Preventing antifreeze poisoning
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
It is almost time for Toast for the Animals. On Thursday, Nov. 10, at The Crow’s Nest in Presque Isle, we will meet to celebrate helping the homeless animals in our area. The Crow’s Nest has put together a fabulous wine-tasting and pairing menu for the Toast for the Animals. We’ll be sampling Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio and then your choice of two different meads! Food will include such tasty tidbits as Pizza Bianca with rosemary and sea salt, Antipasto Skewers of smoky prosciutto, rich salami and robust provolone and more! Thank you to our beverage sponsors who are helping make this all possible: Star City IGA, Bradley Citgo, Sleepers, Merchants on the Corner, Maine Mead Works and Aroostook Beverage.
Doesn’t this sound wonderful? Don’t miss it.
Then on Saturday, Nov. 12, the band K.E.G. will be rockin’ the night away at the K of C Hall in Presque Isle from 8 p.m. to midnight — all to benefit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. You must be 21 years old or over and it is BYOB. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. This is another great way to help raise money for CAHS. It is wonderful how the community reaches out to us and helps us.
Now is the time when we begin to winterize our vehicles. Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, tells us that a very small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. Signs of antifreeze poisoning depend upon the time after ingestion. In the first few hours after ingestion, the pet may be depressed and staggering and may have seizures. They may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit. The pet may appear to feel better but in a day or two get much worse as the kidneys fail. Signs of kidney failure include depression and vomiting. The amount of urine they pass will often decrease to a very small amount.
The diagnosis of antifreeze poisoning is made by blood and urine tests, although some of these tests become negative by the time kidney failure develops. Antifreeze poisoning should be considered in any free-roaming dog or cat with consistent signs.
Treatment must be started very soon after drinking antifreeze. Treatment for antifreeze poisoning needs to be started as soon after ingestion as possible to be effective. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of survival. Once kidney failure develops, most animals will die.
Tips for preventing antifreeze poisoning:
• Keep new and used antifreeze in a sealed, leak-proof container;
• Take used antifreeze to a service station for disposal — don’t pour it on the ground;
• Check driveways for puddles of antifreeze that may have leaked from the car;
• Consider the use of alternative antifreeze products that are less toxic to pets; and
• If antifreeze is placed in toilets, make sure the lid is down and the door to the room is closed.
Keep your antifreeze, both old and new, in sealed containers.
If you are looking for a friend for life, visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or you can give us a call at 764-3441. If you wish to donate, please send a check to: Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St. Presque Isle, ME 04769, or go to our website and hit the “donate” button (www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org).
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
