vet recomended product with clove oil - need advice

serval

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Hi,

My cat has recently developed chin acne and I asked my vet if there was something that I could use at home to clear it up. The lady at the desk recomended a certain brand of astringent. After I bought it, I noticed that the ingrediants included camphor, clove and eucalyptus oils so I called back to ask if that was alright and she said it would be okay because he couldn't lick it off.

So I put some on him, but it had a very strong smell and I still wasn't sure about it. So I looked up clove oil etc. online and read that they can be very toxic simply by being absorbed through the skin and even if they are diluted?! I tried to wipe the astringent off and he's seems okay (1/2 hour later) but I am kind of freaked out that she would recomend something like that. Anyone have any experience with the use of oils like these on cats? Are they really that poisonous?

thanks!
Erin
 

pat

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Hi Erin,

My first thought is, you spoke with the receptionist - not the vet - so your vet might not have said this was okay if consulted.

The second is that I'd simply call a second vet for an opinion, and I would call...keeping in mind that there is false info. on the Internet, I have heard of essential oils not being a good thing in general for cats, and certainly know of strong anecdotal evidence that Teatree oil is harmful for cats (and yet reputable companies still produce products for cats containing this!), here is a quote that addresses most of the oils you mentioned: "Essential oils which contain phenols are particularly toxic to cats and cause liver damage. These include Oregano, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Clove, Cinnamon, Bay Leaf, Parsley and Savory
Essential oils which contain ketones cause neurological symptoms. These include: Cedar Leaf*, Sage*, Hyssop*, Cyprus*, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Mint ,Caraway*, Citronella ,Clove*, Ginger*, Chamomile, Thyme and Rosemary (those marked * give particular cause for concern)."

This is from a large article on Teatree Oil, and is from this page:http://www.messybeast.com/teatree.htm


I agree with your concern, please call a second vet for their opinion on what, if anything, need be done.
 

xocats

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Pat & Alix...This is important info that I did not know about. I've bookmarked your post.
 
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serval

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Thanks for the response!

Well, I called another vet and she basically said the same thing - that the oils would not harm him, but that they usually advise useing hydrogen peroxide for chin acne. So I think I will try that - the oils wouldn't help him in any way so I'd rather not take the chance. That article is scary!

And yes, it was the receptionist that I talked to. I have always found it really difficult to get a vet to talk to me on the phone or to call me back (unless they are calling with test results or something). Not just this office but every one I have been to. Although I realize that they are very busy, it can be frustrating sometimes.

thanks again!
Erin
 
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