TOXICITY OF MELALEUCA OIL AND RELATED ESSENTIAL OILS APPLIED TOPICALLY ON DOGS AND CATS

Cases of melaleuca oil toxicosis have been reported by veterinarians t o the National Animal Poison Control Center when the oil was applied d ermally to dogs and cats. In most cases, the oil was used to treat der matologic conditions at inappropriate high doses. The typical signs ob served were depression, weakness, incoordination and muscle tremors. T he active ingredients of commercial melaleuca oil are predominantly cy clic terpenes. Treatment of clinical signs and supportive care has bee n sufficient to achieve recovery without sequelae within 2-3 d.