01/27/2024
With the weather outside chilling our bones, now is the time most automobile owners are checking, changing, and/or topping off antifreeze in their cars and trucks. While this is a necessary maintenance for automobile owners, it presents an unwanted opportunity for poisoning our pets. Here are some things you need to know:
1. What is antifreeze? Ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, is a brightly colored, sweet tasting liquid found in most garages. It is not only toxic to cats and dogs, but humans as well.
2. Ethylene glycol itself is not toxic, but when it is metabolized in the body, it becomes severely toxic to the kidneys. Antifreeze poisoning presents some of the most severe kidney damage seen by veterinarians.
3. How do pets get poisoned? Obviously spills while changing antifreeze present a prime opportunity. Remember that the taste is sweet making it tasteful to both cats and dogs (and even small children). But there doesn't have to be a large spill. For cats who often sleep under vehicles, a dripping radiator could be just as deadly. Simply getting ethylene glycol on the paws and then licking is often enough to cause serious poisoning.
4. What are the signs of ethylene glycol poisoning? Each individual can display different symptoms, but there are typically three stages.
Stage 1 - Within 30 minutes - The signs include lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, excessive urination, excessive thirst, hypothermia (low body temperature), seizures, and coma.
Stage 2 - 12-24 hours after ingestion- Some of the signs seem to dramatically improve, luring pet owners into a false sense of security. However, during this stage, dogs become dehydrated, and develop an elevated breathing and heart rate.
Stage 3 - 36 - 72 hours after ingestion - At this stage, signs of severe kidney dysfunction, which is characterized by swollen, painful kidneys and the production of minimal to no urine, may occur. Progressive depression, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, seizures, coma, and death may be seen.
4. Can my pet be saved? Yes and no. Your pets chances for survival desperately depends on how quickly medical treatment is rendered.
Do not wait; time is of the essence and immediate treatment is essential! Pets must be treated within 8-12 hours of ingesting antifreeze, as the antidote only has a narrow time period to work.
The other option for treatment is dialysis. However, this is typically available at universities and select practices only. The nearest veterinarian may be able to give prolonging time until you can reach a facility that does in fact perform dialysis.
