Difference between revisions of "Ethylene Glycol Toxicity"

From WikiVet English
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(7 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{OpenPagesTop}}
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
Ethylene Glycol is a sweet tasting fluid that is the main constituent of anti-freeze products.<ref name="5-Minute">Tilley and Smith (2000) '''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition), ''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins''</ref>. Consequently in northern hemisphere ethylene glycol toxicity is frequently encountered in practice. It has a relatively low minimum lethal dose, and its sweet, palatable taste makes it attractive to dogs, cats and other small animals, although any animal is susceptible to ethylene glycol toxicosis. <ref name="5-Minute" /><ref name="Merck online">[http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm Merck Veterinary Manual, accessed online on 31.10.2010]</ref>. The minimum lethal doses for dogs, cats, cattle and poulty are, respectively 6.6ml per kg body weight, 1.4ml per kg body weight, 2-10ml per kg body weight and 7-8ml per kg body weight. <ref name="5_Minute" /><ref name="Merck online" />
+
Ethylene Glycol is a sweet tasting fluid that is the main constituent of anti-freeze products.<ref name="5-Minute">Tilley and Smith (2000) '''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition), ''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins''</ref>. Consequently in northern hemisphere ethylene glycol toxicity is frequently encountered in practice. It has a relatively low minimum lethal dose, and its sweet, palatable taste makes it attractive to dogs, cats and other small animals, although any animal is susceptible to ethylene glycol toxicosis. <ref name="5-Minute" /><ref name="Merck online">[http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm Merck Veterinary Manual, accessed online on 31.10.2010]</ref><ref name="Gorman" />. The minimum lethal doses for dogs, cats, cattle and poultry are, respectively 6.6ml per kg body weight, 1.4ml per kg body weight, 2-10ml per kg body weight and 7-8ml per kg body weight. <ref name="5-Minute" /><ref name="Merck online" />
  
 
==Signalment==
 
==Signalment==
*'''Dogs:''' all ages, both sexes, following intoxication lower incidence of fatalities in dogs compared to cats <ref name="multiple">'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition),''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins </ref>  
+
*'''Dogs:''' all ages, both sexes, following intoxication lower incidence of fatalities in dogs compared to cats <ref name="5-Minute" />  
 
*'''Cats:''' all ages, both sexes
 
*'''Cats:''' all ages, both sexes
 
*'''Birds'''
 
*'''Birds'''
*'''Other:''' including pigs and cattle <ref name="multiple">http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 31.10.2010 </ref>
+
*'''Other:''' including pigs and cattle <ref name="Merck online" />
  
 
==Diagnosis==
 
==Diagnosis==
 
===Clinical Signs===
 
===Clinical Signs===
Severity of clinicals signs is inversely proportional to amount ingested. Time post-ingestion is also important.<ref name="multiples">http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 31.10.2010 </ref>.
+
Severity of clinical signs is inversely proportional to amount ingested. Time post-ingestion is also important.<ref name="Merck online" />
  
 
'''Dogs:''' Ataxia, mild to severe increasing depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polydypsia, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis, hypothermia
 
'''Dogs:''' Ataxia, mild to severe increasing depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polydypsia, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis, hypothermia
  
If untreated coma and death, or if lesser amount ingested oliguric acute renal failure within 2 to 7 days after ingestion .<ref name="multiples">http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 31.10.2010 </ref>, <ref name="multiple"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care'''(Second Edition 2007), p286-7 </ref>. This will result in anuric acute renal failure if untreated.
+
If untreated coma and death, or if lesser amount ingested oliguric acute renal failure within 2 to 7 days after ingestion .<ref name="Merck online" /><ref name="BSAVA">King, L. and Boag, A. (2007) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care''' (Second Edition), ''BSAVA''</ref>. This will result in anuric acute renal failure if untreated.
  
'''Cats:''' Ataxia, pronounced depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis <ref name="multiple">'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition),''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins </ref>, <ref name="multiple">'''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''',Second Edition 2007,Chapter 19</ref>. Coma and death result if untreated, or if lesser amount was ingested, oliguric acute renal failure within 1 day after ingestion. Untreated, this will progress to anuric acute renal failure.
+
'''Cats:''' Ataxia, pronounced depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis <ref name="5-Minute" /><ref name="BSAVA" />. Coma and death result if untreated, or if lesser amount was ingested, oliguric acute renal failure within 1 day after ingestion. Untreated, this will progress to anuric acute renal failure.
  
 
===Laboratory Tests===
 
===Laboratory Tests===
  
'''Blood:''' ''Metabolic Acidosis'', increased anion gap (as metabolic acidosis is due to increased organic acids rather than loss of bicarbonate<ref name="multiples"> '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', ''Ettinger and Feldman'' Seventh Edition p470 </ref>), decreased plasma bicarbonate concentration, decreased PCO2, decreased blood pH, ethylene glycol (in-house colorimetric kit)<ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Canine and Feline Emergency Care''', Second Edition (2007), Chapter 19, p286-7 </ref>, although concurrent use of drugs such as diazepam and etomidate both of which contain propylene glycol can confound results<ref name="multiples"> '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', (Seventh Edition), ''Ettinger and Feldman''; p1975 <ref/>. Hyperphosphataemia can be present in later stages due to acute renal failure <ref name="multiples"> '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', (Seventh Edition), ''Ettinger and Feldman''; p1747 </ref>, and hypocalcaemia as a consequence of this<ref name="multiples"> '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', (Seventh Edition), ''Ettinger and Feldman''; p1747 </ref> and also as a consequence of ionised calcium binding to ethylene glycol metabolites.
+
'''Blood:''' ''Metabolic Acidosis'', increased anion gap (as metabolic acidosis is due to increased organic acids rather than loss of bicarbonate<ref name="Ettinger">Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E.C. (2010) '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', ''Saunders''</ref>), decreased plasma bicarbonate concentration, decreased PCO2, decreased blood pH, ethylene glycol (in-house colorimetric kit),<ref name="BSAVA" /> although concurrent use of drugs such as diazepam and etomidate both of which contain propylene glycol can confound results<ref name="Ettinger" />. Hyperphosphataemia can be present in later stages due to acute renal failure <ref name="Ettinger" />, and [[hypocalcaemia]] as a consequence of this<ref name="Ettinger" /> and also as a consequence of ionised calcium binding to ethylene glycol metabolites.
  
'''Urine:'''increased urea and creatinine, hyperkalaemia, calcium oxalate crystalluria <ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Canine and Feline Emergency Care''', Second Edition 2007, Chapter 19, p286-7 </ref>, ethylene glycol (in-house colorimteric kit)<ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Canine and Feline Emergency Care''', Second Edition 2007, Chapter 19, p286-7 </ref>.
+
'''Urine:'''increased urea and creatinine, hyperkalaemia, calcium oxalate crystalluria <ref name="BSAVA" />, ethylene glycol (in-house colorimteric kit)<ref name="BSAVA" />.
  
 
===Ultrasonography===
 
===Ultrasonography===
Renal accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals results in hyperechogenicity upon ultrasound examination <ref name=''multiples''>'''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', (Seventh Edition), ''Ettinger and Feldman''; p1968 </ref>.
+
Renal accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals results in hyperechogenicity upon ultrasound examination <ref name="Ettinger" />.
  
 
===Biopsy===
 
===Biopsy===
Needle or surgical wedge [[Renal Biopsy|biopsy of kidney]]<ref name=''multiples''>'''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', (Seventh Edition), ''Ettinger and Feldman''; p1968 </ref>.
+
Needle or surgical wedge [[Renal Biopsy|biopsy of kidney]]<ref name="Ettinger"/>.
  
 
===Pathogenesis===
 
===Pathogenesis===
Ethylene glycol toxicosis usually results from ingestion although there have been reports of skin contamination resulting in toxicosis in cats<ref name="multiples">  http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 17.11.2010 </ref>. It is absorbed relatively quickly from the gastrointestinal tract <ref name="multiples">  http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 17.11.2010 </ref>, hence the quick manifestation of clinical signs following intoxication. After absorption transformation to its more toxic metabolites takes place in the liver and kidney<ref name="multiples">  http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 17.11.2010 </ref>. It is these substances, rather than ethylene glycol itself that are responsible for the more severe pathological changes in the body.<ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''', (Second Edition), p286-7 </ref> The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole <ref name="multiple">'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition),''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins </ref>, is responsible for the initial conversion of ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde <ref name="multiples">  http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 17.11.2010 </ref>. Glycoaldehyde in turn is metabolised to glycolic acid. Following this glycolic acid is converted to glyoxylic acid. This reaction, along with the earlier conversion of ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde, are the rate-limiting steps in the metabolism of ethylene glycol. Finally glycolic acid undergoes metabolic transformation to produce the end product, oxalic acid. Glycolic acid and oxalate are directly nephrotoxic, leading to necrosis of the renal tubules. Glycolic acid is the main metabolite reposponsible for the metabolic acidosis, although oxalate contributes, as does lactic acid, whose formation is increased as an indirect result of the metabolic pathway outlined above<ref name="multiples"> '''http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_glycol_poisoning#cite_note-Gabow_PA.2C_Clay_K.2C_Sullivan_JB.2C_Lepoff_R_1986_16.E2.80.9320-4''', accessed on 17.10.2010 </ref>. The metabolic acidosis interferes with normal metabolic pathways <ref name="multiples"> '''http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_glycol_poisoning#cite_note-Gabow_PA.2C_Clay_K.2C_Sullivan_JB.2C_Lepoff_R_1986_16.E2.80.9320-4''', accessed on 17.10.2010 </ref>. In addition to being directly nephrotoxic oxalate binds ionised calcium in the serum forming calcium oxalate crystals which are excreted by the kidney.<ref name="multiples> http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/210900.htm, accessed on 17.11.2010 </ref> . Some of these crystals accumulate within the kidney tubules resulting in further nephrotoxicity and decreased or complete prevention of urine production. The hypocalcaemia that is present is due not only to calcium oxalate crystal formation but also to the hyperphosphataemia that results from the acute renal failure. The decreased serum calcium level leads [[tetany]].<ref name="multiples"> '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''', (Seventh Edition), ''Ettinger and Feldman''; p1747 </ref>
+
Ethylene glycol toxicosis usually results from ingestion although there have been reports of skin contamination resulting in toxicosis in cats<ref name="Merck online" />. It is absorbed relatively quickly from the gastrointestinal tract <ref name="Merck online" />, hence the quick manifestation of clinical signs following intoxication. After absorption transformation to its more toxic metabolites takes place in the liver and kidney<ref name="Merck online" />. It is these substances, rather than ethylene glycol itself that are responsible for the more severe pathological changes in the body.<ref name="BSAVA" /> The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole <ref name="5-Minute" />, is responsible for the initial conversion of ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde <ref name="Merck online" />. Glycoaldehyde in turn is metabolised to glycolic acid. Following this glycolic acid is converted to glyoxylic acid. This reaction, along with the earlier conversion of ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde, are the rate-limiting steps in the metabolism of ethylene glycol. Finally glycolic acid undergoes metabolic transformation to produce the end product, oxalic acid. Glycolic acid and oxalate are directly nephrotoxic, leading to necrosis of the renal tubules. Glycolic acid is the main metabolite responsible for the metabolic acidosis, although oxalate contributes, as does lactic acid, whose formation is increased as an indirect result of the metabolic pathway outlined above. The metabolic acidosis interferes with normal metabolic pathways. In addition to being directly nephrotoxic oxalate binds ionised calcium in the serum forming calcium oxalate crystals which are excreted by the kidney.<ref name="Merck online" /> Some of these crystals accumulate within the kidney tubules resulting in further nephrotoxicity and decreased or complete prevention of urine production. The hypocalcaemia that is present is due not only to calcium oxalate crystal formation but also to the hyperphosphataemia that results from the acute renal failure. The decreased serum calcium level leads [[tetany]].<ref name="Ettinger" />
  
 
==Treatment==
 
==Treatment==
 
'''Prevent further absorption of Ethylene Glycol:''' ''only beneficial if animal presents one to two hours post ingestion''
 
'''Prevent further absorption of Ethylene Glycol:''' ''only beneficial if animal presents one to two hours post ingestion''
:'''Administration of an emetic''' eg syrup of ipecachuanha, apomorphine, sodium carbonate crystals <ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''', (Second Edition), p286-7 </ref>.  
+
:'''Administration of an emetic''' eg syrup of ipecachuanha, apomorphine, sodium carbonate crystals <ref name="BSAVA" />.  
 
:'''Gastric lavage'''
 
:'''Gastric lavage'''
:'''Administration of adsorbents''' eg activated charcoal <ref name="multiples"> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp''', accessed on 09.12.2010 </ref>, <ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''', (Second Edition), p286-7 </ref>.
+
:'''Administration of adsorbents''' eg activated charcoal <ref name="Merck online" /><ref name="BSAVA" />  
 
 
  
 
'''Specific Antidotes that Prevent Metabolism of Ethylene Glycol''' ''benefits dependent of time post ingestion, see prognosis''
 
'''Specific Antidotes that Prevent Metabolism of Ethylene Glycol''' ''benefits dependent of time post ingestion, see prognosis''
:'''Ethanol:''' useful in both dogs and cats, <ref name="multiples">'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition),''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins'' </ref> ethanol acts as an antidote by competitively inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase<ref name="multiples"> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp''', accessed on 09.12.2010 </ref>.  
+
:'''Ethanol:''' useful in both dogs and cats, <ref name="5-Minute" /> ethanol acts as an antidote by competitively inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase<ref name="Merck online" />.  
:'''4-Methyl Pyrazole''': ''Fomepizole'' Initially thought to be effective in dogs only but if given at a higher dose can be effective in cats also <ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''', (Second Edition), p286-7 </ref>. Its advantage over ethanol is that it has less side effects and is the treatment of choice in dogs <ref name="multiples"> '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency Care''',(Second Edition), p286-7 </ref> . It acts by directly inactivating the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. <ref name="multiples"> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp''', accessed on 09.12.2010 </ref>.
+
:'''4-Methyl Pyrazole''': ''Fomepizole'' Initially thought to be effective in dogs only but if given at a higher dose can be effective in cats also<ref name="BSAVA" />. Its advantage over ethanol is that it has less side effects and is the treatment of choice in dogs<ref name="BSAVA" />. It acts by directly inactivating the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. <ref name="Merck online" />  
  
 
'''Promote Excretion of Ethylene Glycol'''
 
'''Promote Excretion of Ethylene Glycol'''
:'''[[:Category:Fluid Therapy|Fluid therapy]]''' promotes diureses and helps prevent dehydration <ref name="multiples"> '''http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp''', accessed on 09.12.2010 </ref>. Also useful in acute renal failure.
+
:'''[[:Category:Fluid Therapy|Fluid therapy]]''' promotes diuresis and helps prevent dehydration<ref name="Merck online" />. Also useful in [[Acute Renal Failure|acute renal failure]].
:'''Sodium Bicarbonate:''' Ethylene Glycol is a weak acid. Therefore in order to increase the rate of renal clearance sodium bicarbonate can be administered to dogs.<ref>'''Canine Medicine and Therapeutics''' (Fourth Edition, 1998),''Blackwell Science'', p1049 </ref>. Also useful in '''management of metabolic acidosis'''.
+
:'''Sodium Bicarbonate:''' Ethylene Glycol is a weak acid. Therefore in order to increase the rate of renal clearance sodium bicarbonate can be administered to dogs.<ref name="Gorman">Gorman, N.T. (1998) '''Canine Medicine and Therapeutics''' (Fourth Edition), ''Blackwell Science'', p1049 </ref>. Also useful in '''management of metabolic acidosis'''.
  
 
'''Management of Acute Renal Failure'''
 
'''Management of Acute Renal Failure'''
:Re-establish normal fluid and electrolyte balance <ref name="multiples"> '''The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult''', ''Tilley Smith'', Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Canine and Feline Second Edition </ref>.
+
:Re-establish normal fluid and electrolyte balance <ref name="5-Minute" />
:Diuresis, using diuretics eg mannitol <ref name="multiples"> '''The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult''', ''Tilley Smith'', Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Canine and Feline Second Edition </ref>.
+
:Diuresis, using diuretics eg mannitol <ref name="5-Minute" />
:Peritoneal Dialysis <ref name="multiples"> '''The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult''', ''Tilley Smith'', Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Canine and Feline Second Edition </ref>.
+
:Peritoneal Dialysis <ref name="5-Minute" />
  
 
==Prognosis==
 
==Prognosis==
Prognosis is dependent on how soon treatment with an antidote commences following intoxication. If cats are administered an antidote within three hours of ingestion, and dogs within five hours then the prognosis is good. Treatment is still extremely beneficial in dogs up to eight hours post ingestion, and is worth commencing up to thirty six hours postingestion  <ref name="multiples">'''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline''' (Second Edition),''Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins'' </ref> .
+
Prognosis is dependent on how soon treatment with an antidote commences following intoxication. If cats are administered an antidote within three hours of ingestion, and dogs within five hours then the prognosis is good. Treatment is still extremely beneficial in dogs up to eight hours post ingestion, and is worth commencing up to thirty six hours post-ingestion.<ref name="5-Minute" />
 +
 
 +
{{Learning
 +
|flashcards = [[Feline Medicine Q&A 23]]
 +
}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 60: Line 64:
  
  
{{unfinished}}
+
{{review}}
[[Category:Toxicology]][[Category:To Do - Major]][[Category:To Do - Urinary]][[Category:To Do - Neurological]]
+
 
 +
{{OpenPages}}
 +
[[Category:Toxicology]][[Category:Expert Review]][[Category:Urological Diseases - Cat]][[Category:Urological Diseases - Dog]][[Category:Neurological Diseases - Cat]][[Category:Neurological Diseases - Dog]]

Latest revision as of 15:27, 6 July 2012


Introduction

Ethylene Glycol is a sweet tasting fluid that is the main constituent of anti-freeze products.[1]. Consequently in northern hemisphere ethylene glycol toxicity is frequently encountered in practice. It has a relatively low minimum lethal dose, and its sweet, palatable taste makes it attractive to dogs, cats and other small animals, although any animal is susceptible to ethylene glycol toxicosis. [1][2][3]. The minimum lethal doses for dogs, cats, cattle and poultry are, respectively 6.6ml per kg body weight, 1.4ml per kg body weight, 2-10ml per kg body weight and 7-8ml per kg body weight. [1][2]

Signalment

  • Dogs: all ages, both sexes, following intoxication lower incidence of fatalities in dogs compared to cats [1]
  • Cats: all ages, both sexes
  • Birds
  • Other: including pigs and cattle [2]

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Severity of clinical signs is inversely proportional to amount ingested. Time post-ingestion is also important.[2]

Dogs: Ataxia, mild to severe increasing depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polydypsia, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis, hypothermia

If untreated coma and death, or if lesser amount ingested oliguric acute renal failure within 2 to 7 days after ingestion .[2][4]. This will result in anuric acute renal failure if untreated.

Cats: Ataxia, pronounced depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis [1][4]. Coma and death result if untreated, or if lesser amount was ingested, oliguric acute renal failure within 1 day after ingestion. Untreated, this will progress to anuric acute renal failure.

Laboratory Tests

Blood: Metabolic Acidosis, increased anion gap (as metabolic acidosis is due to increased organic acids rather than loss of bicarbonate[5]), decreased plasma bicarbonate concentration, decreased PCO2, decreased blood pH, ethylene glycol (in-house colorimetric kit),[4] although concurrent use of drugs such as diazepam and etomidate both of which contain propylene glycol can confound results[5]. Hyperphosphataemia can be present in later stages due to acute renal failure [5], and hypocalcaemia as a consequence of this[5] and also as a consequence of ionised calcium binding to ethylene glycol metabolites.

Urine:increased urea and creatinine, hyperkalaemia, calcium oxalate crystalluria [4], ethylene glycol (in-house colorimteric kit)[4].

Ultrasonography

Renal accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals results in hyperechogenicity upon ultrasound examination [5].

Biopsy

Needle or surgical wedge biopsy of kidney[5].

Pathogenesis

Ethylene glycol toxicosis usually results from ingestion although there have been reports of skin contamination resulting in toxicosis in cats[2]. It is absorbed relatively quickly from the gastrointestinal tract [2], hence the quick manifestation of clinical signs following intoxication. After absorption transformation to its more toxic metabolites takes place in the liver and kidney[2]. It is these substances, rather than ethylene glycol itself that are responsible for the more severe pathological changes in the body.[4] The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole [1], is responsible for the initial conversion of ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde [2]. Glycoaldehyde in turn is metabolised to glycolic acid. Following this glycolic acid is converted to glyoxylic acid. This reaction, along with the earlier conversion of ethylene glycol to glycoaldehyde, are the rate-limiting steps in the metabolism of ethylene glycol. Finally glycolic acid undergoes metabolic transformation to produce the end product, oxalic acid. Glycolic acid and oxalate are directly nephrotoxic, leading to necrosis of the renal tubules. Glycolic acid is the main metabolite responsible for the metabolic acidosis, although oxalate contributes, as does lactic acid, whose formation is increased as an indirect result of the metabolic pathway outlined above. The metabolic acidosis interferes with normal metabolic pathways. In addition to being directly nephrotoxic oxalate binds ionised calcium in the serum forming calcium oxalate crystals which are excreted by the kidney.[2] Some of these crystals accumulate within the kidney tubules resulting in further nephrotoxicity and decreased or complete prevention of urine production. The hypocalcaemia that is present is due not only to calcium oxalate crystal formation but also to the hyperphosphataemia that results from the acute renal failure. The decreased serum calcium level leads tetany.[5]

Treatment

Prevent further absorption of Ethylene Glycol: only beneficial if animal presents one to two hours post ingestion

Administration of an emetic eg syrup of ipecachuanha, apomorphine, sodium carbonate crystals [4].
Gastric lavage
Administration of adsorbents eg activated charcoal [2][4]

Specific Antidotes that Prevent Metabolism of Ethylene Glycol benefits dependent of time post ingestion, see prognosis

Ethanol: useful in both dogs and cats, [1] ethanol acts as an antidote by competitively inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase[2].
4-Methyl Pyrazole: Fomepizole Initially thought to be effective in dogs only but if given at a higher dose can be effective in cats also[4]. Its advantage over ethanol is that it has less side effects and is the treatment of choice in dogs[4]. It acts by directly inactivating the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. [2]

Promote Excretion of Ethylene Glycol

Fluid therapy promotes diuresis and helps prevent dehydration[2]. Also useful in acute renal failure.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Ethylene Glycol is a weak acid. Therefore in order to increase the rate of renal clearance sodium bicarbonate can be administered to dogs.[3]. Also useful in management of metabolic acidosis.

Management of Acute Renal Failure

Re-establish normal fluid and electrolyte balance [1]
Diuresis, using diuretics eg mannitol [1]
Peritoneal Dialysis [1]

Prognosis

Prognosis is dependent on how soon treatment with an antidote commences following intoxication. If cats are administered an antidote within three hours of ingestion, and dogs within five hours then the prognosis is good. Treatment is still extremely beneficial in dogs up to eight hours post ingestion, and is worth commencing up to thirty six hours post-ingestion.[1]


Ethylene Glycol Toxicity Learning Resources
FlashcardsFlashcards logo.png
Flashcards
Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions
Feline Medicine Q&A 23


References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Tilley and Smith (2000) The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline (Second Edition), Lippencott, Williams and Wilkins
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Merck Veterinary Manual, accessed online on 31.10.2010
  3. 3.0 3.1 Gorman, N.T. (1998) Canine Medicine and Therapeutics (Fourth Edition), Blackwell Science, p1049
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 King, L. and Boag, A. (2007) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care (Second Edition), BSAVA
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E.C. (2010) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Saunders




Error in widget FBRecommend: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt6767bc7720bf74_17491360
Error in widget google+: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt6767bc77293e60_02152607
Error in widget TwitterTweet: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt6767bc772f1b20_81894122
WikiVet® Introduction - Help WikiVet - Report a Problem