Ethylene glycol intoxication (antifreeze poisoning) in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Abstract

An 8-year-old, 1.06 kg, male castrated, domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo), was presented with an antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning. The relevant medical history shows a T-cell lymphoma diagnosed 8 months ago and was being treated with prednisolone. At the initial examination, an ataxic gait was noted and blood, urine and abdominal ultrasound tests were performed during the 48-h hospitalisation. During hospitalisation, clinical examinations revealed ataxia, apathy, somnolence, hypothermia, salivation, vomiting, anorexia and anuria. Blood tests and ultrasound examinations revealed the development of azotemia with reduced urine-specific gravity and loss of renal structure, with renal medulla and cortex no longer being differentiated. Treatment included ethanol infusion, metoclopramide, maropitant and furosemide. The ferret died of acute renal failure 48 h after initiation of therapy and autopsy confirmed antifreeze intoxication as the cause of death. Antifreeze poisoning in ferrets is underreported but possible. Prognosis is poor without immediate therapy.