Ethylene Glycol Toxicity

Introduction

Ethylene Glycol is a sweet tasting fluid that is the main constituent of anti-freeze products.^[1]. 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]

Signalment

Dogs:all ages, both sexes, following intoxication lower fatality rates in dogs than cats ^[1]
Cats:all ages, both sexes
birds
other

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.^[2]

Prognosis

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline, 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
↑ Canine Medicine and Therapeutics (Fourth Edition, 1998),Blackwell Science, p1049

[multiple-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline, 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

[2] Canine Medicine and Therapeutics (Fourth Edition, 1998),Blackwell Science, p1049

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