Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bromethalin poisoning in dogs and cats - signs and risks
By Klainbart, Sigal et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2025·University of California, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Bromethalin Exposure in Dogs and Cats: A 14-Year Retrospective Study (2010-2023) From the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Labrador was brought in for seizures and weakness after suspected exposure to bromethalin, a type of rat poison. The veterinarian confirmed bromethalin intoxication through tests on tissue samples, which showed the presence of its metabolite. The dog received supportive care, and while the outcome wasn't specified, many pets with similar exposure can recover with prompt treatment. This study highlights the rising cases of bromethalin poisoning in pets, especially in cats, and emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and intervention.
People also search for: dog seizures after rat poison · bromethalin exposure symptoms in pets · how to treat bromethalin poisoning in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bromethalin, a rodenticide, is increasingly used due to restrictions on other rodenticides. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to analyze the frequency, demographics, clinical signs, and diagnostics of suspected bromethalin intoxication in dogs and cats. ANIMALS: Two hundred twenty-three cases (249 samples) involving 123 dogs and 100 cats suspected or confirmed to have bromethalin intoxication were submitted to the toxicology laboratory at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Between 2010 and 2023, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used to detect desmethylbromethalin (DMB), bromethalin's metabolite, in various tissues and serum. RESULTS: Cases increased 2.8-fold from 59 (2010-2016) to 164 (2017-2023). Cats were significantly younger (median 24 months, IQR: 41.5) than dogs (36 months, IQR: 60.0; p = 0.016) and were more likely to have confirmed DMB exposure (60% vs. 25%, p < 0.0001). Submitted samples for analysis were adipose tissue (37%), liver (20%), and brain (19%). Clinical signs included seizures, tremors, weakness, and paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 17 dogs and cats were consistent with bromethalin intoxication in 77% of cases. Autopsies (33 cases) revealed CNS lesions compatible with bromethalin toxicosis in 2/8 dogs and in 24/25 cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Bromethalin exposure is increasingly prevalent in pets. Adipose tissue remains the most reliable sample for diagnosis; cats are more likely to test positive for DMB and exhibit compatible autopsy results. MRI findings can also support the diagnosis. These insights could assist in diagnosing and managing bromethalin intoxication in pets.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40135768/