Potpourri oil toxicity in cats: 6 Cases (2000-2007)

Objective - To describe the clinical and laboratory features, treatment, and outcome of cats with a history of potpourri oil exposure. Design - Retrospective study. Setting - Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals - Six client-owned cats. Measurements and Main Results - The medical records of animals with oral or lingual ulceration and exposure to potpourri oil from January 2000 to December 2007 were reviewed. Information obtained from the medical records included signalment, product to which the animal was exposed, clinical signs, physical examination findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, duration of hospitalization, and outcome. Six cats qualified for inclusion in the study; 3 were castrated males and 3 were spayed females. Age range was 0.3-3.6 years. All cats had severe oral and lingual ulceration. Additional clinical findings included hyperthermia, tachypnea, ptyalism, and lethargy. Treatment of these cats included IV fluids, analgesic therapy, antimicrobial therapy, and gastrointestinal protectants. Two of these cats received an esophagostomy tube for nutritional support. Duration of hospitalization was 0-5 days. All cats survived to discharge. Follow-up for 3 cats revealed complete healing of the oral ulceration. Conclusions - Potpourri oil toxicity should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any cat with oral and lingual ulceration. Prognosis for recovery is good with supportive care.