Phytomenadione (vitamin K₁) in veterinary practice: clinical significance of the injectable form in case of poisoning with anticoagulant rodenticides and acquired deficiency

Hemostasis disorders in dogs and cats are a common cause of emergency conditions in veterinary practice. Coagulopathies can be congenital or acquired. Among acquired coagulopathies, vitamin K₁ deficiency is particularly important, which occurs in cases of poisoning with anticoagulant rodenticides, liver and gastrointestinal diseases, malabsorption syndrome, and prolonged antibiotic therapy. This article summarizes the literature data and clinical experience of the phytomenadione use in dogs and cats in conditions accompanied by vitamin K₁ deficiency. 5 clinical cases of the use of injectable phytomenadione (Konaflion) in dogs with reliable ingestion of anticoagulant rodenticides and 4 clinical cases (3 cats, 1 dog) with confirmed mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract were analyzed. The study included dogs and cats of various breeds, ages (from 7 months to 7 years), and body weights (from 2.5 to 30 kg). Konaflion was administered parenterally at doses of 2…5 mg/kg, followed by continued therapy for 7 days or more, depending on the clinical presentation. The use of injectable forms of the drug allows for rapid restoration of the activity of vitamin-K-dependent coagulation factors and reduces the risk of severe hemorrhagic complications.