Toxicology of selected pesticides, drugs, and chemicals. Anticoagulant, cholecalciferol, and bromethalin-based rodenticides.

The control of rodent pests is a continuing goal of mankind. To this end, a multitude of rodenticides have been produced, each designed to kill rodents by exerting their toxic effects on various body systems. As examples, veterinarians have had to manage companion animal poisonings due to anticoagulant, sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080), thallium, barium carbonate, and zinc phosphide-based rodenticides. Many of these rodenticides were introduced because of their anticipated safety in relation to nontarget species; unfortunately, this has not been the case. Veterinarians must attempt to identify the specific rodenticide involved in poisoning cases. Therapeutic success in these poisonings is often more dependent upon symptomatic and supportive care rather than the use of antidotal therapy.