MODERN APPROACHES TO THERAPY AND RESUSCITATION OF DOGS IN CASES OF COUMARIN ANTICOAGULANT POISONING

Abstract

Poisoning with coumarin-type anticoagulants in dogs remains a pressing issue in modern veterinary medicine, requiring prompt diagnosis and effective therapy. These substances, widely used as rodenticides, disrupt blood coagulation by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent factors, leading to hemorrhagic syndrome with a high risk of severe internal bleeding. This article analyzes the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and current treatment methods for animals exposed to coumarin anticoagulants. A comparative review of two large-scale clinical studies – a 23-year experience from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Canada) and practical case reports from veterinary clinics in Ukraine – reveals key features of etiopathogenesis and supports optimization of therapeutic approaches. The main antidote is vitamin K1, whose efficacy is supported by evidence-based clinical data; however, treatment must be comprehensive, including blood transfusions, symptomatic support, and coagulation status monitoring. The article also outlines recommendations for the timing and dosing of vitamin K1, as well as management strategies for severe poisoning cases. The results highlight the need to implement standardized treatment protocols and enhance clinicians’ vigilance regarding the latent course of symptoms, alongside the importance of long-term monitoring of coagulation profiles even after apparent clinical recovery. The developed recommendations offer practical value for veterinarians, toxicologists, and clinicians, and can serve as a foundation for further experimental studies in toxicology, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine.