Dogs and cats like the taste of antifreeze
The sub-zero temperatures have announced their arrival – and so we are in full swing getting our cars ready for winter. We are filling up antifreeze – and maybe we spill a little so that a small puddle remains under the car. Many cats are in the habit of drinking outside – but in winter this is not as easy if the temperature drops below freezing. The antifreeze, on the other hand, will remain there in liquid form. This is tempting for several reasons for cats. They think it tastes good!
Table of contents
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol and is toxic. It can be found in windshield washer fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid, etc. You might be thinking that the small amount you spilled could not possibly be enough to harm an animal if it were to lick it up? The minimum lethal dose for a cat is as low as 1,5 ml/kg. This means that a cat weighing about 4 kg only needs 6 ml to suffer fatal injuries. For comparison, 1 teaspoon is about 5 ml.
Early signs of antifreeze poisoning
Ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed into the body. Only 3 hours after ingestion, the animal has the maximum concentration in the blood. The first signs of ethylene glycol poisoning can be lethargy, uncoordinated walking and vomiting. After this initial phase, they may seem to get better – but unfortunately, it does not last long.
Kidney damage
In the next phase, something called calcium oxalate crystals form in the body – primarily in the kidneys. This affects the symptoms seen here. Due to the crystals and damage to the kidneys, urine production will be low. Toxins in the body will accumulate and will cause vomiting, diarrhea and a very poor general condition. It is high time to contact a veterinarian!
Emetics and medicinal charcoal
Most people come to the veterinary clinic in the later stages of poisoning. The diagnosis can be difficult for the veterinarian because it is rare to observe that the cat licked the antifreeze. It is more common for dogs to be observed by the owner. In such cases, emetics and medicated litter can be given shortly afterwards. The symptoms of this type of poisoning are not specific and can be of very different severity depending on the amount and time since ingestion. The veterinarian will perform the necessary diagnostics. Initially, symptomatic treatment will be given. Blood tests, urine tests and probably an ultrasound examination will be taken.
Do not hesitate to contact
The prognosis is good if treatment is started within 8 hours of ingestion. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that you contact a veterinarian as soon as possible! Don't be fooled by the phase where they appear to be back to normal – give the cat the benefit of the doubt. If you see an increased concentration of nitrogenous substances in the blood (azotemia), the prognosis is poor. If the cat has completely stopped producing urine, the prognosis is very poor.
