Bromethalin Poisoning in Animals

Bromethalin Poisoning in Animals

Important Concepts

• Bromethalin: A neurotoxic rodenticide causing cerebral and spinal cord edema.

• Toxicity Levels: Highly toxic to cats and moderately toxic to dogs.

Clinical Changes

• High Dose: Convulsant syndrome with hyperexcitability, seizures, hind limb hyperreflexia.

• Low Dose: Paralytic syndrome with weakness, hind limb paralysis, tremors.

Pathological Changes

• Mechanism: Uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in CNS cells, disrupting sodium-potassium pumps, leading to edema.

Diagnosis

• Presumptive: Based on known exposure and neurologic signs within 1-7 days.

• Confirmation: Detection of bromethalin in tissues.

Treatment

• Decontamination: Emesis, activated charcoal.

• Supportive Care: IV fluids, mannitol for cerebral edema, methocarbamol for tremors, anticonvulsants.