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Potpourri Toxicosis 816.e3

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics (for caustic burns) protective prostaglandins. Glucocorticoids can from the plant material rather than a caustic
burn risk if ingested.
• Antiinflammatory medications: glucocor- also worsen GI ulcers; weigh benefits and risks • Liquid potpourri can cause burns even when
VetBooks.ir or IM q 24h for 3-5 days or prednisolone Possible Complications Prevention Diseases and Disorders
before using.
ticoids (dexamethasone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV
liquid is not hot (chemical burns).
0.25-1 mg/kg PO q 24h). Use is controver-
sial; may use for several days if esophageal
• Secondary infection
damage has occurred; appears to help reduce • Esophageal stricture/perforation Owners should keep simmer pots out of the
risk of esophageal stricture but concurrently • Rarely aspiration pneumonia reach of pets.
increases risk of GI ulcers and opportunistic
infection (e.g., pneumonia); concurrent use Recommended Monitoring Technician Tips
of broad-spectrum antibiotics has not been • Body temperature (elevation may indicate Patients with lesions that are not so severe as
proved to reduce risk. inflammation, pneumonia, or other second- to require feeding tube placement may benefit
• IV fluids: indicated in cases involving ary infection) greatly from gentle coaxing (p. 1199), slurry-
anorexia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, • White blood cell count like food preparation, and a variety of diets to
infection, or hyperthermia • Endoscopic exam of esophagus and stomach encourage them to eat despite the oral lesions.
to evaluate severe mucosal erosion, perfora-
Chronic Treatment tion, or subsequent stricture SUGGESTED READING
If aspiration pneumonia develops (due to Schildt JC, et al: Potpourri oil toxicity in cats: 6 cases
dysphagia), oxygen supplementation and a PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME (2000-2007). J Vet Emerg Crit Care 18:511-516,
broad-spectrum antibiotic may be necessary 2008.
(p. 793). With supportive care, signs resolve in a few
hours to several days, depending on the degree ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED
Nutrition/Diet of exposure and severity of damage. READING
Nutritional support: with severe oral lesions, Richardson JA: Potpourri hazards in cats. Vet Med
food prepared as a liquid slurry or soft, PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS 94:12, 1999.
mashed foods are appropriate. Placement of
an esophagostomy tube may be necessary for Comments RELATED CLIENT EDUCATION
nutritional support (p. 1106). With severe oral • Essential oils in liquid potpourri are absorbed
lesions and/or concurrent anorexigenic disorders orally and dermally. SHEET
(e.g., hepatic lipidosis), such treatment should • Hepatic damage from essential oils in How to Use and Care for an Indwelling Feeding
be considered. potpourri is possible but uncommon. Tube
• Dry potpourri contains small amounts of
Drug Interactions essential oils and poses a foreign-body risk AUTHOR: Irina D. Meadows, DVM, DABT
Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs EDITOR: Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT
(NSAIDs) can worsen GI ulcers by reducing

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