title: Toxicity of melaleuca oil and related essential oils applied topically on dogs and cats.
abstract: Cases of melaleuca oil toxicosis have been reported by veterinarians to the National Animal Poison Control Center when the oil was applied dermally to dogs and cats. In most cases, the oil was used to treat dermatologic conditions at inappropriate high doses. The typical signs observed were depression, weakness, incoordination and muscle tremors. The active ingredients of commercial melaleuca oil are predominantly cyclic terpenes. Treatment of clinical signs and supportive care has been sufficient to achieve recovery without sequelae within 2-3 d.
authors.affiliation: National Animal Poison Control Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 61801.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Villar
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Buck
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D004285:Dogs; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D020947:Tea Tree Oil; D013729:Terpenes / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; D013729:Terpenes; D020947:Tea Tree Oil