Early clinicopathologic findings in dogs ingesting ethylene glycol

Fifteen dogs were given 9.5 ml of ethylene glycol/kg of body weight, orally. Physical examination and clinical laboratory findings were evaluated at 1 and 3 hours after ingestion. Three of these dogs were also evaluated at 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after ingestion. At 1 and 3 hours, the dogs were depressed, ataxic, and polydipsic with increased urine output and serum osmolality. Plasma bicarbonate and urine osmolality were decreased. The osmolal and anion gaps were increased at 1 and 3 hours, respectively. Calcium oxalate crystalluria was first observed at 6 hours. Diminished renal excretory function was not evident until 48 hours. Depression, ataxia, metabolic acidosis, polydipsia, and polyuria in the presence of serum hyperosmolality were early (1 and 3 hour) findings that indicated ethylene glycol intoxication in dogs.