Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings of the kidneys in six dogs and one cat with ethylene glycol intoxication

Abstract

Antifreeze is the most common source of ethylene glycol poisoning in small animals, causing rapid development of acute kidney injury. Ethylene glycol intoxication has been described in the past. However, the evolution of ultrasound devices, and in particular the use of linear probes, allow a more precise evaluation of changes in the echostructure of the kidneys. In this study, the renal ultrasonographic findings were evaluated in six dogs and one cat with ethylene glycol intoxication; particularly, echogenicity changes within the medulla, and the radiographic features of the kidneys in two dogs are described. Severe cortical hyperechogenicity was present in all dogs and was associated with acoustic shadowing in one dog. Different forms of medullary echogenicity were identified with the medullary rim sign being the most common finding. In two dogs, abdominal radiographs showed a diffuse homogeneous increased opacity of both kidneys. However, none of these changes are pathognomonic for ethylene glycol poisoning. In the cat, cortical echogenicity was normal upon admission and evolved into mild hyperechogenicity. The cat did not present medullary rim sign but showed an association of severe hyperechoic outer medulla and moderate medullary band sign.