What is Ethanol Toxicosis?  

Exposure to ethanol, either orally or through the skin, is a common source of toxicity in household pets.

• Depression of the central nervous system is typical of ethanol poisoning
• Expressed as drowsiness
• Lack of coordination or loss of consciousness.
• Other effects may include damage to body cells, and symptoms such as incontinence, slowed heart rate, and even heart attack.

Ethanol poisoning in cats can occur as a result of exposure:

• Dyes
• Inks
• Disinfectants
• Mouthwashes
• Paints
• Perfumes
• Pharmaceuticals
• Gasoline
• Certain beverages

Symptoms and Types:

Symptoms will vary depending on the amount of ethanol ingested, and whether your cat’s stomach was full or empty. The main symptom is a depressed central nervous system, which may develop 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion on an empty stomach, and up to two hours when ingested on a full stomach.

Other symptoms include:

• Urinating or defecating involuntarily.
• Higher doses of ethanol ingestion can bring about behavioral changes ranging from depression to excitement
• Decreased body temperature (hypothermia)
• Slow reflexes
• Flatulence if bread dough is the source of ethanol
• Signs of advanced ethanol poisoning include depression, slowed breathing and heart rate, an increase in total body acid (metabolic acidosis), and heart attack. If left untreated, this can result in your cat’s death.
• Symptoms of ethanol poisoning may also be similar to early stages of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning.