ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME MAJOR AND DISSEMINATED INTRAVASCULAR COAGULATION IN A DOG FOLLOWING APPLICATION OF A D-LIMONENE-BASED INSECTICIDAL DIP

Erythema multiforme major and disseminated intravascular coagulation d eveloped in a dog 24 hours after exposure to a d-limonene-based insect icidal dip. Clinical signs included severe lethargy and weakness, ulce ration of the oral mucosa, and erythematous serpiginous, annular, and arciform lesions on the head, trunk, and limbs. Clinicopathologic abno rmalities included leukocytosis with neutrophilia, normocytic normochr omic anemia, thrombocytopenia, prolongation of prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, increased fibrin degradation products, hypoprot einemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, azotemia, high serum alanine ami notransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, and high serum bil irubin concentration. Despite intensive supportive care, the dog devel oped severe intrathoracic and abdominal hemorrhage and died. Necropsy revealed severe diffuse epidermal necrosis and widespread hemorrhage w ithin organs. Insecticidal dips containing d-limonene have the potenti al to induce various toxic effects, including, possibly, erythema mult iforme major, and should be used cautiously.