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. , ,

Signalment

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

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Severity of clinicals signs is inversely proportional to amount ingested. Time post-ingestion is also important..

• Dogs: Ataxia, depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polydypsia, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis, hypothermia
  • coma and death, or if lesser amount ingested oliguric renal failure within 2 to 7 days after ingestion ., .
• 'Cats:Ataxia, pronounced depression and other neurological signs, tachycardia, tachypnoea, polyuria, dehydration, anorexia, emesis, miosis , .

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.