Phenolic compounds/Detergents/Bleach

Question 1

What household detergents are the most toxic to small animals?

Answer 1

Phenolic compounds and Cationic detergents

Question 2

The oral LD50 for phenolic compounds in most mammals is _____ mg/kg, making them _____ toxic

Answer 2

500mg/kg making them moderately toxic

Question 3

Why are cats more sensitive to phenolic compounds?

Answer 3

They are deficient in conjugation to glucuronic acid

Question 4

What household detergent may cause urine to be black or green?

Answer 4

Phenolic compounds

Question 5

What is the MOA of phenolic compounds?

Answer 5

Direct irritation causing coagulative necrosis
*caustic
Hepato, nephro, neurotoxic
Stimulation resp. center –> Hyperventilation = respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis

Question 6

What clinical signs are associated with phenolic compound poisoning?

Answer 6

Ataxia, weakness, tremors, sz, icterus, *methemoglobinemia
**Dermal exposure: very painful - coagulative necrosis, ulcers, and white plaques (anesthesia of the damaged nerves may eventually occur if exposure is severe)

Question 7

What lesions are associated with phenolic compounds?

Answer 7

Ulceration and necrosis of the GI mucosa and skin

Liver and kidney changes

Question 8

What sample would you use for a chemical analysis looking for phenolic compounds?

Answer 8

Urine : mixed with 20% ferric chloride - results in purple or blue color change

Other - methemoglobinemia, hematuria, proteinurea, elevated liver enzymes

Question 9

What is the tx recommended for patients exposed to phenolic compounds?

Answer 9

Detox: Milk, egg whites, or water followed by activated charcoal and saline cathartics, Decontaminate skin with liquid dish soap

Supportive: Acetylcysteine (to prevent liver, kidney damage), Methylene Blue for methemoglobenemia

Question 10

List the 3 classes of chemical detergents from lowest to highest toxicity

Answer 10

Nonionic (soap and laundry detergents)
Anionic (sulfonated or phosphyorlated hydrocarbons)
Cationic (quaternary ammonium compounds that contain a halogen)

Question 11

T/F: If a patient has ingested a phenolic compound, emesis should be induced right away

Answer 11

FALSE

contraindicated due to the caustic nature of the chemicals

Question 12

What is the MOA of ionic detergents?

Answer 12

Direct irritation of the skin and MM

Quaternary ammonium compounds may be corrosive and may cause systemic toxicosis

Question 13

What clinical signs are associated with ingestion of ionic detergents?

Answer 13

Vomiting, dhr, colic

Q.A. compounds will have severe GI signs - dehydration, shock, collapse

Dermal exposure = caustic - irritation

Question 14

What is the treatment for animals that have ingested or have had dermal exposure to ionic detergents?

Answer 14

Detox: coat the stomach and GI with milk, water, vinegar, or activated charcoal to dilute and neutralize

Supportive: GI protectants and demulcents, and analgesics (ulcers are painful)

Question 15

What is the toxic chemical in bleach and pool products that we should be concerned about small animals being exposed to?

Answer 15

Sodium hypochloride

Question 16

T/F: Bleach is a good cleaner for cleaning dried cat urine

Answer 16

FALSE

When combined with chlorine bleaches - release of chlorine or chloramine gas and hypochlorous gas – very caustic

Question 17

what does chlorine or chloramine gas cause?

Answer 17

Severe respiratory and eye irritation - highly corrosive to MM

Question 18

T/F: Non chlorine bleaches are just as toxic and irritating as chlorine bleaches

Answer 18

False

generally less irritation and toxic

Question 19

What is the treatment for animals exposed to bleach products?

Answer 19

Milk and water

Mg oxide to neutralize stomach acids

Symptomatic and supportive