Ethylene glycol toxicity in two calves

Abstract

Burdur Mehmet Akif University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital was brought from livestock to 3 calves aged between 15 and 20 days with complaints of weakness, dehydration, inability to get up and nervous findings. Two of them failed the treatment and were brought to the pathology department after being euthanized. Both animals were macroscopically dehydrated, cachectic, and had hair loss in some parts of the body. There was 1-2 liters of white light-colored transparent fluid in the abdominal cavity. Many organs and serous membranes in the abdominal cavity were hyperemic. Histopathological examination revealed bleeding, edema and degenerative changes in the heart, lungs and kidneys. Calcium oxalate crystals were found in many tubuler lumens, especially the proximal convoluted tubules in the kidneys. In the light of clinical, macroscopic, and histopathological findings, the case was diagnosed with ethylene glycol toxicity. Ethylene glycol toxicity is often seen in cats and dogs living near industrial or auto car repair shops, and in animals that accidentally drink antifreeze waste. This case report is the first case of ethylene glycol toxicity reported in livestock calves in Türkiye.