Ethylene Glycol (EG) Toxicity Lecture Notes

Practice flashcards covering the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and pearls of ethylene glycol toxicity in dogs.

Ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity (1-2 hours)

The initial phase characterized by stupor, stumbling, ataxia, nausea, and PU/PD.

Ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity (24-72 hours)

The phase where clinical signs relate to renal failure, including anorexia, lethargy, PU/PD, and vomiting.

EG blood screening test timing

A diagnostic test that can detect ethylene glycol for $30\,\text{min}$ to $12\,\text{hrs}$ after ingestion.

Calcium oxalate crystals (urinalysis)

Seen in urine sediment $3-18\,\text{hrs}$ after ingestion of ethylene glycol.

High anion gap metabolic acidosis

A common laboratory abnormality found in cases of ethylene glycol toxicity.

Osmole gap (EG toxicity)

A value greater than $20\,mOsm/kg$ that strongly correlates with blood ethylene glycol levels.

Calcium oxalate monohydrate

Urine sediment crystals described as "dumbbell" shaped, seen in dogs with ethylene glycol toxicosis.

Calcium oxalate dihydrate

Urine sediment crystals described as "enveloped" shaped, seen in dogs with ethylene glycol toxicosis.

Fomepizole

A medication used to treat ethylene glycol toxicity by preventing its conversion to toxic metabolites.

7% Ethanol solution

A parenteral treatment used for ethylene glycol toxicosis.

Ethylene glycol treatment window

The best window for treatment is less than $8-12\,\text{hrs}$ post-ingestion.

Activated charcoal (EG decontamination)

Used for decontamination, though a large volume is needed because it has low affinity for ethylene glycol.

Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis

Supportive care measures used in ethylene glycol toxicity cases if oliguria or anuria are present.

Ethylene glycol test false positives

Results caused by propylene glycol or glycerol found in activated charcoal, semi-moist dog foods, or injectable diazepam.

EG Toxicity Prognosis

Fair to good if aggressive intervention occurs within $8-12\,\text{hrs}$ of ingestion; otherwise, the outlook is poor to grave.

Laboratory abnormalities (EG Toxicity)

Common findings include azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperglycemia.