Most rat poisons are made of bromadiolone or brodifacoum, anticoagulants that cause the rodent to bleed to death internally.  Dogs and cats can get into these chemicals, by either eating them directly, or by eating the mouse/rat that ate it.  If caught in time, we can help these animals by getting the drug out of their system, and then giving them drugs that help stop internal bleeding. 

A less familiar rodenticide is called bronethalin, which sounds and looks very similar to the previous two, but is completely different.  This one causes edema, or swelling, of the brain and spinal cord.  Days and up to over one week later, it can cause seizures, tremors, paralysis, coma, and death from respiratory failure.  Cats are more sensitive than dogs. 

It's extremely important to keep these chemicals out of your pet's way!!  There are other alternatives to poison, which are safer if your pet gets near them.  If you suspect your pet has eaten any type of rodenticide, it's very important to bring the box in, so we know which drug is the active ingredient. 

Information is from CatWatch, January 2004.  Visit them at www.catwatchnewsletter.com.