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Introduction
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, CAS number 68424-85-1) is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) which is classified as a cationic detergent. QACs are used extensively as domestic and industrial disinfectants and rarely as simple cleaning agents. BAC is commonly found in household antibacterial cleaners and disinfectants. It is also a common preservative in pharmaceutical preparations including ear and eye drops and nasal sprays.
The primary effects of BAC are due to its irritancy. Systemic effects are uncommon.
Few cases of exposure to QACs including BAC have been reported in animals and these have generally involved professional disinfectants ( Grier 1967 , Serrano 1972 , Trapani and others 1982 , Bilbrey and others 1989 , King and others 1999 ) rather than domestic products. The aim of this study was to examine the onset, effects and duration of clinical signs observed in cats exposed to BAC products and to look at the types of products involved.
Materials and methods
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is a 24-hour emergency telephone service that advises veterinary professionals on the management of actual or suspected poisonings in animals. The service is provided on a subscription basis; most, but not all, UK veterinary practices use it (the database contains over 2200 subscribed veterinary groups, where a group may be single or multiple practices). Details of the exposure and clinical history for each enquiry are recorded on the VPIS database. Postal questionnaires are sent to approximately 30 per cent of all enquirers to gather additional information including clinical effects, onset and duration of effects, treatments carried out and the outcome of the case. The quality of information provided in these questionnaires is variable. Some respondents provide the timing and duration of effects and treatments, while others do not.
For this report, a retrospective analysis was undertaken of cases involving cats that had been exposed to products containing BAC recorded in the VPIS database. Information on the onset and duration of clinical signs was analysed where the information was available.
Results
A total of 573 cases of BAC exposure in cats were identified in the VPIS case database. Of these, follow-up information was available for 245 cases (43 per cent) reported between January 1989 and June 2014. During this period, there...