1. External Application of Essential Oils in Animals
Jürgen Reichling
Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biology, University of Heidelberg
Mentha x piperita
Rosmarinus officinalis
Thymus vulgaris
Matricaria recutita
Beautifulboy

2. Outline Phytotherapeutical use of essential oils in animals
Antifungal effect of tea tree oil (TTO) on Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canines suffering from cutaneous disease
Topical use of a 10% TTO-containing cream against canine localized pruritic dermatitis
Species specific differences and toxicolo- gical aspects
Conclusion

3. Phytotherapeutical use of essential oils in animals
Wounds and other problems of the skin
Respiratory ailments
Nervous system disorders
Ailments affecting the loco motor apparatus like rheumatism and arthritis
Repellents and antiparasitics
Antimicrobials and antibiotics
Digestion system and diarrhea
Control of pet odor

4. Phytotherapeutical use of selected essential oils in animals
PLANT
ESSENTIAL OIL
USE
Calendula officinalis
Pot marigolds
Otitis, gastritis, cuts, wounds, inflamed skin, dermatitis
Matricaria recutita
German chamo-mile oil
Wounds, burns, itching, dermatitis, inflamed skin
Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea trea oil
Flea treatment, insect repellant, dermatitis
Mentha pulegium
Pennyroyal oil
Bacterial infections, flea treatment
Artemisia absinthium
Absinthe oil
Wormer
Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus oil
Wounds, inflammations, cuts, insect repellent, flea treatment

5. Phytotherapeutical use of selected essential oils in animals
PLANT
ESSENTIAL OIL
USE
Pelargonium roseum
Geranium oil
Insect repellent, itching
Helichrysum italicum
Helichrysum oil
Paw cuts, dermatitis, irritated skin, wounds
Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender oil
Paw cuts, dermatitis, itching, insect repellent
Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongras oil
Insect repellent, fungal infection
Thymus vulgaris
Thyme oil
Eczema, bacterial infections
Commiphora myrrha
Myrrh oil
Wounds, ear and teeth care, repellent for fleas and ticks

6. Treatment of fleas
For treatment of flea infested animals an USA patent propagates a mixture of pennyroyal oil, eucalyptus oil, cedar oil, citronella oil and rue oil inserted into apricot kernel oil, olive oil or almond oil in concentrations up to 7%.
In the market you will find different essential oil-containing preparations, such as herbal flea shampoos, herbal flea collars or herbal flea drops for dogs

7. Acaricidal effect of Tea Trea Oil (TTO)
In an in vitro experiment the acaricidal effect of TTO on nymphs of Ixodes ricinus was examined. It was found that 8 to 10µl of TTO was lethal for more than 80% of the ticks when TTO was inhaled.
The acaricidal effect correlated very well with the duration of exposure of ticks to TTO.

8. Parasitic mite infection control in honeybee colonies
Selected essential oils
Mites: Varroa destructor (V) and Acarapis woodi (T)
Lemon oil
V and T
Lemongras oil
Thyme oil
Eucalyptus oil V
Oregano oil
Rosemary oil

9. Malassezia pachydermatis

10. Dog paw of a Labrador Retriever infected by Malassezia pachdermatis

11. MFC of Terb.-HCL [µg/ml]
Antifungal effect of Tea Trea Oil (TTO) on Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canines suffering from cutaneous disease
Clinical isolates
MFC of TTO
[µg/ml]
MFC of Terb.-HCL [µg/ml]
B 7097
1120.0
0.8 – 1.6
B 7104
560.0
0.8
B 7124
0.4 – 0.8
B 7139
0.4
B 7148

12. Staphylococcus species
Antibacterial activity of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) against different Staphylococcus species
Staphylococcus species
MIC [µg/ml]
Staphylococcus aureus
2500
Staphylococcus capitis
1200 – 2500
Staphylococcus epidermidis
2500 – 5000
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Staphylococcus hominis
1200
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Staphylococcus xylosus

13. Topical use of a 10% TTO-containing cream against canine localised pruritic dermatitis

14. Topical use of a 10% TTO-containing cream against canine localised pruritic dermatitis

15. Species specific differences and toxicological aspects
1. Dogs can utilize carotinoids from plants to synthesize retinol, but cats require preformed Vitamin A from animal tissue.
2. Dogs can use either fish or plant sources of omega-3-fatty acids, whereas cats require fish because they lack in delta-6-desaturase. Cats can synthesize neither eicosapentaenoic acid from α-linolenic acid nor arachidonic acid from linoleic acid.

16. Species specific differences and toxicological aspects
3. Cats are highly sensitive to essential oils because they are lacking in glucuronyl transferase activity.
4. In most cases of reported adverse side effects, the essential oils were used to treat dermatological conditions at inap-propriate high doses.

17. Species specific differences and toxicological aspects
5. The most common clinical signs after dermal exposure of inappropriate high concentrations of essential oils include ataxia, muscle weakness, depression, and behavioral abnormalities.
6. Some essential oils are phototoxic (e.g. bergamot oil) and can burn skin badly if exposed to sunlight.

18. Conclusion
Evidence-based veterinary phytotherapy is still in its infancy.
At present, the use of essential oils in animals is exclusively based on anec- dotal reports and experiences of aroma therapists and pet owners.
So called aroma therapists are mostly laymen and subsequently lacking in a medicinal background.

19. Conclusion
Our first clinical trial with TTO in dogs have shown that an evidence-based use of essential oil in animals is possible.
When using essential oils in animals species specific differences have to be taken into account.
Essential oils are powerful biological agents which should be used in appro- priate doses, indicated ailments, during a limited time period and with care.

20. Thank you for your attention