Cleaning detergents toxicity in pets

substance: Surfactants

categories:

Cleaning & Washing

symptoms:

Abdominal pain / Blepharospams / Coma / Coughing / Diarrhea / Dyspnea / Nausea / Vomiting

# Description

Cleaning detergents are primarily composed of surfactants (anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric). They may also contain complex phosphates and sodium carbonate or silicate. Generally, detergents have low toxicity in veterinary species, with exceptions for cationic detergents, laundry pods, and automatic dishwashing detergents. Symptoms can range from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling to more serious but uncommon complications such as esophageal burns, gastrointestinal bleeding, central nervous system depression, convulsions, coma, and renal damage.

# How it works

Products may be irritants, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, or stridor from inhalation of powdered products or most deodorizers.

Cationic surfactants are the most toxic, followed by anionic surfactants, and then nonionic and amphoteric surfactants.

If a product contains more than 7.5% cationic surfactants, it may be corrosive and lead to serious complications.

# Symptoms

Gastrointestinal: Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastritis, which can lead to corrosive injuries resulting in drooling, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and bleeding.

Dermal: May cause dryness, dermatitis, and irritation.

Ocular: Symptoms may include conjunctival erythema, irritation, pain, stinging, and potential corneal ulcers.

Cationic surfactants (severe poisoning):

paralysis od breathing muscles
hypotension and shock
lethargy, CNS depression, coma and seizures.

# Treatment

Emesis is not indicated.

Ocular: Flush the eyes with saline or room temperature water.

Dermal: Irrigate the affected area with room temperature water.

General Care: Secure and protect the airway, supply oxygen, and monitor and replace fluids and electrolytes as needed.

Oral Dilution: Oral dilution with water may be necessary.

If Bronchospasm Occurs:

Prednisolone (PO, 1 mg/kg per day,
Dexamethasone (IV),
Fluticasone (inhalation)
Salbutamol (inhalation)

# Prognosis

The need for urgent veterinary care depends on the type of detergent consumed. If a cationic surfactant, laundry pod, or dishwasher detergent has been ingested, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is essential.

Symptoms