Toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with flea dips.
A 5-y-old intact female Himalayan cat was dipped with an organophosphate-based compound for flea infestation. The animal subsequently died of organophosphate intoxication. Skin lesions present at necropsy were diagnosed microscopically as toxic epidermal necrolysis. A 5-y-old spayed female Corgi dog was dipped with a d-limonene-based compound for flea infestation. The dog subsequently developed a bullous skin disorder which rapidly progressed to severe coalescing necrotizing dermatitis with large areas of skin sloughing. The dog was treated for a tentative diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis with a short course of corticosteroids and extensive supportive care and recovered completely. Flea dip preparations have the potential to induce severe immune-mediated dermatopathies such as toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Frank
A A
AA
College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331-4802.
Ross
J L
JL
Sawvell
B K
BK
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D053138:Cyclohexenes; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077222:Limonene; D010706:Phosmet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005423:Siphonaptera; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013729:Terpenes / Q000009:adverse effects*
D053138:Cyclohexenes; D007306:Insecticides; D013729:Terpenes; D000077222:Limonene; D010706:Phosmet