Accidentally ingesting antifreeze can happen for many reasons. For example, children may drink antifreeze because ethylene glycol tastes sweet. A person may accidentally drink antifreeze that someone has stored in an unlabeled container, such as a glass, food jar, or drinks bottle. However, ingesting antifreeze is not always accidental. Some individuals may use antifreeze as an alternative source of alcohol. Other people may intentionally ingest antifreeze as a means of self-harm or in an attempt to take their own life.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may not appear immediately after a person ingests it, as it takes time for the body to metabolize the chemicals. The body converts the chemicals in antifreeze into smaller alcohols and acids. These can include:. The onset and severity of symptoms can vary according to several factors, such as the type and amount of antifreeze the person ingested. The first stage of antifreeze poisoning typically begins between 30 minutes and 12 hours after a person ingests it.
The ethylene glycol in antifreeze affects the central nervous system first. Early symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may appear similar to those of alcohol intoxication.
People generally enter the second stage of antifreeze poisoning 12—24 hours after ingestion. During this stage, the body continues to metabolize the chemicals in antifreeze into toxic acids. These acids lower the pH level of the blood, which leads to a condition called metabolic acidosis.
At this point, antifreeze poisoning will start to affect multiple organs, including the kidneys, brain, lungs, and liver.
A person may also lose consciousness or go into a coma at this stage. A doctor may suggest more aggressive treatments for a person in the second stage of antifreeze poisoning. The third stage of antifreeze poisoning occurs 24—72 hours after ingesting it. If a person does not receive treatment, a buildup of calcium oxalate crystals can lead to kidney failure. Antidote therapy can help prevent further kidney damage but does not remove metabolites that have already collected inside the kidneys.
Tests to diagnose antifreeze poisoning in dogs may include a stool test or vomit test if a sample is available , and complete a urinalysis and chemical blood profile. These tests will help your vet to diagnose the poisoning and get treatment started as quickly as possible. Your dog's treatment will be based on the medical history you supplied to the vet, so providing as much detail as possible is the key to getting the best treatment possible for your dog.
Antifreeze poisoning can quickly become fatal! Immediate first aid needs to be administered with extreme caution. Pet parents should only induce vomiting if absolutely positive that the dog has ingested antifreeze.
We strongly recommend calling your veterinarian before inducing vomiting, since this can be dangerous in some instances of poisoning as the esophagus can be seriously damaged by some toxic substances.
A hydrogen peroxide solution can be used to induce vomiting in dogs that are known to have consumed antifreeze. However, only induce vomiting if the poisoning has occurred in the previous two hours. If your dog has consumed antifreeze and has already vomited, do not try to induce more vomiting. If vomiting does not occur after your dog has had three doses of hydrogen peroxide, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Do not induce vomiting if your dog is having problems breathing, is in serious shock or distress, or is unconscious. It also acts very fast - in many cases, your pet can die within 24 hours and if you are not treating it within a few hours of ingestion, there is a serious chance of permanent kidney damage, usually fatal.
Cats Protection reported 1, cases of anti-freeze poisoning between November and December , an average of 50 deaths per month. Ethylene glycol is metabolized by the liver and travels in the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it forms insoluble calcium oxalate crystals inside the renal tubules.
Once metabolism of the ethylene glycol has reached a certain point, there is no way to stop it. Because these crystals are insoluble, there is no way to remove them from the body. They cause permanent damage to the kidney tissue, which can ultimately lead to kidney failure. An animal that has ingested ethylene glycol must receive immediate medical attention. Those caught in the act of drinking the antifreeze have the best chance of survival because medical attention can be administered immediately.
If you suspect a poisoning, see your vet immediately. Discover why gasoline exposure can be dangerous for your health. Learn about gasoline poisoning, carbon monoxide poisoning, when to seek help, and…. The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to purchase or use nitrite poppers because they can cause serious health problems, including….
New research from the University of Notre Dame found that nearly half of cosmetic products tested in a study contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl…. Mad hatter disease is a form of chronic mercury poisoning. It got its name because it commonly affected hat makers in the 18th to 20th centuries.
Pesticides are used in farming to kill weeds and insects. This article explores whether the pesticide residues in foods are harmful to human health. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Antifreeze Poisoning. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Symptoms Get help Treatment Prevention Outlook Overview Antifreeze is a liquid that prevents the radiator in cars from freezing or overheating.
On the other hand, ethylene glycol and methanol are hazardous and poisonous if ingested. What are the symptoms? When to get help. Prevention tips.
Read this next.
0コメント