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Antifreeze PoisoningHarvey Carruthers |
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Antifreeze containing
ethylene glycol is a common killer of dogs. On freezing days small
spills of it may be the only available liquid and some dogs will readily
drink the fluid. From late autumn, both antifreeze use and accidental
poisonings increase significantly. If a dog walks through toxic antifreeze
and then licks its paws or drinks from the spillage, it may become seriously
ill or die. Thankfully not all antifreeze contains ethylene glycol.
Ethylene glycol becomes toxic once it is digested. The first phase of illness occurs one to four hours after swallowing. Strong thirst, wobbliness, urination and rapid breathing may be seen. Shortly afterwards, the second phase starts, about four to six hours after swallowing. Vomiting and severe depression may be followed by death. With smaller doses of chemical, a delayed phase is seen which results in kidney failure.
Unfortunately, many dogs drink antifreeze without us knowing, with the result that when symptoms show it may be too late. In known cases of recent poisoning, precautions such as making the dog vomit may help. Some antidotes can work if given quickly after ingestion. Intravenous fluids and othewr supportive care are also required. Treatment is often given for one to three days. Kidney failure can develop despite treatment.
Some brands of antifreeze do not contain ethylene glycol. As a result of pet deaths, products that use safer chemicals, such as propylene glycol, are now commonly used. Several products are available that contain this chemical which is widely used in other pet and human food products. Remember to refill car radiators carefully and clean up spillages or leakages immediately. Do not allow dogs to roam where the chemical is stored.
Ethylene glycol becomes toxic once it is digested. The first phase of illness occurs one to four hours after swallowing. Strong thirst, wobbliness, urination and rapid breathing may be seen. Shortly afterwards, the second phase starts, about four to six hours after swallowing. Vomiting and severe depression may be followed by death. With smaller doses of chemical, a delayed phase is seen which results in kidney failure.
Unfortunately, many dogs drink antifreeze without us knowing, with the result that when symptoms show it may be too late. In known cases of recent poisoning, precautions such as making the dog vomit may help. Some antidotes can work if given quickly after ingestion. Intravenous fluids and othewr supportive care are also required. Treatment is often given for one to three days. Kidney failure can develop despite treatment.
Some brands of antifreeze do not contain ethylene glycol. As a result of pet deaths, products that use safer chemicals, such as propylene glycol, are now commonly used. Several products are available that contain this chemical which is widely used in other pet and human food products. Remember to refill car radiators carefully and clean up spillages or leakages immediately. Do not allow dogs to roam where the chemical is stored.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750