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Ethylene Glycol, the active ingredient of antifreeze, is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Toxic to both animals and humans, it is the number one cause of poisoning of pets in the United States. A sip of antifreeze is enough to result in poisoning, two to three teaspoons-full are enough to result in death. The problem with this chemical is that it's sweet. Children and pets coming into contact with it are likely to mistake it for a tasty treat. That is why it's imperative that antifreeze be handled with care and disposed of in the proper fashion. This includes cleaning up after your car if there is a coolant leak. Your vigilance may well be the difference between life and death.

The early symptoms of antifreeze poisoning mirror those of inebriation (drunkenness). A pet may seem depressed and wobbly at this time. There frequently will be vomiting due to the irritating effects of Ethylene Glycol on the stomach lining. The animal may exhibit signs of excessive thirst and frequent urination. Twelve hours later comes the eye of the storm, when it seems the worst is over. Don't be fooled by the false calm. The Ethylene Glycol has reached the liver and kidneys by then, where it forms toxic bi-products by way of oxidation. These bi-products acidify the blood, destroying cells in the kidneys, seriously impairing their function. The central nervous system is also compromised. A day or so after seeming recovery, the animal will suddenly relapse, showing signs of depression, weakness, dehydration; diarrhea may occur. Other possible symptoms are rapid breathing, mouth ulcers, seizing. By this time it's likely your pet's kidneys will be swollen and painful.

Immediate action is necessary to avert tragedy. First, if at all possible, determine how much antifreeze your pet has ingested. The veterinarian will need this information if you bring your pet in; when you bring your pet in, I should say, because even if you're able to successfully complete a portion of the treatment at home it's still imperative that you follow up immediately with a professional. Certain tests should be done to determine what if any damage your pet has sustained. Activated charcoal will be administered, to bind with any poison still present in the stomach. In cats, a solution of forty proof drinking alcohol (dose: 2.5ml per pound of body weight, diluted in IV fluids) will be administered via slow drip several times over a period of fourteen hours. Instead of alcohol, a chemical called 4-methypyraxole will be used to treat dogs. Large amounts of Intravenous fluids will be administered, to increase urine flow, thereby hastening the excretion of ethylene glycol from your pet's system. Sodium bicarbonate will be given, to aid in the reduction of blood acidity.

Whether treatment begins at home or at the vet's office, the initial step is to induce vomiting by way of hydrogen peroxide solution. This should be done only if the animal is conscious, breathing normally and has not already vomited on its own, and only if the toxin has been ingested within the past two hours. A dose of one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight should be administered three times, spaced ten minutes apart, although no more than three teaspoons should be given at once. Please be sure to provide water in between sessions; this will aid in thoroughly washing out the stomach. In the event vomiting does not occur after the third dose, discontinue your efforts along this line and seek immediate veterinary assistance. As with most unfortunate things in life, prevention remains the best medicine.

Learn more about this author, Victoria O'Sullivan.
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