Propylene Glycol

Question 1

What are the properties of Propylene Glycol?

Answer 1

Colorless
Odorless
Slightly viscous fluid
Generally Regarded as Safe

Question 2

What are the uses of Propylene Glycol?

Answer 2

Antifreeze 
Coolants
Deicing solutions
semi-moist pet food
treatment of bovine ketosis 
solvent in pharmaceuticals

Question 3

What species is most sensitive to Propylene Glycol?

Answer 3

Cats

Question 4

What types of toxicant is Propylene Glycol?

Answer 4

Practically Non-toxic

Question 5

What is the toxicokinetics of Propylene Glycol?

Answer 5

Metabolized in the Liver by alcohol dehydrogenase to lactaldehyde which is metabolized by aldehyde dehydrogenase to lactic acid then to pyruvic acid

Question 6

What is the mechanism of action for Propylene Glycol?

Answer 6

Not metabolized to toxic metabolites!!
Osmotic diuresis
CNS depression

Question 7

What metabolite of Propylene Glycol causes encephalopathy?

Answer 7

D-lactic acid

Question 8

What does Propylene Glycol cause in cats?

Answer 8

Heinz body anemia

Question 9

What are the clinical signs of Propylene Glycol toxicosis?

Answer 9

Ataxia
CNS depression
Heinz body anemia
Muscle twitching

Question 10

What is the treatment of Propylene Glycol toxicosis?

Answer 10

Emetics
activated charcoal
Supportive and symptomatic treatment

Question 11

What is the prognosis of Propylene Glycol toxicosis?

Answer 11

Good