{"id":9769,"date":"2024-09-18T14:28:59","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T14:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=9769"},"modified":"2024-09-18T14:28:59","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T14:28:59","slug":"fur-tunately-stories-of-animal-survival-episode-xxi-rootbeers-battle-with-bromethalin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/fur-tunately-stories-of-animal-survival-episode-xxi-rootbeers-battle-with-bromethalin\/","title":{"rendered":"Fur-Tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode XXI: Rootbeer\u2019s Battle with Bromethalin"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Fur-Tunately,<\/p>\n

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested a toxic item, this is considered an \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Meet <\/span>Root<\/span>b<\/span>eer<\/span>, a 2-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier. His toasty brown coat, reminiscent of his namesake, belies the fierce spirit within. Recently, <\/span>Rootbeer<\/span> faced a formidable adversary: <\/span>Bromethalin<\/span>, a deadly toxin to dogs. With courage and resilience, he fought this toxic foe <\/span>head-on and<\/span> is n<\/span>ow ready to <\/span>tell his story<\/span>!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Dog vs. Toxin<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was happily exploring when I stumbled upon something with a new, interesting smell. So, of course, I ate it. But I found myself reevaluating that life choice when, not long after, I saw my Foster Mom\u2019s face turn pale as she stared at me. Then she rushed into motion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next thing I knew, we were rushing to the V-E-T. But not just any vet – the ER vet. My Foster Mom was so worried, but she kept her focus, knowing that every second counted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When we arrived at the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, their team sprang into action. I heard words like \u201c<\/span>rat bait<\/a><\/strong>\u201d and \u201cdecontamination.\u201d They also said my Foster Mom did the right thing to bring me in as soon as she discovered what I ate. Lucky for me, my Foster Mom is smart and knows rat bait is toxic to my kind and that I needed immediate veterinary care.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip from <\/span>ER Vet <\/span>Dr. Neufeld:<\/span><\/span> \u201cBringing a pet in as soon as you\u2019re aware of any toxic exposures is important because the window for decontamination is short \u2013 sometimes as little as 30 minutes to<\/span> only<\/span> a few hours!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

I was so happy to have their team helping me fight off the toxic invader inside of me. Fortunately, I felt fine, and they said my \u201cvital signs\u201d were normal – which must mean something good. They also seemed to like when I wagged my tail and gave them kisses. But they wanted me to stop once they gave me a medication called \u201capomorphine\u201d – which made me vomit. Those bright green chunks confirmed that I definitely ate rat bait. Oops!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another reason why my Foster Mom is smart: she brought in the packaging for the rat bait so that the veterinary team could verify the active ingredient \u2013 <\/span>Bromethalin<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip from Dr. Neufeld: <\/span><\/span>Keep all packaging for any rat bait or other potentially toxic substances <\/span>used <\/span>in your home. <\/span>If your pet gets into a toxic substance \u2013 bring that label into the veterinary clinic. <\/span>This way, ingredients and concentration can be assessed if needed, which helps <\/span>greatly to<\/span> guide a treatment plan and prognosis<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

About <\/span>Bromethalin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dr. Neufeld told me that Bromethalin is super dangerous. It’s a neurotoxin, which means it makes the brain and spinal cord swell up. Yikes! A lot of rat bait brands use this stuff, so that\u2019s why it\u2019s important for your human to save the packaging so the vet team can verify the ingredients.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I was really lucky that my Foster Mom acted fast and took me to the animal ER right away, before I even felt sick. Some pets aren\u2019t as fortunate, and they have to deal with some pretty scary stuff like:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n