Propylene Glycol Toxicosis in Animals

ByTabatha Regehr, DVM, SafetyCall International
Reviewed/Revised Jan 2022

Although less toxic than ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, when ingested, may be associated with a syndrome similar to the acute phase of ethylene glycol toxicosis. The oral LD50 of propylene glycol in dogs is ~9 mL/kg. In cats, ingestion of a diet containing 6%–12% propylene glycol can result in Heinz body formation and decreased RBC survival. Treatment of propylene glycol toxicosis is largely supportive—the use of alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors is not indicated. Ingestion of propylene glycol may result in false-positive ethylene glycol test kit results.

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