Citrus Oils

Chapter 38 Citrus Oils





Citrus oils are derived from botanical sources and so are considered “natural” or “organic” by the consumer, who often has the mistaken belief that the products are completely safe. Most cases of toxicoses are a result of pet owners who fail to follow the dilution directions on the product label. However, severe idiosyncratic skin reactions have also been reported.




TOXIC DOSE


In dogs the oral toxic dose of limonene is 680 g/kg; however, cats appear to be more sensitive than dogs.2 A dermal study demonstrated that cats had clinical signs when a commercial pet dip containing 78.2% d-limonene was used at five times the recommended dose.3 In another study, three cats were dipped in a citrus product marketed for dogs. The product was diluted according to label directions, and one cat subsequently died. One cat became symptomatic but recovered, and one cat remained asymptomatic.4 A third study examined the use of a ready-to-use spray containing d-limonene, linalool, and piperonyl butoxide (a mixed function oxidase inhibitor). Mild signs appeared with a single dose in one of six cats.5 In one case report, a cat had severe clinical signs and was euthanized following the reportedly correct use of a 1% d-limonene-based shampoo labeled for dogs and cats.1



TOXICOKINETICS


Citrus oils are absorbed rapidly both via the dermis and orally, and the distribution within the body is similar to that of other lipid-soluble compounds.2 d-Limonene reaches maximum blood concentrations 10 minutes after dermal exposure.1 The urinary tract is the main route of excretion, and less than 10% of excretion is by the fecal route.2

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Sep 11, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Citrus Oils

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