Question: What are the signs seen with antifreeze toxicity in dogs and cats?
Answer: Acute
cases of antifreeze toxicity (when an animal consumes antifreeze) often
present as if the animal is intoxicated with alcohol. The kidneys are
the target organ; antifreeze destroys the kidney tissue. This is an
emergency situation, and life threatening within hours. Please see your
veterinarian immediately. Success of treatment depends on quick
treatment.
More About Antifreeze and What It Is Used For
Antifreeze is a syrupy liquid that is usually brightly colored; neon
green or neon pink. It may be found leaking under cars in the heat of
summer or after engine maintenance. Spills of this liquid are also
common in winter months as car owners perform seasonal engine
maintenance.
Antifreeze is used in the plumbing systems of cabins and other vacation
homes in extreme climates to prevent broken pipes in winter. Antifreeze
may also be used to weigh down portable basketball hoops and be a a
source of antifreeze for curious pets.
From the VetMed blog: Warning - Antifreeze From A Basketball Hoop?
This chemical is an ingredient of de-icers, hydraulic brake
fluids, and photograph developing chemicals. Antifreeze is odorless and
has a sweet taste, which can be attractive to curious and thirsty
animals and children.
Antifreeze Toxicity - First Stage
Acute cases of antifreeze toxicity (within 12 hours of ingestion)
often present as if the animal was intoxicated with alcohol: stumbling,
vomiting and depression are common signs. Seizures, increased urination
(initially; in later stages, urinary output is decreased) and increased
thirst may also be seen.
Antifreeze Toxic Effects on Kidneys
The kidneys are most severely affected, and even if the animal seems
to improve initially with treatment, they may succumb shortly after to
kidney failure (3-5 days post ingestion). The kidneys shut down, and the
animal is unable to produce urine.
This type of kidney failure usually happens 12-24 hours after
ingestion in cats, and 36-72 hours post ingestion in dogs. Success of
treatment is dependent upon
quick treatment. If antifreeze
ingestion is known or even suspected, do not delay. This is not a
"wait-and-see" situation; kidney damage will be more severe as time
(hours) go by.
If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
A Safer Antifreeze Alternative
A safer alternative to traditional antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is
propylene glycol. Like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol is odorless,
but differs in that it is virtually tasteless and does not cause kidney
damage. In fact, propylene glycol has been approved by the FDA (Food and
Drug Administration) as a food additive. It is classified as "generally
recognized as safe" for human consumption.