The difference between measured and calculated (1.86 [Na+ + K+] + glucose/18 + BUN/2.8 + 9) osmolality is referred to as the osmolal gap. Limited information is available on the pathological features of EG poisoning in pet animals, with special emphasis on cats. There are 15 ml in a tablespoon, so figure1 tablespoon (30 ml) per Papillion could be lethal, and a teaspoon is lethal for a cat. Signs include lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulcers, salivation, tachypnea, and possibly seizures or coma. Contributors: Kristiina Ruotsalo, DVM, DVSc, Dip ACVP & Margo S. Tant BSc, DVM, DVSc & Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT, Veterinarian approved Preventive Care products. Ethylene glycol, which is most commonly encountered in antifreeze, causes acidosis and renal failure and is a frequent cause of lethal poisoning in companion animals, particularly cats. Often implicated in cases of malicious poisoning in cats. Ethylene glycol tastes sweet, which is why some animals are attracted to it. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Ethylene glycol polymers with large carbon chains may be reproductive toxins, but ethylene glycol itself exhibits no developmental toxicity or detrimental effects to reproductive health in humans. Treatment should include correction of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disorders and, if possible, induction of diuresis. As little as one eighth of a teaspoon per pound of body weight in a cat of undiluted antifreeze can result in fatality. Renal tubular epithelial necrosis with calcium oxalate crystals in the tubular lumina is the characteristic finding of EG intoxication. Partial (focal or multifocal) - total. Oliguric acute renal failure usually develops between 12 and 24 hr in cats and between 36 and 72 hr in dogs. Ethylene glycol poisoning is divided into three stages. Calcium oxalate crystals appear birefringent when viewed with polarized light. In addition, antifreeze may be ingested by way of intentional poisoning or because it is the only available liquid in cold weather. Cats like the smell and taste of it, and it only takes 1.5ml/kg for a lethal dose in cats. Ethylene glycol has a very narrow margin of safety – which means only a tiny amount can result in severe poisoning. ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. Summary Ethylene glycol (EG) is a well known toxic compound, the assumption of which can be fatal to pet animals as well as to humans. It is important to recognize the signs that accompany ethylene glycol poisoning with your dog or cat. The pH derangement seen with ethylene glycol toxicity is _____. Consumption of the fruit, seed, stem, or leaves of avocados can cause toxicity in animals. Ethylene glycol itself is a colourless fluid although the solutions it is commonly found in are often coloured in an attempt to prevent accidental ingestion. Pathophysiology [2] Like the other toxic alcohols mentioned above, ethylene glycol is a parent compound that exerts most of its toxicity by conversion to metabolites. Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in antifreeze. Activated charcoal is not likely to reduce absorption of EG from the GI tract. J.J. Devlin, M. Schwartz, in Encyclopedia of Toxicology (Third Edition), 2014. Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in most automotive antifreeze products. Do not wait; time is of the essence and immediate treatment is essential! In dogs and cats with azotemia or in oliguric acute renal failure, inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase is of little benefit, because almost all of the EG has already been metabolized. The fluorescein in the fluid fluoresces when viewed under ultraviolet light. Primary (spontaneous or traumatic) - secondary to systemic or ocular disease. Once absorption has occurred, excretion of EG is increased by fluid therapy designed to correct dehydration and increase urine production. The dose of 4-MP (5% solution [50 mg/mL]) is 20 mg/kg body wt, IV, initially, followed by 15 mg/kg, IV, at 12 and 24 hr, and 5 mg/kg, IV, at 36 hr. Cats must be treated within 3 hours of ingesting antifreeze, as the antidote only has a narrow time period to work. Ethylene glycol has been shown to be toxic to humans and is also toxic to domestic pets such as cats and dogs. Calcium oxalate crystalluria may be observed as early as 3 and 6 hr after ingestion in cats and dogs, respectively. Reproductive Toxicity. However, during this stage, cats become dehydrated, and develop an elevated breathing and heart rate. Stage 3 (12-24 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. Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Acidosis (acidic blood) can also be detected through the biochemistry profile. The minimum lethal dose of undiluted EG is 1.4 mL/kg body wt in cats, 4.4 mL/kg in dogs, 7–8 mL/kg in poultry, and 2–10 mL/kg in cattle. Ethylene glycol exposure can be extremely dangerous, with significant morbidity and mortality if … In colder climates, the incidence of EG intoxications is seasonal, with most cases occurring in the fall, winter, and early spring, when antifreeze is added to radiator fluid or when cooling systems are flushed. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste, which means animals and even children can be drawn to it. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Within 24 hours, some animals show apparent improvement which may prevent pet owners from realizing that their pet is in r… Antifreeze is a common product used in car radiators to lower the freezing point of water in cooler climates. If ingestion of EG is not witnessed, diagnosis is usually based on a combination of history, physical examination, and laboratory data. The widespread availability of antifreeze, its sweet taste and small minimum lethal dose, and the lack of public awareness of the toxicity (ie, improper storage and disposal) contribute to the frequency of this intoxication. Last full review/revision May 2013 | Content last modified May 2013, © 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA), © 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, Overview of Health-Management Interaction: Small Animals, Monitoring the Critically Ill Animal Using The Rule of 20. The Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. Most intoxication is associated with ingestion of radiator antifreeze which is usually 95% EG. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Pigs may also have pulmonary edema with tan fluid in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. Urine fluorescence has been used as a qualitative adjunctive test in suspected EG ingestions in people and may be of value in veterinary medicine. When in doubt, if you suspect your pet has ingested ethylene glycol, immediate veterinary attention is imperative as the prognosis is very poor once clinical signs have developed. A toxic dose requiring medical treatment varies but is considered more than 0.1 mL per kg body weight (mL/kg) of pure substance. Stage 1 (within 30 minutes of ingestion): The signs include lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, excessive urination, excessive thirst, hypothermia (low body temperature), seizures, and coma. Within 3 hr of ingestion of toxic doses of EG, dogs and cats develop normochloremic metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap, minimally concentrated or isosthenuric urine with an acidic pH, and marked serum hyperosmolality with an increased osmolal gap. 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