The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which plays a large role in regulating a variety of industries, products and practices that have environmental implications, has recently introduced changes to the regulations that govern rodenticides. In order to mitigate the health risks associated with rodenticide exposure to children, wildlife and pets, the EPA has restricted the use of some anticoagulant rodenticides.
The most common non-anticoagulant rodenticide currently on the marketplace is called bromethalin, and its prevalence has increased human and animal exposure to a dangerous neurotoxin that can lead to serious health risks and even death.
What is bromethalin toxicosis?
Bromethalin toxicosis occurs when animals or people are exposed to bromethalin and the occurrence of bromethalin toxicosis is on the rise in companion pets. One of the things that makes this so dangerous is that it is very hard to detect and identify. In addition, there are no antidotes, therapies or treatments that are specifically designed to combat the pathological effects of bromethalin. Because of the increased prevalence of bromethalin exposure, veterinarians and pet hospitals in D’Iberville, MS have been increasingly vigilant. It is imperative that pet owners and specialists be aware of the dangers associated with bromethalin toxicosis.
Depending on the amount of bromethalin that is ingested by the pet, there will be varying degrees of symptom severity. Signs of intoxication include hyperactivity, seizures, tremors that affect the entire body, pelvic limb ataxia and weakness, abnormal or unequal pupil dilation, blindness and coma. In severe cases, the animal can die due to a failure of the respiratory system. Signs usually surface within eight to 12 hours of ingestion, but they can appear as soon as two to four hours after exposure.
Keeping your pet protected
The most important thing that you can do to protect your pet is to reduce the chance that they will be exposed to bromethalin rodenticide in the first place. If you have a rodent problem and need to use a rodenticide in your home, you should first look for a brand that is free of bromethalin. If you are unable to find a bromethalin-free rodenticide, you should take precautions to ensure that your pet will not come into contact with it. Only use it in rooms or parts of the home that your cat or dog will not be in, and always supervise your pet when you are using rodenticide in your home.
If you are concerned about your pet’s health or you need more information about the risk of bromethalin toxicosis, you can get help from professionals at pet hospitals in D’Iberville, MS, including D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital. We understand how important it is to maintain the health and happiness of our pets, which is why we pride ourselves on being able to provide the very best service possible to each of the animals and owners that we see. To find out more about the services that we provide, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet, give us a call today.