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 wer e compiled by the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center from July 199 5 through December 1997 Case distribution was analyzed by species, sex, age , weight, seasonality, treatment intervention and final outcome. Dogs and c ats were most commonly involved (98.0%). The sex distribution was approxima tely equal. Adult animals accounted for the majority of cases. Exposures we re commonly (57.0%) from container spill, engine flush, or engine leak and were rn or around the home (66.0%). Cases were reported throughout the year with slight increase during March-May. Among cases with a known final outc ome, 59.0% did not show clinical signs and death/euthanasia, major and mino r illness was reported in 28.0%, 5.0% and 8.0%. In view of the widespread u se and potential toxicity of EG, the low number of EG exposures reported (5 10) among the total number of hazardous exposures (97,383) to all substance s for the same period was remarkable. The EG exposures resulting in animal death/euthanasia were lower than previously published.