TOXICITY OF INSECTICIDES AND SKIN CARE PRODUCTS OF BOTANICAL ORIGIN

Toxicoses associated with products which are derived from plants and t hen used as insecticides and skin care/grooming aids on animals, are r eviewed. These include pyrethrins, pyrethroids, rotenone, pennyroyal o il, D-limonene, linalool and melaleuca oil. Poisoning is uncommon and generally results from exposure to concentrations stronger than that r ecommended by the manufacturer. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids may cause e xcessive salivation, tremors, ataxia, depression, hyperexcitability/hy peractivity, seizures, dyspnea and rarely death of the animal. Ingesti on of rotenone by licking may induce vomiting in dogs and cats. D-Limo nene may cause excess salivation, marked hypothermia, shivering and at axia in cats, and dermal exposure of cats to a spray containing linalo ol, D-limonene and piperonyl butoxide at 5 and 10 times normal concent ration has caused depression and recumbency lasting for several days. This was followed by recovery without treatment. Melaleuca oil has bee n associated with ataxia, incoordination, weakness, tremors and depres sion. Bathing with a mild detergent, treatment of associated signs, an d providing supportive care are usually adequate therapy for these tox icoses. An exception is pennyroyal oil which is hepatotoxic.