Antifreeze poisoning happens most often in Fall when folks are winterizing their vehicles and in Spring when engine coolant is most commonly changed. During flushing and refilling, sometimes fluid is spilled onto the street or driveway. Sometimes a container is left open or a leaky radiator hose drips fluid. Sometimes the coolant is disposed of carelessly or left sitting in the garage. Children, dogs and other pets are attracted to the sweet tasting poison and tragedy occurs. The small amount licked off paws can cause serious illness and, according to Ron Hines, DVM, three tablespoonsfull is enough to kill a medium size dog. The Humane Society of the United States claims that less than a teaspoon can cause death in dogs.
Symptoms
Early symptoms may be similar to alcohol intoxication. Within half an hour of ingesting antifreeze, the dog may present with:
- Vomiting due to stomach irritation
- Excessive thirst and drinking
- Depressed
- Unsteady walk
Ethylene glycol is metabolized by the liver and kidneys and leaves the body quickly. After about 12 hours, the animal may appear to improve; however, this is when the real trouble occurs. Ethylene glycol is being oxidized into toxic metabolites that upset the acid/base balance while urine crystals collect, destroying the kidneys and nervous system. The amount of damage depends on how much toxin was ingested and how quickly treatment is started. As the kidneys deteriorate, they lose ability to filter toxins from the body which leads to coma and death within a few days.
Treatment
Early treatment is paramount. Once kidney damage occurs, it can not be reversed. Antifreeze poisoning can be cured only if treatment begins before extensive kidney damage occurs.
Treatment focuses on minimizing the absorption of antifreeze in the stomach and maximizing excretion while correcting acidosis of the blood to prevent metabolism of ethylene glycol.
The veterinarian will induce vomiting to get rid of as much poison as possible, wash the stomach thoroughly (gastric lavage), and then administer activated charcoal to bind any that is left. At the same time, IV fluids increase urine production and excretion of ethylene glycol. The IV fluids may also contain drinking alcohol or 40MP to inhibit metabolism of ethylene glycol. Sodium bicarbonate is given to reduce the acidity of the blood.
Avoiding Antifreeze Poisoning
Prevention is always best. One should always be vigilant when handling products such as brake fluid, liquid rust inhibitors, hydraulic fluids, solar collectors, and snow globes which contain ethylene glycol.
- Replace lids promptly.
- Put away containers promptly.
- Clean all spills thoroughly and immediately.
- Repair and clean up leaks promptly.
- Dispose of old coolant safely.
A Safe Antifreeze
A less toxic coolant is available containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol but is more expensive and is not a long life product. Ingestion can cause nervous system injury resulting in temporary confusion and a wobbly gait and possibly seizures but does not damage the kidneys.
According to a Nashville City Paper article, Sandra McCollom of the Humane Society of the United States, claims the antifreeze industry has been lobbying at the federal level for a law requiring a bittering agent called denatonium benzoate be added to give them liability protection. This would greatly discourage children and animals from ingesting the fluid. However, large environmental agencies have opposed this, wanting to first study the effects of denatonium benzoate on the environment.
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