Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with flea dips.
- Journal:
- Veterinary and human toxicology
- Year:
- 1992
- Authors:
- Frank, A A et al.
- Affiliation:
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old female Himalayan cat was treated with a flea dip containing an organophosphate chemical, which led to its death from poisoning. During the examination after death, the cat was found to have severe skin damage known as toxic epidermal necrolysis, which is a serious skin condition. In a separate case, a 5-year-old spayed female Corgi was treated with a different flea dip made from d-limonene. This dog developed a severe skin condition that caused large areas of skin to slough off, but after receiving corticosteroids and supportive care, she made a full recovery. These cases show that flea dips can cause serious skin reactions in pets.
Abstract
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1621364/