Idiopathic Issues

When addressing a possible rodenticide toxicity, the first step is to determine which type of rodenticide the pet may have ingested. There are four common types of rodenticides: anticoagulants, cholecalciferol, bromethalin, and zinc phosphide.

Each of these rodenticides has a different mechanism of action, affecting prognosis and treatment. While you can always look up the details once you’re out in practice, it’s important to have at least a general understanding of each of the four types of rodenticides. 

Mozart, a 6 yo MN Pomeranian, presents to your small animal general practice on a busy Monday morning. When his owners woke up this morning, they noticed that Mozart wasn’t quite acting like himself. They didn’t think much of it at first and assumed he was just sleepy, but his signs seemed to worsen over the last hour or two and now they are becoming concerned.

We have long known that there’s something about grapes that is toxic for dogs. Until earlier this year, however, the source of that toxicity was a mystery.

In the April 1, 2021 issue of JAVMA, a Letter to the Editor titled “Unique sensitivity of dogs to tartaric acid and implications for toxicity of grapes,” written by a team of veterinarians from ASPCA Animal Poison Control and two different veterinary hospitals, presented a possible explanation.

These authors noted that Cream of Tartar (which contains tartaric acid) causes clinical signs and pathologic findings that are very similar to those associated with grape ingestion in dogs. These veterinarians also noted that grapes and raisins can vary significantly in tartaric acid composition, but some grapes or raisins do contain tartaric acid at levels that have previously been found to be toxic. This may not only explain why grapes and raisins are toxic but also why the toxicity is so unpredictable. 

Ethylene glycol toxicity can be an easy diagnosis or a challenging one, depending on a number of factors. Use these tips to help you make an accurate diagnosis! 

By now you have probably figured out that veterinary medicine is a combination of medical science and detective work!   With experience, your ability to diagnose based on clinical signs, presenting complaints, and owner information alone will improve.  

But don't be fooled, Vet Student!  Below are two examples of medical conditions that can be misdiagnosed if diagnostic work-ups are skipped and the "likely choices" are assumed!