There has been much interest in the press recently in antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning in cats. The interest has been because some of it seems to be deliberate and the culprit(s) are still at large and active. One woman has also been prosecuted for lacing tuna with antifreeze to prevent her neighbour’s cats coming into her garden (with fatal consequences for both cats).
The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) has been working with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to develop a policy statement and information for the public on signs of poisoning and also to warn of the dangers of not mopping up antifreeze spillages. Cats seem to either like the taste (which is sweet to our taste buds), or are forced to ingest it because it is picked up on fur or paws through spillages. It can be difficult to strike a balance between warning of the dangers and how little of the chemical is required to inflict serious and frequently fatal consequences in cats, and giving information to those who wish to harm cats. For example, a recent opinion article in the Sunday Times almost seemed to encourage people to take such action against cats – tongue in cheek it may have been, but there are some people who need little encouragement to harm animals.
However cats may have become poisoned, the first port of call will be the veterinary practice. FAB has put together a practice protocol for treatment which is available on its website www.fabcats.org. Written by FAB expert panel members with input from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), it gives a clear, concise and practical approach to treatment.
Sam Taylor, one of the authors and member of the FAB feline expert panel says ‘Unfortunately, cats are very sensitive to the effects of ethylene glycol, and they are often only presented some time after exposure, when in acute renal failure. However, by informing owners of the risks and signs of intoxication cases may be presented earlier and stand a better chance of recovery. Additionally, we hope that the FAB information sheet for vets will provide a straightforward, concise guide to diagnosing and treating affected cats, therefore improving the survival rate.’
Alex Campbell of the VPIS said ‘This is obviously the time of year when such antifreeze chemicals are legitimately used and accidental poisonings do occur. The VPIS would advise everyone to be careful about clearing up any spillages that occur when using these products and keeping animals out of harm's way. Speed of response is vital in these cases and any animal suspected of being exposed should be taken to the vet immediately as too many serious cases still occur. In 2007 the VPIS answered 29 enquiries about antifreeze ingestions in cats; in 2008 the number had risen to 79. In 2006 four cases with fatal outcome in pets were reported, in 2007 this had risen to 15 and in 2008 to 27.’
The Feline Advisory Bureau is a charity dedicated to promoting the health and welfare of cats through improved feline knowledge, to help us all care better for our cats. For more information on the work of the charity go to http://www.fabcats.org.
Ends December 23, 2009
For further details contact Karen Bessant, FAB press officer on telephone 01380 827 142, kbessant@aol.com or from the FAB headquarters on 01747 871 872.
FAB and RSPCA logos to be used in conjunction with this article only.
The RSPCA charity registered in England and Wales, number 219099.
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