Adverse reactions from essential oil-containing natural flea products exempted from Environmental Protection Agency regulations in dogs and cats.
OBJECTIVE
To describe adverse effects in dogs and cats exposed to Environmental Protection Agency exempted plant-derived flea preventatives containing mixtures of essential oils.


METHODS
Retrospective study from 2006 to 2008.


METHODS
Records of dog and cat cases were reviewed from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Poison Control Center database.


METHODS
Thirty-nine cats and 9 dogs with history of exposure to natural flea preventatives.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
Allison G
AG
Genovese
Mary Kay
MK
McLean
Safdar A
SA
Khan
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000469:parasitology; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D058267:Flea Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D053609:Lethargy / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary; D014202:Tremor / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary
D007306:Insecticides; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils