VITAMIN D3 RODENTICIDES

Did you know that vitamin D3 (also known as colecalciferol) can be dangerous to pets if consumed in excessive quantities? Vitamin D3 is available as a dietary supplement but is also found in very high doses in some rodenticides. The Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently contacted about pets that have inadvertently ingested vitamin D3 supplements and occasionally about pets that have ingested highly potent vitamin D3 rodenticides. Whilst these rodenticides are not readily accessible to consumers, they are frequently used in agricultural settings. In Australia and New Zealand, these rodenticides contain massive quantities of vitamin D3 (each small bait can contain up to 900 times more vitamin D3 than an average daily vitamin D3 supplement) and ingestion of these baits can result in severe poisoning.

Excess vitamin D3 results in an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the body. If the calcium and phosphorous levels go too high, life-threatening and irreversible mineralisation and hardening of organs such as the kidneys, stomach, intestines, and heart can occur. Whilst early signs of poisoning can include refusal to eat, vomiting, lethargy, and weakness; more severe effects can take days to develop.

Wherever possible, please try to reduce your use of rodenticides and consider humane traps or salt based baits. If you must keep rodenticides on your property for rodent control, please ensure that they are safely stored away in an area that your pet cannot access. If using anticoagulant baits, first generation anticoagulants such as warfarin are less likely to poison wildlife (by secondary or relay poisoning) compared to second generation anticoagulants such as brodifacoum and bromadiolone. Use only as much bait as necessary, ensure baits are appropriately secured when laid and always removed them when they are no longer required.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is a very useful resource for pet owners in rural and remote areas where veterinary care may often be limited. Our Poisons Information Consultants can assess any toxin exposure and advise whether immediate veterinary assessment is required or home observation is suitable. Such advice covers exposure to human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, pesticides, household and industrial chemicals, poisonous plants and fungi, and bites and stings from venomous creatures. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) , 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CA)If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.