Anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis causing tracheal collapse in 4 small breed dogs

• Published in: Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2000) Tex. : 2000), 2018-11, Vol.28 (6), p.573-578
• Main Authors: Thomer, Amanda J., Santoro Beer, Kari A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; canine; coagulopathy; cough; Diagnosis, Differential; Dog Diseases - diagnosis; Dog Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Dogs; Female; intoxication; Poisoning - diagnosis; Poisoning - veterinary; Radiography, Thoracic - veterinary; respiratory distress; Respiratory Insufficiency - chemically induced; Respiratory Insufficiency - diagnosis; Respiratory Insufficiency - veterinary; Rodenticides - poisoning; Tracheal Diseases - chemically induced; Tracheal Diseases - diagnosis; Tracheal Diseases - veterinary; upper airway obstruction
• ISSN: 1479-3261; 1476-4431
• DOI: 10.1111/vec.12774

Objective To describe 4 cases of tracheal narrowing attributed to tracheal mucosal hemorrhage caused by anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity in breeds predisposed to tracheal collapse. Case Summary Over the years 2005–2014, 4 dogs were presented for respiratory distress secondary to diffuse tracheal narrowing. All dogs had possible anticoagulant rodenticide ingestion and prolonged prothrombin time. All dogs received fresh‐frozen plasma transfusions, vitamin K1 supplementation, and supportive care. Tracheal narrowing improved on follow‐up radiographs in 3 of 4 patients. One of 4 did not have follow‐up radiographs performed. All dogs survived. New or Unique Information Provided Anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity causing clinical signs consistent with tracheal collapse is a rare but recognized phenomenon that has not been previously reported in breeds prone to tracheal collapse.