VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

BROMETHALIN

• It is a single dose rodenticide which is neurotoxic causing uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation leading to loss of sodium potassium-ATPase.
• Inhibition of this sodium pump leads to cellular oedema, cell swelling and degeneration.
• Increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, nerve axonal pressure noticed, decreased nerve impulse conduction, paralysis and death are noticed.
• Symptoms include hyperexcitability, muscle tremors, grandmal seizures, hind limb hyperflexia, CNS depression and death.
• Bromethalin toxicosis should be considered when cerebral edema or posterior paralysis is present.
• Treatment includes preventing further absorption and reducing cerebral oedema.
• Use of mannitol as an osmotic diuretic and corticosteroids have been suggested but have shown little effect in dogs poisoned by bromethalin.
• Use of activated charcoal for several days may improve the recovery rate.