The toxicology of detergents, bleaches, antiseptics and disinfectants in small animals.

Small animals are exposed to a variety of household products. The most common route of exposure is oral by direct ingestion or from grooming soiled fur and feet. The majority of household products are complex chemical mixtures. The clinician must determine the body burden of toxic or potentially toxic substances and the potential for a combination of chemicals to produce intoxication in a particular species and then plan a course of action. Toxicoses of selected household and commercial products are discussed in detail. Animals are exposed to a variety of antiseptics by numerous routes. Potential for iatrogenic intoxication from antiseptics is also discussed. An abridged version of this article will be published in the 10th edition of CURRENT VETERINARY THERAPY: SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, RW Kirk, editor, WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia, PA.