Antifreeze Poisoning In Dogs
Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most common forms of poisoning in small animals, and this is because it is so commonly found in households. Antifreeze poisoning typically happens when antifreeze drips from a car’s radiator, where it is licked off the ground and ingested by a pet. Your dog may also come into contact with antifreeze that has been added to a toilet bowl. This occurs in homes where the residents will use antifreeze during the cold months to “winterize” their pipes. Even if you do not take this action in your own home, it is something to be aware of when visiting other homes, or when vacationing at a winter residence.
It is the toxin ethylene glycol that makes antifreeze lethal. Because of this, dogs will consume great quantities of ethylene glycol before being repulsed by its aftertaste. By then, it is too late. It does not take a significant amount of ethylene glycol to cause fatal damage to the system; less than three ounces (or 88 ml) of antifreeze is sufficient to poison a medium-sized dog. Antifreeze poisoning affects the brain, liver, and kidneys. Ethylene glycol is also found in engine coolant and hydraulic brake fluids.
Symptoms:
– Drunken Behavior Rapid heart beat
– Depression Weakness
– Euphoria/Delirium Fainting
– Seizures/Convulsions/Shaking Tremors Coma
– Wobbly, uncoordinated movements Diarrhea
– Nausea/Vomiting Fainting
Diagnosis:
Your vet will perform a through physical exam on your pet, taking account the background of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile and a urinalysis. Your vet will want to test the vomit or stool, if possible, as it may assist the vet in diagnosing the type of poisoning and expedite your dog’s treatment. Be as detailed as possible on the dog’s medical history.
Treatment:
For immediate first-aid, and only if you are positive that your dog has ingested antifreeze, try to induce vomiting by giving your dog a simple hydrogen peroxide solution–one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight, with no more than tree teaspoons given at once. This method should only be used if the toxin has been ingested in the previous two hours, and should only be given three times, spaced apart at 10 minute intervals. If your pet has not vomited after the third dose, stop giving it the solution and seek Immediate veterinary attention. You may want to call your vet before trying to induce vomiting, since it can be dangerous with some toxins; some poisons will do more harm coming back through the esophagus that they did going down. Do not use anything stronger that hydrogen peroxide without you vet’s assent, and do not induce vomiting unless you are absolutely sure of what your dog has ingested. Also, if your pet has already vomited, do not try to force more vomiting.
A final word, Do Not induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, or is exhibiting signs of serious distress or shock. After the initial care, you must rush it to a veterinary facility immediately, as the vet will be able to safely administer antidotes to the poison, such as activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxin, and 4-methylpyrazole, which can treat antifreeze poisoning very effectively if given shortly after the consumption. Your dog may need to be held in intensive care to prevent kidney failure.
Prevention:
– Keep antifreeze containers tightly closed and stored out of the reach of pets.
– Take care not to spill antifreeze, and if it is spilled, ensure that it is immediately and thoroughly cleaned up
– Dispose of antifreeze containers properly
– Check the radiator of your car regularly, and repair leaks immediately
– Do not allow your dog to wander unattended where there is access, e.g,roads, gutters, garages and driveways
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled propylene glycol safe and it is now used for antifreeze. Look for antifreeze with this ingredient instead, to keep your pet safer from accidental poisoning
This is for educational purposes only.
Until Next Time,
Maralyn
Benny and Jessie