We had a tragic case this week. A dog, who was allowed access to the garage was intoxicated with antifreeze. The owner was unaware that they had a small radiator leak. Unfortunately, we only discovered the fact when he presented sick, too late to save him. May poor Shaka rest in peace.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is the neon green-yellow stuff you put in the radiator to prevent both freezing and overheating of your car engine. It is quite sweet so it smells and tastes attractive to children, dogs, and cats (and as we found in Sequoia, marmots too as the bugger chewed thru the radiator hose). It is also quite deadly. Only a few tablespoons can be dangerous.
Ethylene glycol is metabolized in the liver into toxic chemicals. These chemicals cause a “drunk-like” effect. They also cause crystals to form in the kidneys which causes severe damage and kidney failure. If we catch the dog before the kidney damage occurs, we can prevent absorption and actually block the metabolism using an antidote. If the antidote is unavailable, we can actually use intravenous sterile grain alcohol. If the damage has occurred, then we try to support the pet and the kidneys the best we can. Some pets respond to this therapy, but many do not. For some dogs and cats a referral hospital that can perform dialysis is an option to support the pet while recovery occurs.
The best option is avoidance. Keep your pets away from where you park your car. Do not store antifreeze at home. Other household products can contain ethylene glycol as well, such as shoe polish, screen cleaners, inside computers, some snow globes, some inks, wood treatments (to prevent fungal rot), and some dyes. Prevent pets from licking any antifreeze your neighbors may have not been careful with while performing home auto repair. There is another type of antifreeze you can use which contains propylene glycol, which is much safer for pets. Sierra is one of the more common brands. While more
expensive, please ask that your mechanic use pet safe antifreeze. Please educate your neighbors too. Often I have seen antifreeze in the gutter, a hazard just waiting for a pet to ingest it. It can remain in soil for weeks before breaking down.
While these cases are rare, they are devastating and completely preventable. Please make sure your friends and families are alerted to this danger.