23/01/2024
Meet Tucker! 🐶
This sweet boy was admitted to our clinic for tea tree oil toxicity. While tea tree oil is well-known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and is commonly used to treat various ailments in humans, it can be extremely harmful to pets. In fact, as little as 7 drops of 100% tea tree oil can result in severe poisoning, and applications of 10-20 ml of 100% oil have led to poisoning and death in both dogs and cats. Ingesting tea tree oil orally or absorbing it through the skin can cause a range of symptoms, including low body temperature, weakness, unsteady walking, inability to walk, tremors, increased liver enzymes, and even death.
Tucker’s symptoms began presenting 12 hours post-exposure. Concerned about his lethargy, shaking, and balance issues, Tucker’s parents promptly called Pet Poison, the first step in addressing any potential toxicity. Upon arrival, Tucker was bathed to remove any remaining tea tree oil from his skin and fur. We performed bloodwork to assess liver values, initiated IV fluids to flush out his system, and monitored him closely overnight.
Fortunately, Tucker showed improvement overnight. With his symptoms subsided, normal vitals, and a healthy appetite, we were able to send Tucker back to his family! Feel better Tucker! 🩺🩵🐾
