Special to the Aroostook Republican
Now is the time when we begin to winterize our vehicles. Unfortunately, I have learned the hard way about antifreeze poisoning. I lost my cat Sassy (Tatty Ann) to antifreeze poisoning. All we can conclude is that someone stopped by to visit and they had a leak, which my cat walked through and later licked off her paws. Tatty Ann is still sadly missed by us, she was a beautiful kitty. Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine tells us that a very small amount 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.
Here are some tips to prevent 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.
We, as a Board, are busy planning pictures with Santa Paws again this year. This is an annual event, and each year our staffers outdo themselves with decorations. At this event, 100 percent of proceeds go to help the animals, not just part of it. So keep your eyes and ears open for more information about this event and bring your animals to the Central Aroostook Humane Society to have your holiday pictures taken.
Please keep your pets warm and safe, provide healthy food and clean water, even in the winter. Snow is not enough to protect your pets from winter’s harsh conditions.
Have your pets spayed or neutered.
