Ethylene Glycol is the official name for antifreeze and it is highly toxic to cats. Antifreeze can be found in car radiators and many screen washes. It is sometimes added to ponds and fountains during the winter months.
Ethylene Glycol has a sweet taste, which is why cats become attracted to it. They may drink from a puddle or pond it has been added to, or walk in some which had been spilt or leaked from a car and later lick their paws.
It is rapidly absorbed into the body after ingestion, and can be fatal. Symptoms of antifreeze toxicity vary in severity and depends on the time since exposure. Some symptoms you may see include:
Ways to protect your cat from antifreeze toxicity include avoiding using products containing Ethylene Glycol. If using these products then careful storage, cleaning up any spillages and not to using in garden ponds or fountains are all important.
If you know or suspect that your cat has ingested antifreeze then you must seek veterinary help immediately as this can be fatal. Don’t hesitate to call the Small Animal department on 01608 730501 if you want further advice.
Written by Katy Allen RVN
Sock Monkey is back for the festive period! We had a birthday in the Practice today & Sock Monkey presented the card & cake. Tea and cake anyone?! 🙊 ☕ 🍰
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that donated money to our vets who grew moustaches last month in honour of Movember, we raised £51.50!
The Movember Foundation have funded more than a thousand men’s health programmes, and with continued support will continue to fight for a world where men live happier, healthier and longer lives.
#HNVG #movember #menshealth
🎉🏆Huge Congratulations to Vets Harm, Will Katherine and Nancy, Equine Nurse Jenna and Harm’s partner Carly, who completed the 50mile hiking challenge, The Tour de Trigs this weekend! 🎉🏆
Only 13 teams completed from 30 starters- a reflection of the gruelling conditions and weather. They managed to come home with a few trophies and some very sore feet- well done guys!
Congratulations to equine vet Tom, who has won our #Movember challenge! Well done to all our vets who Mo’d up this month in aid of men’s cancers & in honour of our great friend Tony. Mo on! #menshealth #hnvg #vets
Student nurse Loui looking very proud after successfully applying his first bandage 😆
#studentlife #nursing #bandage
