Ethylene Glycol Toxicity in Two Calves

Three calves aged between 15 and 20 days were brought to Burdur Mehmet Akif University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital with symptoms of weakness, dehydration, inability to get up, and nervous findings. Two of the calves failed treatment and were euthanized. Both animals were dehydrated, cachectic, and had hair loss in some parts of the body. They also had 1-2 liters of white light-colored transparent fluid in the abdominal cavity, and 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 tubular lumens, especially the proximal convoluted tubules in the kidneys. The case was diagnosed as ethylene glycol toxicity, which is often seen in cats and dogs living near industrial or auto car repair shops, and in animals that accidentally drink antifreeze waste. This is the first reported case of ethylene glycol toxicity in livestock calves in Turkey.