Rats and dogs do not mix. If the rats are left alive, the dog can contract rabies and other diseases from them and can become injured if one tries to keep from being caught. If poison is put out for the rats, unless precautions are taken, chances are the dog will get into it. Rat poison is mixed with a cereal-like grain to make it palatable to rats; a bad-tasting poison wouldn't be effective because the rats wouldn't eat it. Dogs are known to be explorers and tasters, and this can lead to severe or fatal consequences, including acute kidney failure.
-
Treat the Poisoning
-
The sooner a poisoning case is treated, the better the outcome. Cathartic medications may help the dog vomit the poison out of his system, but this may not be enough if too much time has elapsed. In this case, large doses of activated charcoal administered orally will absorb the poison in the digestive tract and prevent it from entering the bloodstream where it can cause clotting disorders. In some cases, coating the stomach with milk or egg whites can keep the poison from being absorbed if medical treatment is not immediately available, but this is only a stop-gap measure and should never be considered full treatment.
Restore Blood Clotting
-
Rat poison works by inhibiting blood clotting, causing internal bleeding and eventual death in the rat. Unfortunately, it can work the same way in a dog, although signs of bleeding will not be apparent for several days. As soon as the dog is stabilized, an injection of vitamin K will enable the blood to begin clotting normally again, and a daily dose of vitamin K tablets will support the process. If the bleeding has been extensive, a blood transfusion may be required.
Support the Kidneys
-
The kidneys' job is to filter toxins from the body and excrete them in the urine. If a powerful toxin such as rat poison finds its way into the system, the kidneys often become overloaded from trying to handle such a large, sudden influx of toxins. Once the poison has been removed from the system or at least neutralized, the immediate danger has passed. Intravenous fluids help send clean saline through the kidneys, encouraging the residual poison to pass into the urine and out of the dog. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary infection is suspected, and in severe cases, peritoneal dialysis may be necessary.
Flush the System
-
By this point, the dog is stable and on the road to recovery. Flushing its system helps remove any remaining poison and "cleans" the kidneys, allowing them to resume normal function. Intravenous fluids may be continued throughout this phase of treatment, or the fluids may be administered under the skin to be gradually absorbed by the body. Electrolytes may be added to the fluids to replace what is being lost. The dog will urinate frequently during this phase, but that is a positive sign.
Promote Healing
-
The dog is out of danger at this point in treatment and simply needs supportive care that will encourage its system to get back on track. Rest, gentle exercise and a reduction of stress will let its body heal quickly. A diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and low in protein will keep the dog nutritionally supported while reducing the workload on the kidneys. Kidney function and platelet levels should be evaluated by a vet periodically until they are back to normal.
-