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Adverse reactions from essential oil‐containing natural flea products exempted from Environmental Protection Agency regulations in dogs and cats
Author(s) -
Genovese Allison G.,
McLean Mary Kay,
Khan Safdar A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00780.x
Subject(s) - cats , medicine , adverse effect , flea , veterinary medicine , retrospective cohort study , toxicology , surgery , biology
Objective To describe adverse effects in dogs and cats exposed to Environmental Protection Agency exempted plant‐derived flea preventatives containing mixtures of essential oils. Design Retrospective study from 2006 to 2008. Setting Records of dog and cat cases were reviewed from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Poison Control Center database. Animals Thirty‐nine cats and 9 dogs with history of exposure to natural flea preventatives. Measurements and Main Results The following information was retrieved from each incident: number of animals, species involved, frequency, types, onset time, duration of clinical signs, exposure appropriateness, final outcome, and treatment information. Ninety‐two percent of animals ( n = 44) showed presence of one or more adverse effects. The frequency of adverse effects in dogs ( n = 8; 89%) and cats (n = 36; 92%) was similar. Onset time of adverse effects in 39 of 44 animals occurred within 24 hours. The duration of signs in 24 animals ranged from 30 minutes to 149 hours. The products were used as per label in 77% animals ( n = 37). Of 28 animals with known outcome, 50% ( n = 14) recovered with bathing alone while others received intravenous fluids, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsive medications. Death (1 cat; n = 1/28; 4%) or euthanasia (1 cat and 1 dog; n = 2/28; 7%) was reported in 3 animals. Conclusion Dogs and cats can experience significant adverse effects when exposed to plant‐derived flea preventatives even when used according to label directions. The number of reports of exposure in cats was higher than dogs, but the frequency of reported adverse effects was similar between the 2 species. Agitation and hypersalivation were common in cats, whereas lethargy and vomiting were common in dogs.