Ethylene Glycol Toxicity



Introduction

Ethylene Glycol is a sweet tasting fluid that is the main constituent of anti-freeze products. Consequently in colder climates 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.[1], [1]



Signalment

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Laboratory Tests

Pathology

Treatment

Ethylene Glycol is a weak acid. Therefore in order to increase the rate of renal clearance sodium bicarbonate can be administered to dogs. Intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate at a concentration of 1-2 mmol/kg every 3 to 6 hours achieves sufficient alkalinisation of the urine.[1]

Prognosis

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline (Second Edition),lippencott, Williams and Wilkins Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiple" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "multiple" defined multiple times with different content