Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy and Veterinary Service

In the spring and fall it is not unusual for people to change their radiator fluid. The antifreeze that is put into radiator fluid is highly toxic to the kidneys of animals, even when ingested in small amounts.

Automobile antifreeze is composed of 95% ethylene glycol. If an average sized cat drinks a little over 1 tablespoon, or a small dog drinks 1/4 of a cup of undiluted antifreeze, it can be lethal unless treated immediately. Once antifreeze is consumed it is absorbed very quickly from the stomach and broken down by the liver and kidneys to a more toxic compound. If you see your pet lapping any amount of antifreeze this is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

Typical symptoms include drinking and urinating more than usual, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty walking. As the toxicity progresses over 1-3 days there will be severe depression, no appetite, continual vomiting, and ulcers in the mouth. These are all signs the kidneys are failing and death soon follows.

This problem is difficult to diagnose without knowledge of ingestion. If your pet comes in immediately after ingestion we will immediately induce vomiting. Assuming this is performed soon after ingestion this will substantially decrease further absorption of the toxin. We will then place activated charcoal in the stomach to help absorb and bind up any antifreeze left. Simultaneously your pet is placed on intravenous fluids. These fluids help flush the kidneys and remove additional toxin that is already been absorbed into the bloodstream.

Specific treatments exist that can be given intravenously to block the breakdown of the ethylene glycol, and allow these potential toxins to be excreted safely by the kidneys. However, they must be given less than 24 hours after ingestion

There is an alternative to antifreeze that is safe without sacrificing your cars performance. Sierra® Antifreeze-Coolant. Their new formula is less toxic and safer for kids, pets, and wildlife in the environment. For more information you can call(800) 289-7234.