ACHADOS CLÍNICO-PATOLÓGICOS NA INTOXICAÇÃO POR ETILENOGLICOL EM MEDICINA VETERINÁRIA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Abstract

Ethylene glycol (EG) is a dihydroxy alcohol (HOCH₂CH₂OH), characterized as colorless, odorless, dense, and with a bittersweet taste. It has both domestic and industrial applications, being used in the production of plastics, resins, paints, and paper. This substance becomes harmful when accidentally ingested or absorbed through the skin, with such incidents reported in both humans and animals. Toxicity is dose-dependent, and the time required for clinical signs to manifest following exposure varies. Although specific tests for EG detection are available, diagnosis is currently based on the progression of clinical symptoms (vomiting, polyuria, and polydipsia) in conjunction with a suspected source of exposure. Laboratory findings include the presence of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals in urine, hypocalcemia, and azotemia. Due to the complexity and rapid action of EG, the prognosis ranges from guarded to poor. Thus, the study aims to describe and discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms caused by ethylene glycol intoxication in dogs and cats.