Acute necrotizing dermatitis and septicemia after application of a d-limonene-based insecticidal shampoo in a cat

Abstract

A 2-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was examined because of lethargy, inappetance, vocalization, and abnormal aggressive behavior of 1 day's duration. The cat had been groomed the previous day with a d-limonene-based insecticidal shampoo. Skin lesions consisted of coalescing erythematous patches. Despite supportive care, the cat's condition deteriorated. Dermatohistopathologic changes included multifocal areas of acute coagulative epidermal necrosis. The dermis was infiltrated by a dense population of bacilli. d-Limonene toxicosis has been rarely described in dogs and cats. Toxic effects such as hypersalivation, ataxia, shivering, hypothermia, scrotal irritation, hypotension, and erythema multiforme major have been reported. Treatment for septicemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation, along with intensive supportive care, may be necessary.

The Biology and Ecology of Cat Fleas and Advancements in Their Pest Management: A Review

“…Nitenpyram caused a 3–6 fold increase in flea-related itching in cats and dogs, but this was attributed to affected fleas and not the product [ 452 ]. Shampoos containing d -limonene on cats can cause acute necrotizing dermatitis and septicemia [ 453 ]. Outdoor applications of diazinon granules to lawns exposed dogs to greater levels of diazinon than to the occupants and dogs served as a good vehicle to uptake, transfer, and translocate pesticide residues indoors [ 454 ].The relationship between contacting treated pets by humans and transfer of insecticide residues was unclear.…”

Erythema multiforme, Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a comparative review

“…Sulphonamides and antibiotics, particularly cephalosporins and penicillins, levamisole, diethylcarbamazine and phenobarbital are recognized triggers in animals . Flea dips containing d ‐limonene have been implicated in severe necrotizing dermatitis resembling TEN in cats and dogs . The main infectious cause of SJS in people is M. pneumoniae .…”

“…37,40 Flea dips containing D-limonene have been implicated in severe necrotizing dermatitis resembling TEN in cats and dogs. [60][61][62] The main infectious cause of SJS in people is M. pneumoniae. 11 Interestingly, Mycoplasma bovis has been associated with TEN lesions in calves.…”

Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by cefadroxil in a cat

“…10 A d-limonene-based insecticidal shampoo caused severe acute epidermal necrosis in a cat. 6 Regarding prechallenge, unknown previous exposure to this drug was scored 0 (Table 1). Rechallenge with the same drug provides the most definitive proof of drug causality; however, this is generally not recommended.…”