title: [Intoxication with propylene glycol in two horses].
abstract: Two horses were accidentally administered propylene glycol instead of mineral oil. After discovery of the mistake intensive medical therapy with intravenous fluids, etc. was started, and both animals recovered fully from their clinical symptoms. Veterinarians use propylene glycol as well as paraffin routinely for the treatment of their patients. Mistakes are likely to be made because both medicines and sometimes their packing have a similar appearance. Several incidents have been reported in other countries. A large amount of propylene glycol given to a horse, but also to other animals, can be dangerous and immediate adequate intervention is necessary. The major cause of the problems in case of a propylene glycol intoxication is the high concentration of D-lactate that arises. Clinically, this primarily results in a depression of the central nervous system and in metabolic acidosis. Furthermore colic, diarrhoea and respiratory problems may occur.
authors.affiliation: Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Hoofdafdeling Gezondheidszorg Paard, discipline Inwendige Ziekten, CM Utrecht. L.vandenWollenberg@vet.uu.nl
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van den Wollenberg
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Pellicaan
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006736:Horses; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D009426:Netherlands; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000506:poisoning; D011041:Poisoning / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D019946:Propylene Glycol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000506:poisoning*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D019344:Lactic Acid; D019946:Propylene Glycol