Ethylene glycol exposures managed by the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center from July 1995 to December 1997

Five-hundred and ten cases of ethylene glycol (EG) exposures in animals were compiled by the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center from July 1995 through December 1997. Case distribution was analyzed by species, sex, age, weight, seasonality, treatment intervention and final outcome. Dogs and cats were most commonly involved (98.0%). The sex distribution was approximately equal. Adult animals accounted for the majority of cases. Exposures were commonly (57.0%) from container spill, engine flush, or engine leak and were in or around the home (66.0%). Cases were reported throughout the year with slight increase during March-May. Among cases with a known final outcome, 59.0% did not show clinical signs and death/euthanasia, major and minor illness was reported in 28.0%, 5.0% and 8.0%. In view of the widespread use and potential toxicity of EG, the low number of EG exposures reported (510) among the total number of hazardous exposures (97,383) to all substances for the same period was remarkable. The EG exposures resulting in animal death/euthanasia were lower than previously published.