Acute tea tree oil intoxication in a pet cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus): a case report

Abstract

Background: Phytotherapy is becoming a more and more common practice, not only for personal care but also for pet care. Nevertheless, we often have to deal with substances on which, in most cases, very little literature is available, even more so if the species of interest are the exotic ones. In particular, the essential oil from the Melaleuca leaves, because of its antinflammatory and antibacterial properties, is widely used and very little is known about its potential toxicity on pet birds. The present paper describes the first case of Tea tree oil intoxication in a pet bird. Case presentation: A one-year-old, 80 g male cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was presented for clinical examination due to a serious despondency episode after the application of 3 drops of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifoglia) directly on the cutis of its right wing. The subject was urgently hospitalized and blood tests were performed.Serum biochemical values showed severe liver damage and slight renal involvement, complete blood count (CBC) parameters indicated a moderate neutrophilia a moderate neutropenia. Warm subcutaneous fluids and vitamin (VIT) B12 were administered, and after 8 h of fluid therapy the clinical condition of the patient improved. The subject was discharged after 48 h of hospitalization, in stable conditions. Conclusions: Toxicosis are relatively common in bird pets and a number of cases are reported in literature, concerning heavy metals intoxications and toxic plants ingestion. However, in literature there are no described cases regarding Melaleuca oil intoxication in pet birds, but it has been reported in humans (mainly by ingestion) as well as in dogs, cats and rats. We hope that this first case report can be an initial aid in the knowledge of this potential toxicosis and therefore in the clinical veterinary practice of pet birds.

Safety assessment and adverse drug reaction reporting of tea tree oil (Melaleuca aetheroleum)

“…Animal studies regarding tea tree oil toxicity support this statement, as central nervous system depression, paresis, weakness, ataxia, lethargy and muscle tremors were observed in rats, dogs and cats after dermal application, which probably led to cutaneous absorption (Khan et al, 2014; Vetere et al, 2020; Villar et al, 1994). In rats, additional adverse effects such as obtundation, bloodied noses and weeping were observed (Vetere et al, 2020). It is also reported that the oral administration of tea tree oil might have the potential to lead to pneumonitis and lung injury in humans (Morris et al, 2003).…”

“…These reports suggest that the intake of a modest amount of tea tree oil can already lead to ataxia and central nervous system depression, caused by the hydrocarbon components (Bischoff & Guale, 1998;Morris et al, 2003). Animal studies regarding tea tree oil toxicity support this statement, as central nervous system depression, paresis, weakness, ataxia, lethargy and muscle tremors were observed in rats, dogs and cats after dermal application, which probably led to cutaneous absorption (Khan et al, 2014;Vetere et al, 2020;Villar et al, 1994). In rats, additional adverse effects such as obtundation, bloodied noses and weeping were observed (Vetere et al, 2020).…”

Causes of Raptor Admission to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Abruzzo (Central Italy) from 2005–2016

“…Critically ill birds must be assessed accurately and provided with immediate supportive care [ 69 ]. Specific protection and control plans to reduce anthropogenic causes of admissions, such as gunshots, use of pesticides and other toxic substances (with a direct effect on birds of prey, or indirect, i.e., on prey), and the use of rat glue, can and should be intensified in order to reduce these events to nil.…”

White glue intoxication in a plain parakeet (Brotogeris tirica) – Case report

“…Little is known about predisposing factors involved in avian sensitivity to toxic agents, however several products that are relatively harmless to humans may have profound effects on birds. The most common substances reported to cause toxicosis are ingested heavy metals, such as lead and zinc; inhalant toxins, for instance smoke from cooking or burning material and fumes from aerosols or cleaning agents; pesticides, toxic plants and foods (Bauck & Labounde, 1997;Guthrie et al, 2020;Vetere et al, 2020).…”