What are the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in cats?
There are three stages to poisoning. [1] 1) CNS Depression Phase – Ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Within 30 minutes to 12 hours of ingestion the cat show the following symptoms: • The cat will appear intoxicated, stumbling, lack of coordination, dizziness & vomiting. • Excessive thirst. • Excessive urination. • Seizures • Vomiting These symptoms last for approximately 12 hours after ingestion. After this, the cat may appear to recover. 2) Cardiopulmonary Toxicity Phase – Approximately 12 – 24 hours after ingestion the following symptoms appear: • Tachypnea (rapid breathing) • Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) • Metabolic acidosis (the blood is too acidic) • Hypertension • Lethargy • Anorexia 3) Renal Toxicity Phase • Kidney failure • Vomiting • Depression • Coma How is antifreeze poisoning in cats diagnosed? Your veterinarian will take a history from you, including possible exposure to ethylene glycol. He will perform a physical examination of the cat
