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Last Updated:

Jan 22, 2009

Antifreeze Toxicity

What is it?

     Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is often a bright, neon green liquid that may leak from a car after engine maintenance, or if there are problems with the car that the owner may not know about. This liquid has a sweet taste, which is why many animals are attracted to it. The antifreeze will attack an animal's kidneys if it is ingested, eventually sending the animal into kidney failure.

Symptoms:

     Symptoms of antifreeze toxicity will vary between cats and dogs. In dogs, the first signs of antifreeze poisoning may be minimal, where the dog is acting just like the happy dog he/she normally is. As the antifreeze progresses through the system, the dog can begin staggering, vomiting, become lethargic, have seizures, enter into a coma, and die. As few as two laps of antifreeze are enough to begin causing permanent kidney damage. Cats may appear quiet, may walk as if they are drunk, or become severely dehydrated. All a cat has to do to receive a lethal dose of antifreeze is walk through a spill of antifreeze then groom themselves. If your animal is experiencing these signs, or if exposure to antifreeze is suspected, veterinary care should be sought IMMEDIATLY! This is an emergency situation and can become life threatening within hours. The success of treatment depends on quick treatment.

Treatment:

     Antifreeze poisoning is a fatal condition if left untreated. Treatment increases odds of survival but does NOT ensure it. If you suspect your animal may have been exposed to antifreeze, veterinary care should be sought IMMEDIATLY and treatment options discussed.