Rat, Fox and Snail Bait - Central Veterinary Emergency

Rat Bait Ingestion

We have seen a increase in the rodent population in the past few years, which brings an increase in people putting out rat and mouse baits. These baits range in colour, including red or green and are meat flavoured, which, entices our pets to eat them. Rat baits work by thinning the blood to a point it cannot coagulate and will cause an animal to bleed internally.

Symptoms of rat bait wont show right away but can become apparent 3 days after ingestion. Symptoms of prolonged rat bait ingestion include:

- Collapse

- Pale gums due to internal bleeding

- Death

If you suspect your animal has eaten rat bait, call the clinic to arrange a time to bring them in for treatment as soon as possible. If possible, bring the packaging of the bait, so our vets can identify the active ingredient.

Fox Bait - 1080

Fox bait, commonly called 1080, is a highly toxic pesticide used to control pest animals around Australia. 1080 is injected into chunks of meat and dried before being placed around specific areas with a high pest rate. Signs are put up around the baited areas.

1080 is a fast acting poison and once ingested, it is rapidly absorbed out of the gut and into the blood stream. This poison will begin to shut down the body's organs. Symptoms of 1080 poisoning include:

-Hyperactivity such as running and howling

-Hypersensitivity to light and sound

- Vomiting

-Urinating and defecating uncontrollably

It is vitial you seek treatment right away as the symptoms become more severe in a short amount of time limiting treatment options. These advanced symptoms include:

- Uncontrollable seizures or fits

- Difficulty breathing

-Respiratory Failure

- Death

Please call us right away if you think your animal has consumed 1080 bait.

Snail Bait

Snail / slug bait is a household item used in many gardens, on farms, etc.

These baits contain Metaldehyde, a chemical that is poisonous to dogs, cats, birds and other animals if ingested.

Slug / snail baits can come in a range of forms, such as pellets, granules, liquid, sprays, pastes etc.

Signs / Symptoms of Metaldehyde toxicity can include:

• Anxious pacing back & forth

• Wobbly gait (walking)

• Excessive salivation / Drooling

• Muscle tremors

• Seizuring

• Hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature)

• Nystagmus (rapid, flicking eye movements) (especially in cats)

If your pet has ingested snail / slug bait call your emergency Veterinarian immediately!

If caught early enough your Vet may be able to induce vomiting.

If left untreated, your pet can experience respiratory issues, become comatose, unresponsive and death can occur.

Treatment of Metaldehyde toxicity can include:

• Hospitalisation

• Blood testing

• Emesis (vomiting)

• Gastric lavage ('pumping the stomach')

• Activated charcoal

• IV Fluids

• A range of medications

In severe cases your pet may need to be put into an induced coma to control tremors and seizures.