This chemical is an ingredient of de-icers, hydraulic brake fluids, and photograph developing chemicals. Antifreeze is odorless and has a sweet taste, which can be attractive to curious and thirsty animals and children.
Acute cases of antifreeze toxicity (within 12 hours of ingestion) often present as if the animal was intoxicated with alcohol: stumbling, vomiting and depression are common signs. Seizures, increased urination (initially; in later stages, urinary output is decreased) and increased thirst may also be seen.
The kidneys are most severely affected, and even if the animal seems to improve initially with treatment, they may succumb shortly after to kidney failure (3-5 days post ingestion). The kidneys shut down, and the animal is unable to produce urine.
This type of kidney failure usually happens 12-24 hours after ingestion in cats, and 36-72 hours post ingestion in dogs. Success of treatment is dependent upon quick treatment. If antifreeze ingestion is known or even suspected, do not delay. This is not a "wait-and-see" situation; kidney damage will be more severe as time (hours) go by. If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
A safer alternative to traditional antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is propylene glycol. Like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol is odorless, but differs in that it is virtually tasteless and does not cause kidney damage. In fact, propylene glycol has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a food additive. It is classified as "generally recognized as safe" for human consumption.
To learn more about the safety, uses, and differences of ethylene and propylene glycols, please see the comparison fact sheet from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry - Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol.
Photo: Radiator Antifreeze by evelynishere on Flickr
