Rodenticide Poisoning Research Articles

Rodenticide poisoning in a family of three in Singapore.

Rodenticide poisoning in a family of three in Singapore.

Bromadiolone may cause severe acute kidney injury through severe disorder of coagulation: a case report

BackgroundBromadiolone is a wide-use long-acting anticoagulant rodenticide known to cause severe coagulation dysfunction. At present, there have been no detailed reports of acute kidney injury (AKI) resulting from bromadiolone poisoning.Case presentationA 27-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to severe coagulopathy and severe AKI. Coagulation test revealed a prothrombin time exceeding 120 s and an international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 10. Further examination for coagulation factors showed significantly reduced level of factors II, VII, IX and X, indicating a vitamin K deficiency. The AKI was non-oliguric and characterized by gross dysmorphic hematuria. Following the onset of the disease, the patient’s serum creatinine rose from 0.86 to 6.96 mg/dL. Suspecting anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning, plasma bromadiolone was identified at a concentration of 117 ng/mL via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. All other potential causes of AKI were excluded, except for the presence of a horseshoe kidney. The patient’s kidney function fully recovered after the coagulopathy was corrected with high doses of vitamin K and plasma transfusion. At a follow-up 160 days post-discharge, the coagulation function had normalized, and the serum creatinine had returned to 0.51 mg/dL.ConclusionBromadiolone can induce AKI through a severe and prolonged coagulation disorder. Kidney function can be restored within days following treatment with high-dose vitamin K1.

Current status of etiology and outcomes of acute liver failure in India-A multicentre study from tertiary centres.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a medical emergency and liver transplantation (LT) may be required as definitive therapy. The etiology varies across geographical locations and is mostly viral dominant in India. We aimed at evaluating the spectrum, impact of interventions (plasma exchange [PLEx], continuous renal replacement therapy [CRRT]) and outcomes of ALF in India in recent times. A multicentre retrospective study across four major tertiary care centres. As many as 183ALF patients (median age, 23years; females, 43.1%; model for end-stage liver disease [MELD], 32.7) from January 2021 to December 2023 were included. Nineteen percent had infection and 40.4% of patients satisfied King's College criteria (KCC) at admission. Most common cause for ALF was hepatitis A virus (HAV) (44.2%) followed by rodenticide poisoning (10.3%). Approximately 35% of patients each received either PLEx or CRRT. The 7, 14 and 21-day transplant-free survival probability was 65.5%, 60.1%, and 57.3%, respectively. Only 3.8% of patients underwent liver transplantation. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, hemoglobin (HR, 0.74 [0.63-0.87]), lactate (HR, 1.14 [1.03-1.26]), advanced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (HR, 4.87 [1.89-12.5]) and fulfilling KCC [HR, 10.04 [4.57-22.06]) at admission were the independent predictors of mortality. A model including KCC + lactate + HE ≥ 3 with or without hemoglobin had an AUROC of 0.81-0.84 to predict mortality. In those who underwent PLEx, advanced HE (HR, 4.13 [1.75-9.7]), procalcitonin (HR, 1.18 [1.07-1.30]) and KCC (HR, 4.6 [1.6-13.1), while for those who received CRRT, lactate (HR, 1.37 [1.22-1.54]) and KCC (HR, 6.4 [2.5-15.8]) independently predicted mortality. Hepatitis A virus is currently the most common cause for ALF in India, emphasizing the need for universal vaccination programmes. Spontaneous survival in tertiary care centres is 57%. LT rates were low.

Delayed Symptoms of Rodenticide Poisoning in a 16-Year-Old: A Case Report

Anticoagulant rodenticides, a key tool in pest control since the 1940s, have undergone significant evolution to overcome resistance and improve efficacy. However, resistance in rodent populations led to the development of second-generation anticoagulants such as Brodifacoum and Difenacoum, which are more potent but pose increased risks to non-target species, including humans. This case report describes the management of a 16-year-old Iranian male who deliberately ingested a super warfarin rodenticide, resulting in severe coagulopathy and delayed clinical presentation. Despite the initial absence of overt symptoms, the patient’s condition required immediate intervention with intravenous vitamin K and blood products, demonstrating the complexity of diagnosing and managing rodenticide poisoning. Recovery was achieved with comprehensive medical and psychological interventions, demonstrating the need for high clinical suspicion and prompt treatment in similar cases. This report highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by highly potent rodenticides and the critical need for awareness and preparedness among healthcare providers to effectively manage such emergencies.

Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in common buzzards: Impact of new rules for rodenticide use

Rodenticides are a key component of rodent management strategies, but birds of prey are susceptible to non-target exposure. New rules on sale and use of rodenticide products were introduced across the UK in 2016 in an industry-led stewardship scheme, with the aim of reducing this risk. To determine if this intervention has achieved its aim, exposure to second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) was measured in buzzards. Liver samples from 790 buzzards collected between 2005 and 2022 (excluding 2016 and 2017 samples) were analyzed and the percentage presence and concentrations of SGARs from pre-stewardship and post-stewardship samples were compared.There was no statistically significant decrease in the percentage of buzzards exposed to bromadiolone, difenacoum or combined SGAR residues after the introduction of stewardship. The percentage of buzzards exposed to brodifacoum increased significantly post-stewardship, from 8 % to 27 %. There were no significant decreases in the concentrations of individual SGARs post-stewardship but concentration of combined SGARs increased significantly post-stewardship. Individual buzzards were significantly more likely to be exposed to multiple SGARs post-stewardship.Rodenticide poisoning was recorded as the cause of death for 5 % of pre- and post-stewardship buzzards with detectable levels of SGARs, and 90 % of these had combined SGAR residues >0.1 mg/kg.These findings suggest that the industry-led stewardship scheme has not yet had the intended impact of reducing SGAR exposure in non-target wildlife. The study highlights a substantial increase in exposure of buzzards to brodifacoum and to multiple SGARs post-stewardship, indicating that further changes to the stewardship scheme may be necessary.

A Study on the Clinical Profile of Non-Organophosphorus Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Poisoning is emerging as a very important global health issue particularly in agricultural countries like India. Although wide range of data is available on organophosphorus poisoning cases, studies and data are limited on non-organophosphorus compound poisoning like paraquat, rodenticide (zinc phosphide, yellow phosphorus, sodium monofluroacetate, fluroacetamide, arsenic, warfarins, and scilliroside etc.), pyrethroid, carbamate etc. The present study aims to study the clinical presentation and outcome of the non-organophosphorus poisoning cases. A cross sectional retrospective study was conducted at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh. In this study the data of the patients with nonorganophosphorus poisoning admitted to Assam Medical College from July, 2022 to July, 2023 were collected and analysed. A total of 104 patients were included in the study and most patients belonged to the age group of below 30 years. Out of all the cases highest number patients presented with Paraquat poisoning (48.1%), while distribution of other cases was as follows- Phenyl (12.5%), Pyrethroid (23.1%), Rodenticide (10.6%), Carbamate (1.9%) and Organochloride (3.6%). Vomiting was the most common presenting symptom. Hepatic and renal impairment was observed only in the paraquat poisoning cases and it was also associated with high mortality rate (88%). Acute Hepatitis and Acute kidney Injury was quite common among paraquat poisoning patients and mortality was mainly observed in paraquat, rodenticide and carbamate poisoning cases. Comprehensive care and awareness among general public is necessary for prevention and better management of poisoning cases. Development of proper rational management guidelines is also pivotal for reducing mortality in these cases.

Rodenticide poisoning leading to cerebral hemorrhage: A case report.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are a substantial fraction of murine types. AR poisoning causes bleeding from the skin, mucous membranes, and multiple organs. However, reports of AR-induced cerebral hemorrhage are scarce. A 40-year-old male presented with dizziness, headache, and limb weakness for 5 days and with coagulopathy. Two days prior to the onset of these symptoms, the patient was exposed to dead mice. Rodenticide intoxication-induced cerebral hemorrhage. Vitamin K1 infusion, administration of dehydrating agents to reduce intracranial pressure, and correction of acid-base and electrolyte imbalances. After 9 days of treatment, the patient's symptoms were relieved, and reexamination revealed that coagulation parameters returned to normal levels. The patient was eventually discharged for observation with oral vitamin K1. Rodenticide poisoning can lead to intracerebral hemorrhage, and treatment with vitamin K1 infusion is effective. Rodenticide poisoning-induced cerebral hemorrhage is rarely reported. Because its symptoms are nonspecific, it is easy to miss the diagnosis or misdiagnose. When patients present with direct and indirect symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and limb weakness, rodenticide poisoning should be considered. Coagulation function and head computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examination should be performed at the earliest to confirm the diagnosis and provide timely treatment.

Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in dogs: Retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory diagnostic data

In this retrospective study, patient records of dogs suffering from poisoning with coumarin derivatives were evaluated to characterize the clinical appearance more precisely. Retrospective data analysis included 52 dogs with hemostaseologically proven anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning which were treated as inpatients at the Clinic for Small Animals between September 2011 and October 2018. In only 2 dogs (4%) the intake of poison could be observed with certainty. The most common clinical signs observed were reduced general behavior (79%), pallor of the mucosa (79%), anorexia (60%), and dyspnea/tachypnea (60%). In contrast, macroscopically visible internal and external bleedings occurred less frequently. Initially, all cases showed a highly altered prothrombin time and most patients a considerably prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Anemia was present in 75% of patients. All dogs included in the study received initially an intravenous treatment with 10 mg/kg vitamin K1. Pretreatment with 1 mg/kg prednisolone was given for prophylaxis of possible incompatibility reactions. No patient showed signs of anaphylactic reaction. Transfusions of whole blood or concentrated red cells were given to only 10 of the 52 animals; only one received 2 transfusions of erythrocytes. 94% of the animals could be discharged home for outpatient therapy after a median length of hospitalization of 3 days (1-9 days) with physiological or almost physiological coagulation test results. Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning is often associated with non-specific symptoms and good prognosis if treated adequately. Coagulation diagnostics is always indicated in cases with unclear disorders. In life-threatening emergencies, immediate intravenous infusion of high-dose vitamin K1 is a very effective treatment and results in a rapid increase in coagulation factor activity.

Consumption of Rodenticide Baits by Invertebrates as a Potential Route into the Diet of Insectivores.

Non-target species are commonly exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides worldwide, which may pose a key threat to declining species. However, the main pathway of exposure is usually unknown, potentially hindering conservation efforts. This study aimed to examine whether baits mixed with the biomarker rhodamine B can be used to track invertebrate consumption of rodenticides in a field environment, using this to observe whether invertebrate prey are a potential vector for anticoagulant rodenticides in the diet of insectivores such as the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Rhodamine B baits were found to create an observable response. Uptake was negligible in captured insects; however, 20.7% of slugs and 18.4% of snails captured showed uptake of bait. Maximum temperature, distance from bait, proximity to buildings, and the addition of copper tape to bait boxes all influenced the rate of bait uptake in molluscs. Based on these data, it seems likely that molluscs could be a source of rodenticide poisoning in insectivores. This research demonstrates which prey may pose exposure risks to insectivores and likely environmental factors, knowledge of which can guide effective mitigation measures. We suggest that further investigation into using mollusc repellents around bait boxes should be considered.

Strigid herpesvirus-1 as a differential for chronic keratitis in owls

An adult free-ranging great horned owl was referred for evaluation of chronic ulcerative keratitis in the left eye that had been treated for several months. In vivo confocal microscopy confirmed that the corneal lesion was an inactive scar, and histopathology and molecular testing of a proliferative palpebral conjunctival lesion in the same eye confirmed infection with strigid herpesvirus- 1. Resolution of the conjunctivitis occurred following the biopsy and the owl was released. Four months later the owl re-presented with presumed rodenticide poisoning, and there was no evidence of recurrence of ocular disease.

Therapeutic Management of Rodenticide Poisoning in Cat

A domestic female cat with short fur that was 1 year old and weighed 3 kg was brought to the Parel campus of the Mumbai Veterinary College in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Past eating poisoned rats, ongoing seizure episodes, recent kitten delivery, and lateral recumbency. A clinical examination indicated dehydration, a high body temperature (104°F), nystagmus, mydriasis, and ongoing seizures. WBC and liver enzyme levels are elevated according to blood tests. The cat was given injections of acetyl-cysteine @ 140 mg/kg and then reduced to 50 mg/kg B.W., mannitol @ 0.5 mg/kg B.W., antipyretic, antibiotics, and nervine tonics, as well as normal saline. These treatments were used to manage the cat's seizures. Eight days of therapy resulted in a full recovery for the cat.

Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure Due to Yellow Phosphorus Poisoning – A Comprehensive Review

Yellow phosphorus or metal phosphide (YP-MP) rodenticide poisoning has been a known cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in many countries of Asia and North and South America over the last decade. It is a highly toxic compound and is a well-known cause of intentional or accidental poisoning in both adults and children. In lower doses, it causes gastrointestinal symptoms and mild hepatic injury, and patients may spontaneously recover. In higher doses, hepatic necrosis and fatty infiltration may cause significant injury and may even lead to ALF, characterized by hepatic encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and lactic acidosis. Cardiotoxicity, rhabdomyolysis, and neutropenia are other well-documented complications. If untreated, it may lead to multi-organ dysfunction and death. Plasmapheresis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have been used with limited success in patients who do not recover spontaneously. However, patients who develop ALF often need liver transplantation (LT). Liver transplantation has been successfully performed in ALF due to YP-MP poisoning in several countries, with good results in both adult and pediatric patients. Separate criteria for LT are important to ensure early and rapid listing of critical patients on the waiting list. The success rates of LT for ALF due to YP-MP rodenticide poisoning are very promising, provided there are no contra-indications to transplant. Plasma exchange, CRRT, or cytosorb can be used as a bridge to transplant in selected patients. In the long term, only with an increase in public awareness and sale restrictions can we prevent the intentional and accidental poisoning caused by this easily available, highly toxic compound.

Toxic substances in the household - cases of poisoning, therapy, complications

There are many toxic substances used in our houses. Rodent poisons are not the most common group of substances, but cases of poisoning still occur. Long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides, also called superwarfarins, are known for their greater potency, longer half-life and delayed onset of symptoms. Cases of superwarfarin poisoning can pose a diagnostic and clinical challenge due to a wide array of presentations and prolonged severe coagulopathy requiring months of high-dose oral vitamin K therapy. The most common presentation of long-acting anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning is mucocutaneous bleeding, with other common presentations including haematuria, gingival bleeding, epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding.We discuss a case of self-poisoning with long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides with a little presentation of sympthoms and disscus about another cases based on the found articles.

Silent killers? The widespread exposure of predatory nocturnal birds to anticoagulant rodenticides

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) influence predator populations and threaten the stability of ecosystems. Understanding the prevalence and impact of rodenticides in predators is crucial to inform conservation planning and policy. We collected dead birds of four nocturnal predatory species across differing landscapes: forests, agricultural, urban. Liver samples were analysed for eight ARs: three First Generation ARs (FGARs) and five SGARs (Second Generation ARs). We investigated interspecific differences in liver concentrations and whether landscape composition influenced this. FGARs were rarely detected, except pindone at low concentrations in powerful owls Ninox strenua. SGARs, however, were detected in every species and 92 % of birds analysed. Concentrations of SGARs were at levels where potential toxicological or lethal impacts would have occurred in 33 % of powerful owls, 68 % of tawny frogmouths Podargus strigoides, 42 % of southern boobooks N. bookbook and 80 % of barn owls Tyto javanica. When multiple SGARs were detected, the likelihood of potentially lethal concentrations of rodenticides increased. There was no association between landscape composition and SGAR exposure, or the presence of multiple SGARs, suggesting rodenticide poisoning is ubiquitous across all landscapes sampled. This widespread human-driven contamination in wildlife is a major threat to wildlife health. Given the high prevalence and concentrations of SGARs in these birds across all landscape types, we support the formal consideration of SGARs as a threatening process. Furthermore, given species that do not primarily eat rodents (tawny frogmouths, powerful owls) have comparable liver rodenticide concentrations to rodent predators (southern boobook, eastern barn owl), it appears there is broader contamination of the food-web than anticipated. We provide evidence that SGARs have the potential to pose a threat to the survival of avian predator populations. Given the functional importance of predators in ecosystems, combined with the animal welfare impacts of these chemicals, we propose governments should regulate the use of SGARs.

Novel radiological technique to recognize acute liver failure caused by yellow phosphorous containing rodenticides.

Yellow phosphorous rodenticide (YPR) poisoning is the commonest cause for acute liver failure (ALF) in southern and western India. Due to medicolegal issues, history of YPR ingestion may not be available. As early recognition of YPR poisoning is important and there are no specific biochemical assays, other early predictors to identify this entity is necessary. We evaluated the diagnostic role of plain computed tomography (CT) in identifying YPR-induced ALF. All patients admitted to the liver unit with a diagnosis of ALF underwent a plain CT scan abdomen. Demographic details, clinical history, laboratory parameters, liver attenuation index (LAI) calculated on CT scan, treatment details, need for liver transplantation and clinical outcome were analyzed. Parameters for YPR-induced ALF (ALF-YPR) and other causes (ALF-OTH) were compared. Ability of LAI to distinguish ALF-YPR and ALF-OTH was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Twenty-four patients (15 female [62.5%]) were included in the study. Thirteen patients (54%) had YPR poisoning, while the rest formed the ALF-OTH group (11,46%). ALF-YPR patients had higher transaminase levels, lower peak serum bilirubin levels. ALF-YPR livers had significantly lower LAI as compared to ALF-OTH (- 30 vs. - 8, p = 0.001). On ROC curve analysis, an LAI greater than - 18 ruled out YPR as the cause for ALF with 91% sensitivity and 85% specificity. On regression analysis, LAI was the only independent factor predicting ALF-YPR (odds ratio - 0.86, [0.76, 0.96] p = 0.008). Our data shows that LAI on plain abdominal CT scan can be used to quickly recognize ALF-YPR in unclear cases so that necessary treatment protocol can be activated, or patient transfer arranged. Our analysis shows that an LAI greater than - 18 can reliably rule out YPR ingestion as the cause for ALF.

Outcome of Rodenticide Poisoning and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Admitted with Rodenticide Poisoning at the Emergency Unit of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Debre Tabor, North Central Ethiopia.

Rodenticides are pesticides used to eradicate rodents. It is a common reason for visits to the emergency department and hospitalization, and it is a major public health concern. Intentional or unintentional intoxication can result in severe consequences with a high fatality rate. In Ethiopia, studies on the outcome of rodenticide poisoning are scarce. The goal of this study was to assess the outcomes of rodenticide poisoning and its associated factors in adult patients admitted to the emergency unit of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in North Central Ethiopia. A retrospective record review institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used on 156 adult patients treated with rodenticide poisoning at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital's emergency unit between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2022. To collect data from patient medical documents and the Health Management Information System, an abstraction sheet was employed. The information was entered into EPI data version 4.6, then exported and analyzed using STATA version 14 software. To analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variables, bivariable and multivariable regression were used. A total of 156 participants were involved in the study. The majority of them 55.13% were in the age group of 19-37 years with the median age of 23 years. Three-fourth of the cases were suicidal poisoning. Overall, 49.35% patients presented to Debre Tabor Specialized Hospital had poor outcome. Having suicidal poisoning (AOR = 10.64; 95% CI: 2.43, 46.53), having tachycardia (AOR = 5.41; 95% CI: 1.54, 18.98), being referred from other health center (AOR = 5.78; 95% CI: 1.97, 16.95) were factors associated with poor outcome. Rodenticide poisoning had a poor overall outcome. Suicidal poisoning, tachycardia, and referral from other health facilities were all important predictors in poor rodenticide poisoning outcomes.

A STUDY ON CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF RODENTICIDE POISONING IN SOUTH INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the sociodemographic profile, clinical features, and clinical outcome of patients admitted with rat killer poison in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among those who have been admitted with rodenticide poisoning in a tertiary care center in South India. Prior Institutional Ethical committee Permission and written informed consent were obtained. Data on sociodemographic profile were elicited. The clinical course of all those who were enrolled in the study was closely followed and monitored. All the necessary blood parameters were done on every alternate day after the admission blood investigations. The data were entered into Microsoft excel and were analyzed using PSPP software. The difference in mean blood parameters between survivors and non survivors was compared. Results: The consumption of rodenticide poisoning was higher among females (59%). Majority (58%) were married. Vomiting was present in nearly two-third of the study population and abdominal pain in 21%. Dose ingested and time of reporting to hospital were high among non-survivors. Mean bilirubin, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and International normalized ratio were higher among non-survivors compared to survivors at all the days measured. Conclusions: Monitoring of liver parameters plays a key role in assessing the prognosis of the patient and also in treating them.

CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH RODENTICIDE POISONING IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Background: Poisoning is one of the leading cause for admission in emergency department and rodenticides are one of the major poisons used. It is highly toxic substance where morbidity and mortality are signicant. After Methods: obtaining informed consent 100 patients admitted with rodenticide poisoning in Department of General Medicine, Siddhartha medical college is enrolled into the study after fullling inclusion and exclusion criteria, data is collected and appropriate treatment is given. Out of 100 Results: patients included in the study, 55patients (55%) consumed zinc phosphide. 27patients(27%) consumed warfarin derivatives. 18patients(18%) consumed yellow phosphorous. Female preponderance(54%) was seen in this study. Poisoning is more common below 29years of age. Total of 77patients(77%) recovered without complications, most common symptom is vomiting and complication is acute hepatitis(23%). Conclusion: This study shows Yellow phosphorous has the worst outcome. Zinc phosphide is the most common poison consumed and low mortality is seen in zinc phosphide and warfarin compounds

Acute pesticide poisoning in the central part of Iran: A 4-year cross-sectional study.

Intoxication with pesticides is a well-known public health problem. We aimed to describe the demographic and toxico-clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pesticide poisoning. This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in Khorshid Hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. All patients with pesticide poisoning (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and acaricides) were evaluated. The patients' demographic, toxicological, clinical, and laboratory findings from March 2016 until March 2021 were collected and analyzed. During the study period, 25,659 patients with acute poisoning were admitted, of which, 1567 (6.1% of the total poisoning) with pesticide poisoning were included. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 31.34 ± 13.7 years and 55.3% were men (male/female ratio = 1.23). In approximately 75% of the patients, poisoning occurred by suicidal attempts, while in 14.3% (n = 224), it was accidental. Insecticides caused about 51.30% of the poisonings. However, rodenticides were most commonly used in completed suicide attempts (79.9%). The frequency of previously attempted suicide, and self-harming was different among the patients with respect to the type of pesticide poisoning (p < 0.05). Previous suicidal attempts (35.3%) and self-harming (17.3%) were reported more in patients poisoned with the combination of pesticides. Half of the patients were employed. Nausea and vomiting (56.7%, n = 889) were the most common clinical manifestations; 8.3% (n = 130) of the patients died, 64 of whom had rodenticide poisoning. The prevalence of pesticide poisoning was relatively low; most were insecticide poisoning. Poisoning occurred most through attempted suicide. Rodenticides and herbicides had higher mortality rates than other pesticides. Patients with previously attempted suicide and self-harming behavior may use a combination of pesticides.

Blood Transfusion from a Magellanic Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus magellanicus) to a Barn Owl (Tyto alba): A Successful Case of Xenotransfusion.

This report describes successful transspecies blood transfusion from a Magellanic horned owl (Bubo virginianus magellanicus) to a barn owl (Tyto alba). The barn owl was admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center with severe anemia (packed cell volume [PCV] = 6.7%) from suspected anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning. Procedures performed included patient stabilization, pharmacological treatment, and persistent monitoring following the blood transfusion. The patient's PCV was measured daily, increasing progressively, and attaining a normal value for the species (PCV > 40%) on the eighth day posttransfusion. With no possibility of obtaining a same-species donor and because of the serious condition of the patient and unfavorable prognosis, a decision was made to perform the xenotransfusion. The result was a successful recovery and ultimately the release of the owl into its natural habitat. We concluded that xenotransfusion for avian species should be considered in cases with no possibility of obtaining a homologous donor.