Page 1551 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Petroleum Distillates/Turpentine Toxicosis 783

PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS Advanced or Confirmatory Testing Recommended Monitoring
• Presence of the product on the feet, muzzle, • Spot test: mix warm water and vomitus; • Clinical parameters, including respiratory
VetBooks.ir • HC/distillate smell on the coat or breath acteristic odor of volatile distillates (e.g., • Arterial blood gas or pulse oximetry for Diseases and Disorders
rate and effort
distillates rise to the surface, and the char-
or fur
gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid) becomes
• Dermal discomfort (tender and inflamed
animals with respiratory signs
interdigital skin or other exposed areas)
apparent.
• Anxious, agitation, pacing, crying/ • Confirmatory analysis of the distillate is PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME
whimpering possible but is usually not useful in terms
• Oral exposure: hypersalivation, vomiting, of clinical management due to turnaround Prognosis is good unless aspiration pneumonia
excessive licking motions, hacking, retching, time; collect samples in airtight containers occurs.
panting, wheezing, coughing, crackles on and refrigerate.
auscultation • In animals with aspiration, airway lavage PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS
• Ocular: blepharospasm, blepharitis with Gram stain and/or culture can assist
with antibiotic selection (p. 1073). Comments
Etiology and Pathophysiology • Most commercial or industrial products
• The physical and chemical properties of TREATMENT containing petroleum distillates are labeled:
a particular HC determine its toxicity. “May be harmful or fatal if swallowed.” This
Hydrocarbons with lower boiling points Treatment Overview warning is not specific to the individual
(more flammable), lower viscosities (thinner), Due to the risk of aspiration, induction of product and does not automatically imply
and lower surface tension are more dangerous vomiting and activated charcoal are NOT a poor prognosis. It is more useful to consider
due to a greater ability to penetrate lipid recommended. Bathe the animal with liquid the volatility of the product when determin-
membranes (increased systemic absorption) dishwashing liquid to decrease continued ing the relative clinical risk to the animal,
and increased volatility, increasing risk of dermal exposure. Treat pain due to skin lesions with greater volatility carrying a higher risk.
aspiration. and aspiration as needed. • Petroleum distillates are listed in terms of
• Volatile HC can damage nerve endings their volatility: tar (least volatile); paraffin
and solubilize subdermal/submucosal fat, Acute General Treatment wax, lubricating oil, fuel oil, kerosene
resulting in acute, generalized pain and • Emesis, gastric lavage, and administration (intermediate); mineral spirits, gasoline,
discomfort. Systemic absorption can result in of activated charcoal are CONTRAINDI- petroleum naphtha, petroleum ether (most
dissolution of cellular lipids and cell necrosis CATED because there is an increased risk volatile).
with generalized systemic inflammation and of aspiration with ingestion of petroleum • Risk of aspiration pneumonia/pneumonitis
congestion. Some HCs can cause more distillates. from viscous or solid petroleum distillates,
direct organ damage (e.g., benzene causes • Oxygen supplementation (p. 1146) if including motor oil, transmission oil, waxes,
myelotoxicosis). required due to aspiration other lubricating oils, grease, paraffin wax,
○ Mechanical ventilation may be necessary, and asphalt, is low. Most of these exposures
DIAGNOSIS depending on oxygen concentration (p. result in mild, self-limited vomiting, lethargy,
1185) and diarrhea.
Diagnostic Overview • Use IV fluids to maintain hydration and • Delayed (12-24 hours after exposure)
History of known or suspected exposure, clinical perfusion; forced diuresis is not effective at gastrointestinal and respiratory effects can
signs, and the presence of a volatile scent of increasing the elimination of HCs. be seen when waterproofing sprays (used
petroleum distillates are the major components • Pain control if needed (opioids such as on leather products) containing volatile
of diagnosis. If the patient vomits, a spot test buprenorphine 0.005-0.04 mg/kg IV, IM, HCs such as heptane, butane, benzene, or
can help confirm ingestion of petroleum distil- or SQ); dermal exposures can be painful trichloroethylene are used around pets.
lates (see Advanced or Confirmatory Testing • Prophylactic antibiotics with aspiration
below). pneumonia is controversial; HC pneumo- Prevention
nitis has a low risk of bacterial pneumonia Keep animals away from all HC-containing
Differential Diagnosis complications products.
• Vomiting (p. 1293) • Dermal decontamination: bathe well with
• Respiratory distress (p. 879) a mild liquid hand dishwashing detergent Technician Tips
• Allergic or other dermal toxins (topical solution, rinse thoroughly, do not allow pet Make sure to wear gloves when bathing animal
toxicity) to get chilled to reduce dermal exposure to yourself.
• Organophosphate or carbamate insecticides, • Ocular exposure: flush eyes with saline,
zinc phosphide fluorescein stain to assess for corneal ulcer Client Education
Keep all HC products locked away in a safe loca-
Initial Database Chronic Treatment tion; childproof does not mean animal-proof.
• CBC: leukocytosis, neutrophilia; possible For aspiration pneumonitis: oxygen supple-
septic changes if pneumonia is a complica- mentation, mechanical ventilation as necessary SUGGESTED READING
tion; possible hemoconcentration Raisbeck MF: Petroleum hydrocarbons. In Peterson
• Serum biochemistry profile: hypoglycemia Possible Complications ME, et al, editors: Small animal toxicology, ed 3,
possible • Aspiration and chemical pneumonitis St. Louis, 2013, Saunders, pp 755-761.
• Urinalysis: unremarkable • Volatile HC can cause CNS depression and AUTHOR: Elizabeth Cripe, DVM
• Thoracic radiographs if aspiration suspected ataxia. EDITOR: Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT
• Pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas measure-
ment if aspiration suspected

www.ExpertConsult.com