Every year thousands of dogs and cats are accidentally
poisoned with Ethylene Glycol. Antifreeze, also called coolant, is the
colored fluid (usually green or red) found in your car's radiator.
Ethylene Glycol is an ingredient found in antifreeze, radiator coolants,
brake fluid, liquid rust inhibitors and hydraulic fluids.
The taste is sweet and dogs are attracted to it. Dogs may find
containers that have been used to drain radiators etc and lick the
residue or they may find a small puddle leaked from a faulty cooling
system on the garage floor.
How much Anti Freeze is toxic to dogs?
Any amount of ethylene glycol is dangerous. Three tablespoons or about
50ml can kill a small dog of 10 kilos (22 pounds).
The minimum lethal dose of undiluted Ethylene Glycol in dogs is
4.4 mL/per kilogram body weight.
Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning (Ethylene
Glycol) in the first 12 Hours
There are two main stages involved in antifreeze poisoning. The short
term symptoms and the long term effects. The first stage involves the
immediate symptoms after drinking the antifreeze. Your dog may seem to
recover from the immediate symptoms after about 12 hours but the effects
of the ethylene glycol will continue to cause serious damage to your
dog's kidneys. The kidney damage is irreparable.
The
time it takes for symptoms to appear and the severity of the symptoms
can vary depending on the amount of antifreeze the dog has drunk.
Ethylene glycol poisoning can cause symptoms as early as thirty minutes
after ingestion. Peak blood concentrations occur 3 hours after
ingestion. Early symptoms are similar to
alcohol intoxication. The dog may display the following initial
symptoms:
Staggering Drunken Appearance (this is the
most common symptom)
Excessive Thirst
Excessive Urination
Panting
Vomiting
Loss of Coordination
Seizures or Tremors
If you suspect your dog has
ingested antifreeze it is of utmost importance to seek veterinary
treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you get your dog to the vet
the better are it's chances of survival.
Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning (Ethylene
Glycol)
over the next few days
Ethylene glycol causes metabolic changes in the body
which destroy parts of the kidneys. Crystals form in the kidneys and the
damage cannot be repaired. Unfortunately death results.
Symptoms of kidney damage usually show up 36 to 72 hours
after ingestion of the antifreeze.
Lethargy
Inability to Urinate
Loss of Appetite
Mouth ulcers
Dehydration
Excessive salivation
Painful swollen Kidneys
Treatment of Antifreeze
Poisoning
Dogs caught in the act of drinking antifreeze have the
best chance of survival because your vet will know 100% what he is
treating and medical attention can be administered immediately.
If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze it is of
utmost importance to seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. The
sooner you get your dog to the vet the better are it's chances of
survival.
The prognosis depends on the time elapsed between ingestion and the
initiation of treatment.
Obtaining treatment from your vet in the first few hours is critical.
Treatment may be successful within 9 to 12 hours after ingestion or
before crystals begin developing in the kidneys.
Initial treatment involves reducing the absorption of
glycol ethylene from the stomach and intestines and increasing the
output of the substance through the urine. Your vet may give your dog
medication to make him vomit and then administer a gastric lavage
(stomach pump) where water is pumped into the stomach and then drained
out to wash the stomach of toxins. Charcoal is often given to
lessen absorption into the dog's system. IV fluids are also initiated to
flush the toxins through the kidneys.
Fomepizole may be given intravenously. Fomepizole, a
synthetic alcohol, is a specific pharmacological antidote indicated for
the treatment of ethylene glycol poisoning.
Prevention
Ethylene glycol poisoning can cause an awful death where
the dog suffers greatly. Although some dogs may be saved if caught in
the early stages prevention is certainly better than cure.
Instead of using a ethylene glycol antifreeze you could
switch to a less toxic alternative. Many pet owners prefer to use a
propylene glycol based product. Always be on the look out for any
evidence of leaks under your car and always dispose of antifreeze
containers immediately. Keep your dog secure on your own property to
lessen the risk of encountering exposure to the toxin in your
neighborhood.
This
article has not been written by a veterinarian & should not
be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit. Articles are provided for informative purposes only. While
great care has been made in the creation of this article,
we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on this
page. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice from your veterinarian.
