柑橘皮萃取液應用於犬貓安寧療護之初探

Aromatic Plant Extracts Applied in Companion Animals During Palliative Care

犬貓現今已經轉換為人類的伴侶動物，視為家庭的一份子。隨著飲食環境飼養型態的轉變，犬貓的疾病也從傳染性的疾病轉變為慢性病與癌症。醫療的進步卻常伴隨著安樂死的選擇，越來越多的飼主希望能安寧照護到善終。然而目前針對犬貓安寧療護之相關研究仍非常缺乏，因此本研究即以柑橘皮萃取物如何應用於犬貓安寧療護過程進行初探。本研究利用以75%的酒精處理曬乾後柑橘類果皮的萃取物，佐以其他香草植物。柑橘皮中存在豐富的類黃酮類化合物，具有抗癌活性，抑制發炎反應，抗氧化反應等功能。將完成之柑橘皮萃取液應用於安寧照護之犬貓。應用方式包含（1）環境清潔：先使用稀釋的漂白水進行環境消毒，再使用柑橘皮萃取液擦拭；（2）寵物美容：將柑橘皮萃取物液加入洗毛液中幫犬隻洗澡，最後以稀釋50倍的柑橘皮萃取物液淋於全身毛髮後吹乾；（3）薰香：柑橘皮萃取液加在水氧機中散發，藉由呼吸道與皮膚毛髮的吸收，達到除臭抑菌等功效。整體而言柑橘皮萃取液取得成本低，且對犬貓與飼主也可降低化學性有害物質的接觸，有助於犬貓與照護者，提升安寧照護過程到臨終身體與心靈的舒適感。

Dogs and cats have been converted into human companion now, which are regarded as a part of the family. With the improvement of the diet and medical therapy, the diseases suffered dogs and cats have changed from infectious diseases to chronic diseases and cancers too. Nowaday, more and more owners hope to have safe and hospice care during the end of life of their pets. However, research about palliative care of dogs and cats is lacking currently. This study was to explore how the citrus peel extract could be applied to the palliative care process of dogs and cats. Citrus peels extract was the solution extracted from dried citrus peel with 75% alcohol. Because there were abundant flavonoids in citrus peels, they could inhibit inflammation and have anti-oxidation reaction. We applied the citrus peel extract to the palliative care of dogs and cats The application method included: (1) environmental cleaning: we used diluted bleach for environmental disinfection at first, then scrub with the citrus peel extract; (2) pet grooming: the citrus peel extract was added into the scouring solution while bathing, and the 50 times diluted citrus peel extract was used for spray; (3) aromatherapy: The citrus peel extract was added to the water oxygen machine to dissipate. The extract absorped from the respiratory tract and skin hair could achieve the effects of deodorization and bacteriostasis. Generally, the citrus peel extract is not expansive and could reduce the chance of contact to chemicals and harmful substances to dogs and cats. Additionally, it improves the life quality during palliative care of dogs , cats and their caregivers.