You may be surprised to learn that we occasionally use alcohol in the treatment of a case – specifically as an anti-toxin for suspected antifreeze poisoning.  

Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning is fatal if untreated and primarily affects dogs and cats, though all species are susceptible. It is most commonly found in vehicle radiator fluid and is also present in other automotive and household products. Ethylene glycol gets broken down into toxic products by an enzyme in the body.  To be successful, treatment requires early intervention – within a few hours.  

Antifreeze and its breakdown toxins can be successfully removed by hemodialysis but when that is not feasible ethanol (clear alcohol) can be used. 

Ethanol (alcohol) competes for the enzyme that breaks down the ethylene glycol into toxic by-products, inhibiting the metabolism of ethylene glycol. Although this is an appropriate treatment to prevent toxic metabolite production, ethanol therapy can be accompanied by substantial practical problems – do not try this at home! 

We recently had a case of this nature at our hospital where we did not have a sufficient supply of alcohol on hand after hours and so had to order a bottle via Uber Eats. This resulted in the rather unexpected scenario of a driver showing up to our front desk and loudly announcing “Here’s your bottle of vodka!” in front of some undoubtedly very surprised pet owners in our reception area.  Rest assured this alcohol was only used to help in the treatment of our four-legged friend – “purely for medicinal purposes” as the saying goes.