting anticoagulant (LAAC) mouse and rat poisons, this type of bait does not cause bleeding and is not treated with vitamin K1. Common signs of bromethalin poisoning include lethargy, weakness, incoordination (ataxia),…

Long-Acting Anticoagulants – also called “second generation” or LAAC anticoagulants – are active ingredients in specific rodenticides (e.g. rat, mouse, gopher poisons). Overdose of long-acting anticoagulants leads to a severe blood clotting disorder and life-threatening hemorrhage in all animals. Clinical signs of LAAC poisoning include weakness, difficulty breathing, bleeding, and death occurring several days following…

Insecticides are variable group of chemicals that kill insects and, with proper use, cause the least harm to other animals and the environment. Improper use involves ingestion or skin/eye exposure of an insecticide or use of a topical product meant for one species upon a different type of animal (e.g. applying DEET meant for a…

Crocus (Crocus spp) are early spring blooming flowers. Ingestion of this plant results in drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea in companion animals (dogs and cats). Spring-blooming Crocus are not to be confused with fall-blooming Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), a very toxic plant that causes severe kidney and liver injury plus bloody vomiting and…