Lanate and Furudan are organophosphates. They are insecticides sold for agricultural purposes and are commonly used for animal poisoning.
Symptoms: salivating at the mouth, muscle twitching, asthmatic breathing, trembling, convulsion and coma.
Treatment: Get the animal to the vet as soon as possible. To give the animal the best chance of surviving, however, you should learn to administer first aid.
1. Induce vomiting: give injection of Filtalon (available from your vet or chemist) or 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in lukewarm water into the mouth (30/60cc solution) WARNING – if the animal is already showing signs of poisoning (spasms, salivating, collapsing, urinating, defecating etc.) do not attempt an emetic as this could endanger your animal even further. Do not attempt to give first aid without proper instruction from your vet!
2. Give an injection of atropine (1 vial for a cat or small dog, 2 -3 vials for larger dogs). Inject into the vein (absorbed quickest), into the muscle (absorbed less quickly) or under the skin (slowest absorption). Most vets will allow you to buy a supply and explain how to use it. (Carry your first aid kit with you and a copy of this information – it could save your pet’s life!)
Warfarin (Rat Poison) – Sometimes there will be no symptoms for 2-3 days and then red/purple/dark blue patches appear on the body or gums, a sign of internal bleeding. The eyes may also be blood shot and the gums maybe unusually red instead of the normal pink. Warfarin damages the clotting mechanism and the animal can also haemorrhage from the nose, mouth, penis, vagina or rectum as well as internally. Treatment: Get the animal to a vet as soon as possible where an injection will be given to help clot the blood and save the animal.
IMPORTANT: An animal that has been poisoned with insecticides is very sensitive to light and noise, so protect it from both. Regardless of what poison has been used always keep animal covered and as quiet and comfortable as possible whilst transporting it to the vet.
REPORTING THE INCIDENT: Unfortunately, unless the culprit is seen laying bated food, your complaint will most likely fall on deaf ears. Nevertheless, once your vet has confirmed poisoning, take your animal to the local police station and ask them to write a report. Inform your neighbours so they are aware and can take necessary precaution, especially if they have small children or animals of their own.
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