What are mole and gopher baits?
Moles and gophers tunnel underground and can cause significant damage to gardens and lawns. Mole and gopher baits are poisonous products intended to attract and kill these pests. The poisonous baits are designed to be used underground and are commonly flavored to attract unwanted pests. They come as pellets, granules, stakes, and “worms” (baits in the shape of earthworms to mimic their natural food source). Mole and gopher baits can be found in farm supply stores, garden centers, residential hardware stores, or online.
How does mole and gopher bait poisoning occur?
Because mole and gopher baits are often flavored to attract pests, cats and dogs can be attracted to them as well, and may also ingest them if given the chance. Although these baits are intended to be placed underground, dogs and cats may dig up the bait or find the bait packaging in a garage or shed.
The active ingredients used in these baits can cause significant illness in your pet if they ingest enough. The most common active ingredients used in mole and gopher baits are zinc phosphide and bromethalin. When zinc phosphide enters the moist environment of the gastrointestinal tract, phosphine gas is generated. This gas is poisonous and can be fatal. If a toxic dose of bromethalin is ingested, it can cause brain swelling and subsequent neurological signs. Bromethalin is also found in mice and rat baits, but the concentration is much higher when used in mole and gopher baits.
What are the clinical signs of mole and gopher bait poisoning?
Clinical signs of zinc phosphide poisoning in your pet may include:
- vomiting, diarrhea, bloating
- lethargy, depression
- tremors, agitation, and/or seizures
The onset of these signs is typically rapid, although they may rarely be delayed up to 24 hours.
Clinical signs of bromethalin poisoning in your pet are dose dependent and may include:
- vomiting
- weakness, paralysis
- walking off-balance
- tremors or seizures
These signs can develop any time within 5 days of ingestion.
How is mole and gopher bait poisoning diagnosed?
Often, mole and gopher bait poisoning is diagnosed from a witnessed exposure, or evidence of a suspected exposure, such as spilled or chewed packaging. Diagnosis can also be based on clinical signs or a notable foul odor.
How is mole and gopher bait poisoning treated?
Treatment for zinc phosphide poisoning may involve prompt decontamination by your veterinarian through induced vomiting. Caution should be taken when inducing vomiting for this bait, due to the production of phosphine gas in the gastrointestinal tract. If this gas is inhaled by veterinary professionals or pet owners, it can result in asthma-like symptoms, nausea, and headache. Treatment for your pet may include fluids, gastrointestinal support, and medication to control tremors and seizures.
There is no antidote for bromethalin poisoning, therefore decontamination within an appropriate time is key to a good outcome. If clinical signs develop, they can be managed with medication to help control brain swelling.
What is the prognosis for mole and gopher bait poisoning?
The prognosis for mole and gopher bait poisoning is largely dependent on the active ingredients, time of decontamination, and severity of the pet’s condition. With bromethalin poisoning, there is a more guarded prognosis of controlling brain swelling. If the exposure or clinical signs are not treated soon enough, though, the prognosis may be poor.
Be careful to keep all bait packaging securely stored and out of reach of children and pets. If bait is placed around your home, consider whether your pet will be able to gain access to the area. Be sure to read the entire product label before use, to identify warnings and instructions for safe and proper handling and placement. Keep the packaging or make a note of the active ingredient in your product. If you think your pet could have been poisoned, seek veterinary care immediately or call Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680 for advice. Timely treatment could save your pet’s life.
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
