Antifreeze toxicity

Winter is the time of year when everything freezes- but hopefully not your car!  It’s a good time for a reminder about antifreeze toxicity in pets.

Antifreeze (or ethylene glycol) is a substance found in engine coolants that prevents the fluid from freezing.  It has a very sweet taste, so animals, especially cats, are very attracted to it.  When ingested, the ethylene glycol is metabolised, and toxic by-products are formed.  These toxins affect many parts of the body, especially the kidneys, causing severe illness or death.

Typical signs from ethylene glycol toxicity:

• Vomiting and nausea.
• Increased thirst.
• Neurological signs, wobbly gait, looking like alcohol intoxication, depression, muscle twitches, collapse.
• Increased urination.

If you suspect your animal has been exposed to antifreeze, even a very tiny amount, bring them in to see us straight away.  There are a range of blood and urine tests that can be done to diagnose the problem, and treatment can be successful if started early enough.  In later stages however, antifreeze toxicity is often fatal. 

Prevention is best! Ensure that there are no leaks of engine coolant from your car or spills when refilling.  Any containers should be stored out of reach of animals and spills should be cleaned up thoroughly.