Dr Duncan McGinness said from March 1 to 16 his clinic performed 52 clotting tests to test for rat bait poisoning, with most of them confirmed poisonings.

"The last week has seen a large rise in mice numbers around the area and we are seeing a larger number of baited animals as well," he said.

Ten tests were done on last Monday alone, and eight of the 10 were positive rodenticide poisoning, he said.

The veterinarian reiterated the need to take care with bait, and if pet owners suspected poisoning to seek attention early.

"With such large numbers of mice we understand that it is not possible to eradicate all the mice using non-baited methods, however whenever bait is involved there will always be the risk of baited pets," Dr McGinness said.

"Even baits in bait stations should be kept away from pets.

"If you see or suspect your pet has eaten bait please contact a vet immediately.

"Signs can range from lethargy, not eating, pale gums, swelling (bleeding under the skin), coughing (bleeding into the lungs or trachea), pain anywhere, for example some active dogs present with back pain."

The Daily Liberal first reported of the Dubbo vet clinic seeing a higher number of presentations with poisoning from rodent bait in December, the issue continuing since then.

The veterinary practice has been able to reunite furry companions with their owners.

"Every patient that has taken on the advice and medication our vets have recommended have survived," Dr McGinness said.

"We usually use three weeks of vitamin K treatment after a positive test for delayed clotting.

"But we have had some who are again positive after we retested three to four days after finishing the course.

"So re-exposure or simply a longer course may be required."

The vet advises that cases are "mostly dogs", but warns that cats can be fatally poisoned as well.

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