Antifreeze poisoning in animals - Causes and treatment
Dogs and cats like the taste of antifreeze
The minus degrees have announced their arrival and thus we are in full swing getting our cars ready for winter. We are filling up antifreeze, and maybe we spill a little so that there is a small puddle under the car. Many cats are in the habit of drinking outside, but in winter this is not as easy if the temperature dips below freezing. The antifreeze, on the other hand, will remain there in liquid format. It is tempting for several reasons for cats. They think it tastes good!
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Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol and is toxic. It can be found in windscreen washer fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid etc. You might be thinking that the small amount you spilled couldn't possibly be enough to harm an animal if it were to lick it up? The minimum lethal dose for a cat is as low as 1,5ml/kg. This means that a cat of around 4 kg only needs 6 ml to get fatal injuries. For comparison, 1 teaspoon is about 5 ml.
Early signs of antifreeze poisoning
Ethylene glycol is quickly absorbed into the body. Just 3 hours after ingestion, the animal has a maximum concentration in the blood. The first signs of ethylene glycol poisoning may be lethargy, uncoordinated walking and vomiting. After this first phase, it may seem like they are getting better, but unfortunately it doesn't last long.
Kidney damage
In the next phase, something called calcium oxalate crystals are formed in the body, primarily in the kidneys. This affects the symptoms seen here. Due to the crystals and damage to the kidneys, the production of urine will be low. Toxins in the body accumulate and will cause vomiting, diarrhea and a very poor general condition. It is high time to contact a veterinarian!
Emetics and medicinal charcoal
The vast majority enter the animal trap in the later stages of poisoning. The diagnosis can be difficult for a veterinarian because it is rarely observed that the cat licked the antifreeze. It is more common that ingestion by dogs is observed by the owner. In such cases, an emetic and medical charcoal can be given shortly afterwards. The symptoms of this type of poisoning are not specific and can be of very different degrees of severity depending on the amount and time since ingestion. A veterinarian will carry out the necessary diagnostics. Initially, symptomatic treatment will be given. Blood tests, a urine test and probably an ultrasound examination will be taken.
Do not hesitate to contact
The prognosis is good if treatment is started within 8 hours of ingestion. It is therefore absolutely essential that you contact a vet as soon as possible! Don't be fooled by the phase where it looks like they are back to normal, give the cat the benefit of the doubt. If you see an increased concentration of nitrogen-containing substances in the blood (azotemia), the prognosis is poor. If the cat has completely stopped producing urine, the prognosis is very poor.
Elisabeth is a veterinarian and authorized ophthalmologist with specialization in eye surgery, as well as further training in internal medicine, general surgery, oral surgery and ultrasound from the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies in Toulouse.
