Haemorrhage in seven cats with suspected anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication

Abstract

Clinical features were evaluated in seven adult cats (six males, one female) with haemorrhage and presumptive anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. Haemorrhage appeared as thoracic haemorrhage, otic bleeding, haematoma, melena, haematochezia, and petechiation. The most common other presenting signs were lethargy, anorexia, and tachypnoea or dyspnoea. Six cats were anaemic, four cats were mildly thrombocytopenic (58 000–161 000/μl), and three had slightly decreased plasma protein or albumin values. The prothrombin time (30.3–>100 s, reference range: 16.5–27.5 s) and activated partial thromboplastin time values (32.6–>100 s; reference range: 14–25 s) were markedly prolonged in all cats. All cats received vitamin K1 subcutaneously or orally (3.7–5 mg/kg body weight initially) and depending on severity of signs five cats were transfused with fresh whole blood. Plasma coagulation times improved in all cats and returned to normal in 1–5 days. Rodenticide poisons represent an important but relatively rare cause of haemorrhage in cats and can be effectively treated.