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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cat developed severe skin damage and septicemia after d-limonene

By Lee, Justine A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2002·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Acute necrotizing dermatitis and septicemia after application of a d-limonene-based insecticidal shampoo in a cat.

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

A 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat became lethargic, stopped eating, and showed unusual aggression just one day after being bathed with a d-limonene-based insecticidal shampoo. The cat developed red, inflamed skin patches and her condition worsened despite receiving supportive care. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with severe skin damage and a bacterial infection. Treatment for her septicemia (a serious infection in the bloodstream) and intensive care were required to help her recover.

People also search for: cat lethargy after shampoo · d-limonene cat toxicity · cat skin infection treatment

Abstract

A 2-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was examined because of lethargy, inappetance, vocalization, and abnormal aggressive behavior of 1 day's duration. The cat had been groomed the previous day with a d-limonene-based insecticidal shampoo. Skin lesions consisted of coalescing erythematous patches. Despite supportive care, the cat's condition deteriorated. Dermatohistopathologic changes included multifocal areas of acute coagulative epidermal necrosis. The dermis was infiltrated by a dense population of bacilli. d-Limonene toxicosis has been rarely described in dogs and cats. Toxic effects such as hypersalivation, ataxia, shivering, hypothermia, scrotal irritation, hypotension, and erythema multiforme major have been reported. Treatment for septicemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation, along with intensive supportive care, may be necessary.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12118590/