Toxicology of selected pesticides, drugs, and chemicals. Petroleum distillates and turpentine.

Companion animal exposures to volatile hydrocarbons and turpentine accounted for 2% of all calls received by the IAPIC in 1987. Volatile hydrocarbons are also used as vehicle solvents (e.g., pesticides), and both vehicle and active ingredients pose a significant hazard to companion animals. The most significant clinical effects of the hydrocarbons are related to aspiration pneumonia. The likelihood of aspiration is generally related to the compound's viscosity, with more volatile and most widely available compounds posing the greatest risk. Treatment generally is conservative. Gastrointestinal decontamination methods (e.g., emetics and activated charcoal administration) are used only in massive ingestions or when other toxicants are present in conjunction with the hydrocarbons. Oxygen therapy and cage rest are recommended for the dyspneic animal. Close monitoring of an exposed animal and symptomatic care as needed are also recommended for at least 12 hours after exposure.