Which of the following crystals is most likely found in the urine of an animal with ethylene glycol toxicity?

Which of the following crystals is most likely found in the urine of an animal with ethylene glycol toxicity?

• A. Ammonium biurate
• B. Tyrosine
• C. Triple phosphate
• D. Calcium oxalate

Answer: (D)

Ethylene glycol is metabolized to oxalate, which binds calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals that commonly precipitate in urine during this poisoning. This crystal formation in the kidneys is a hallmark of ethylene glycol toxicity and helps explain the kidney damage seen in affected animals. The other crystals relate to different conditions: ammonium biurate to liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunts, tyrosine to severe liver disease or certain metabolic disorders, and triple phosphate to alkaline urine or some urinary tract infections—none of which are specifically tied to ethylene glycol exposure.

Ethylene glycol is metabolized to oxalate, which binds calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals that commonly precipitate in urine during this poisoning. This crystal formation in the kidneys is a hallmark of ethylene glycol toxicity and helps explain the kidney damage seen in affected animals. The other crystals relate to different conditions: ammonium biurate to liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunts, tyrosine to severe liver disease or certain metabolic disorders, and triple phosphate to alkaline urine or some urinary tract infections—none of which are specifically tied to ethylene glycol exposure.