SUSPECTED RAT BAIT POISONING IN A GROUP OF PET GUINEA PIGS

摘要

A group of 3 pet guinea pigs was presented for possible accidental ingestion of a bromadiolone-containing rodenticide. Vitamin K1 treatment was started for 3 weeks. A week after cessation of treatment, 2 of the guinea pigs were showing nonspecific clinical signs. After further investigation, symptomatic treatment was implemented and vitamin K1 therapy restarted. All 3 guinea pigs responded well to treatment. Treatment of rodenticide poisoning in pet rodents is similar to the treatment recommended for domestic species with the exception of induction of emesis, which is inappropriate in rodents. Guinea pigs are at high risk due to more prolonged exposure as a result reingestion of excreted compounds in their cecotrophs. This is the first case of rat bait poisoning reported in pet guinea pigs. Copyright 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.