Veterinary hospitals are presented with a number of antifreeze
poisonings every year. The commercially available forms of antifreeze
contain 95% ethylene glycol (EG). Most automobiles utilize a 50% dilution
of EG in their engines. In either strength EG is a sweet tasting substance
that your pets will willingly drink.
Once consumed, EG is rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract
and reaches peak blood levels in 2 to 3 hours. EG itself is mildly toxic
but becomes transformed to deadly metabolites by the liver.
Early signs of toxicity are apparent in 1/2 to 8 hours and are
primarily vomiting, depression, and staggering. In 8 to 24 hours, the
signs progress to loss of appetite, worsening depression, rapid heart
rate, and labored breathing. In 24 to 72 hours kidney failure, coma and
death may ensue.
Many times EG poisoning cases are not presented to our clinic until
serious or lethal complications have occurred. Therefore, it is
extremely important to prevent exposure of your pet to this deadly but
sweet tasting poison.
