Rodenticide Toxicity

Allison Zwingenberger

University of California Davis

Publication Date: 2010-09-01

History

4 year old male neutered Brittany Spaniel with lethargy, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

3 images

The lung lobes are retracted from the thoracic wall and pleural fissure lines are visible. There is a marked peribronchial pattern in the entire lungs. There is a moderate alveolar pattern in the right caudal lung lobe. The cranial mediastinum is enlarged. The caudal portion of the trachea is narrowed. The cardiac silhouette is difficult to identify. The pulmonary vasculature is within normal limits.

Diffuse peribronchial and alveolar pattern throughout the lungs associated with pleural effusion and cranial mediastinal enlargement. These findings are suggestive of pulmonary parenchyma hemorrhage with pleural effusion and hemorrhage in the mediastinum. Other differentials should include bronchopneumonia, pulmonary neoplasia, or fungal disease. The appearance of the trachea may represent hemorrhage into the trachea or dynamic tracheal collapse. If clinically indicated, recheck radiographs are recommended to further monitor the process.