by Karoline Inong

Created on: May 01, 2009

Every year, more than ten thousand dogs and cats are accidentally poisoned with antifreeze. Although more cases of antifreeze poisoning are seen in cat and dogs, it is poisonous to all creatures including us humans. Antifreeze is the most common cause of poisoning in pets in the United States. The major ingredient that is toxic in antifreeze is ethylene glycol. This toxin makes up at least 95% of the antifreeze, making only a sip of it poisonous to pets. Cats however, are four times as sensitive to the poison than dogs.

Antifreeze poisoning can even occur in warm climates because radiator coolant in all climates does contain the toxin ethylene glycol. However, in the north, cases of antifreeze poisoning increases in the fall due to cooling systems and radiators being flushed and refilled. The toxin ethylene glycol is so dangerous to pets because to them it tastes actually sweet. Sometimes cases occur when it is discard but where a pet can get to it. Other times, pets tend to lick the empty gallon containers or a puddle that forms below a leaky radiator system. The crucial important fact is that pets are like children, they know it's sweet and they are going to seek it out.

This toxin, ethylene glycol, unfortunately has an immediate and long-term affect on the body. It is rapidly absorbed and metabolized once it has been consumed by a pet, creature or human. Peak blood levels often occur within three hours of ingesting this toxin.Usually within thirty minutes after drinking it, you will notice that your pet will act like he or she is drunk. This phase will continue for up to six hours after it was ingested. It will eventually fade and then you might think that your pet is okay, but in reality it's about it get much worst. Now the ethylene glycol has reach and entered your pet's liver and kidneys will it will be oxidized into more toxic products that acidify the blood and destroy renal tubular cells in their kidneys. Once the kidney are damaged, they lose the ability to rid the body of waste. There is no treatment that can reverse the damage and sometimes it can be so severe that often times it becomes fatal in the matter of days.

Symptoms:

Clinical signs typically depend on how long it has been since your pet drank the antifreeze along with how much of it they actually ingested. Early symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in pets is more like alcohol intoxication. They will vomit usually because of the toxin's irritating effects on their stomach, They will also drink

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