![]() ![]() ![]() Cerebral oedema may be present, and death can occur in this stage in some cases. Seizures can occur at this stage in severe cases.įrom 12–24 hours in cats and 36–72 hours in dogs, cardiopulmonary signs develop with tachypnoea, tachycardia, acidosis, hyper- or hypotension, pulmonary oedema, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure and circulatory shock. Polydipsia, although common in dogs, is generally not seen in cats. Polyuria, dehydration, tachypnoea, acidosis and hypothermia may occur. These early signs may be easily missed, particularly in an outdoor cat. In the early stages of ethylene glycol poisoning (from 30 minutes to 12 hours) there are central nervous system (CNS) signs caused by unmetabolised ethylene glycol including ataxia and weakness. International Cat Care have a free downloadable poster outlining the dangers of antifreeze available on their website Clinical signsĪlthough the progression of clinical signs in ethylene glycol toxicosis can be divided into stages these may overlap and not be clearly defined in many cases, particularly in cats. In experimental studies dogs given ethylene glycol or antifreeze (95% ethylene glycol) at a dose 6 ml/kg and above died (Sanyer et al, 1973 Hewlett et al, 1989).Ī poster on the risks of antifreeze poisoning for display in practices is available to download from the International Cat Care website ( Figure 1). This is equivalent to approximately a teaspoon of undiluted antifreeze in a cat. In another study 1 g/kg was fatal to cats within 48 hours (Gessner et al, 1961). The lethal dose of ethylene glycol in cats is commonly reported as 1.5 ml/kg (Milles, 1946). A post-mortem finding of a large amount of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney is diagnostic for ethylene glycol poisoning (Amoroso et al, 2017). Calcium oxalate crystal formation within the renal tubules has been shown to be the cause of the renal effects in ethylene glycol poisoning (de Water et al, 1999). This enzyme oxidises ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde that is ultimately metabolised to oxalate which cause renal damage and hypocalcaemia by binding to calcium to form calcium oxalate (crystals of which may be present in urine). It is not toxic itself, but is metabolised to toxic compounds by the action of alcohol dehydrogenase. AntifreezeĪ common antifreeze ingredient is ethylene glycol (also known as ethanediol). Contact a poisons information service for more specific and individual case advice, if required. In addition, in the northern hemisphere Christmas is a winter festival and associated with some festive foods and decorative plants. This includes substances associated with cold weather such as antifreeze, carbon monoxide from faulty heating appliances and treatments for winter infections such as colds and flu. Winter poisoning risks are discussed in the final article on seasonal poisoning in pets. Ingestion of dried vine fruits requires prophylactic treatment to prevent acute kidney injury. Macadamia nuts can cause self-limiting signs in dogs and chocolate commonly causes neurological and cardiovascular signs, but severe cases are uncommon. ![]() These plants usually only cause mild signs despite their poisonous reputation. Christmas foods (chocolate, foods containing dried vine fruits, macadamia nuts) and decorative plants such as holly, poinsettia and mistletoe are also a potential risk to pets at this time of year. If a pet has eaten a cold and flu product it is important to obtain information on the name and ingredients as these products contain various analgesics and decongestants that require different management. Ethylene glycol antifreeze poisoning results in renal failure and requires prompt antidotal treatment to prevent the formation of metabolites which are responsible for the toxic effects. Carbon monoxide poisoning in winter is often associated with use of a faulty heating appliance and may be missed as the effects are vague and non-specific but other members of the household may also be unwell. Some hazards in this season are associated with cold weather such as carbon monoxide poisoning, antifreeze and medicines for the symptomatic relief of colds and flu. In this final article on seasonal poisoning risks to pets, winter poisoning hazards are discussed. ![]()
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