What are the signs of antifreeze poisoning? Is it curable?
I ask because my cats live indoors and outdoors, and sometimes they like to leave the yard. —Vonnie The signs of ethylene glycol antifreeze poisoning really depend on the amount of time that has lapsed since ingestion. Thirty minutes to an hour after ingesting antifreeze, grogginess, disorientation and lethargy may occur. The initial signs for ethylene glycol antifreeze may look like drunkenness. (The chemical ethylene glycol looks very much like ethanol—the chemical found in drinking alcohol—to the body.) Vomiting, diarrhea and ultimately kidney failure will follow 12 to 24 hours later. Since there is a narrow window of opportunity for managing antifreeze poisoning before kidney damage occurs, it is critical to get your pet to a veterinarian for prompt treatment. Is it true that Hartz flea products are dangerous? We recently purchased Hartz bird food for our parrot, and worried that it may also pose a health risk. —S. Sadeghian The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives calls reg
