Toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with flea dips.

A 5-y-old intact female Himalayan cat was dipped with an organophosphate-based compound for flea infestation. The animal subsequently died of organophosphate intoxication. Skin lesions present at necropsy were diagnosed microscopically as toxic epidermal necrolysis. A 5-y-old spayed female Corgi dog was dipped with a d-limonene-based compound for flea infestation. The dog subsequently developed a bullous skin disorder which rapidly progressed to severe coalescing necrotizing dermatitis with large areas of skin sloughing. The dog was treated for a tentative diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis with a short course of corticosteroids and extensive supportive care and recovered completely. Flea dip preparations have the potential to induce severe immune-mediated dermatopathies such as toxic epidermal necrolysis.