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March 2008
My beloved Miniature Schnauzer Pepper who is 10 years old was seen by our vet on Saturday. She has the mange that was being treated with Ivomec. She was still having problems with her skin and he advised Promeris which is to be applied every 2 weeks for 6 weeks then monthly per manufacturer instructions for treatment of the mange.I applied the medicine and within hours she was not herself and her coordination was off. She then began having seizures. I washed her with shampoo but she continued to have seizures. The next morning I took her to the vet because she was still having seizures. He bathed her a 2nd time and placed an IV to saline lock. He took her home with him for observation. This morning the good news is no further seizures and she can come home today. BUT I will NOT be using anything like this on her again. It was horrible seeing her go through this over something that I applied to her albeit it was an attempt to make her better. I am unsure of what the future holds for her and my heart breaks.
Dawn 3/3/08
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Hi James.
Have you heard anything about this product?
I stumbled onto your website while researching Vectra 3D. Our vet is now recommending over Frontline (which we have used for years). I called each Merial and VetPharm respectively about their products, and with exception of using different active ingredients, I have no idea.
Based on my research, I am a little concerned since Vectra 3D has only been out not even a year, they are offering cash prize incentives to Vet to sell their products.
Thanks for any info you may have.
Laura 3/6/08
I have real concerns about ALL veterinarian-prescribed flea/tick prevention products. Many vets claim that these products are safer than the over-the-counter products because they do not get into the bloodstream. That simply is not true. Some of the pesticide in these products is absorbed through the skin or accidentally ingested and can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and weight loss to seizures. They may also be a possible cause of immune-system related diseases. That is why these products warn you to use the correct dosage for your pet and not to get it on your hands when applying it.
Vectra 3D is a new product that is being marketed exclusively by veterinarians. Vets like being the exclusive distributor of products because they have better profit margins. The manufacturer of Vectra 3D and the Hartz Mountain Corporation (maker of over-the-counter flea/tick products) are both owned by the Sumitomo Corp. of America. In fact, Vectra 3D was created by the Chief Scientific Officer at Hartz.
Vectra 3D contains almost as much permethrin (a pesticide) as many over-the-counter flea/tick products. There was a time when the veterinary community was critical of flea/tick products that contained a large percentage of permethrin because of its potential to cause adverse reactions, particularly in cats that were accidentally treated with it or that came into close physical contact with treated dogs. Now that vets have become the purveyors of this poison (with products like K9 Advantix and Vectra 3D), you don't hear those concerns anymore.
There are several links on my website that discuss ways to control fleas and ticks without using pesticides. I encourage everyone to read them, and only use a pesticide product as a last resort.
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
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When using Bio Spot, one of my cats had vomiting spells after each use, that lasted about a week. I have discontinued its use on all my cats. It didn't affect my dog, but it wasn't very effective either.
Julie 3/7/08
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I wish so badly that I had seen this web site while I was doing research on this new "miracle" five way flea medication. What a joke five ways to make your dog miserable/dead is more like it, and my poor little dachshund almost died tonight. I had recently given Tigger our 17 week old puppy his bath and the fleas were right back on him again. We live in the country so he's outside with us alot. I have used advantix and frontline for years on and off again and thought I would try something new. Well we put the Triforce on late at night because the little guy was scratching so bad, another mistake, I guess you should wait until the vets' office is open to try a new medication because within a half hour the little guy was running around the house like mad, jumping on couch to chair to my lap and up on my daughter, he was twitching (I really think he was having several series of small seizures), started having difficulty swallowing, first his mouth started foaming then drool in a steady stream, he continued to twitch, shake his head, his little ears got red inside, he acted like he was choking and I was sure he was going to stop breathing any minute. This was not only traumatic for him but for us humans as well. Lucky for us we have an emergency vet open 24 hours a day. Never have I ever had to call or go to a vet at 3:00am, we have horses and we keep emergency meds for colic and have been lucky. But go we did and $119.00 later the little guy is sleeping now, but still twitching and drooling his blanket gets soaked pretty quick. Now I'm worried about dehydration, he's not drinking and all that drool... And the vet I went to simply said, "Use Advantage next time, I know that one is safe." Yeah right! After reading all the stuff here on your website, I'm pretty sure the vet knew exactly what was going on but she sure played dumb, which is really sad. It's really funny how the very first thing they told me before I took him in was be sure to wash him in dawn dish soap first. They acted like they didn't know what could be wrong but that's crazy, why else would she tell me to wash him first.
I didn't mean to go on and on but I was going to make a copy of this and send it to Triforce, and whoever else would listen, but in the middle of this I continued to read other postings on your website. Apparently no one seems to know the manufacturer of Triforce. I would really like to know if something has been discovered more recently. I just don't see how this continues. I agree that there should be some sort of class action suit at least. You see there's more to the story, I have a 14 yr old Pekingese whom I put this same stuff on about 6 mo ago and I didn't make the connection but she has had trouble walking since, her hind legs became totally paralyzed for about a week, I mean she literally couldn't walk and then gradually came back enough for her to walk, but she can't run and she slips and slides around and is very unsteady. I would never have made the connection had I not seen these postings, I am very sad because I continued to use this terrible product and have probably been making my poor old girl sicker every month.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions and I will continue to read the posting on your website. Thanks for your help.
Ingrid in Florida 3/17/08
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Last night at about 7:30 I washed my 16 month old miniature schnauzer girl, Pearl. I then applied one tube of Sergeants [Gold Squeeze-On] Flea & Tick drops to her back (correct dosage and weight). At about 3 this morning she woke me and my husband up by thumping on the carpet with her leg because she was trying to scratch her back. We examined her and she also would keep jumping, twitching and trying to bite her back. My husband washed her and tried to scrub all of the drops off of her b/c the drops were the only thing that could be attributed to her problem (i.e. the only change in her normal routine). She still acted the same so my husband stayed up all night with her on the couch scratching the affected area. After I got to work this morning I Googled "reactions to sergeants flea and tick" and found your website. I then called my husband and he took Pearl to the vet. Our vet said that he had seen this before and thought that because she hadn't had any seizures we washed the drops off in time. He said her temperature was good but her eye reaction time was a little delayed. He gave her 2 shots (I'll email you later to tell you what they were b/c I'm at work and my husband has the vet bill) and some powder to put on her back. My husband has already called Sergeants and they want us to send in our vet bill and the rest of the drops. What really worries me is that we put the same drops on my other male miniature schnauzer over a week ago but he seems to not have any problems! Also, our vet told my husband that the reason he exclusively sells K-9 Advantix is because it works with the dogs natural skin oils to protect all over the skin; as opposed to the other products which are basically concentrated flea & tick spray, that accordingly gets absorbed into the blood stream and poisons the animals. Your website is truly invaluable, thank you so much.
Courtney 3/17/08
Wow thanks for such a prompt response! Yes I did use Sergeant's Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs. My vet gave Pearl a shot of Atropine and Vetalog; those shots in addition to the office call totaled $74.00. Judging by some of the horror stories on your website, we got off on the relatively cheap side. Pearl is still acting drowsy and like she feels just crummy; but it is a huge improvement over yesterday. I am just so thankful I found your site and my husband was able to get her help so quickly. I don't even want to imagine the alternative.
I'm sending Sergeant's a letter, a copy of my vet bill, and the rest of their drops today; I hope they'll do the right thing. Again, thanks for getting back to me so quickly, have a great week.
Courtney 3/18/08
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We used Sargents Silver flea and tic for 21 - 30 lb dogs on our little [26 lb.] Lasha mix. On 2/13/08 in the evening. Within the hour the little guy was acting strange. Whimpering, twitching, Muscle spasms etc. The wife was bathing him at 12:30 am to try to get this application off him. That night I held the little guy in my arms all night, his legs were in violent spasms, and he was crying. In the am my wife called our vet to try to get him in, no luck as to a bovine TB alert ( we live in a farm community ) all vets busy with large animals.
We called Sargents, and were asked if he had started convulsing as yet. Fortunately not, still having spasms, crying, can't or wont walk, eat, drink. Told to wash dog in dish detergent, Twice. ( we had washed in baby shampoo ) Wife and I washed the little guy, ( twice ). Not much for improvement. The wife held him for about four hours, soothing and calming him. Rubbing his legs. The spasms slowed and were less violent. We all slept that night. As of today 2/18/08 he seems to have returned to normal. Our concern is there any lasting effects from this reaction?
We will not be using any flea medication on our animals from here on out. Why aren't there any warnings about reactions on the product package. We were lucky. How about the others. We are telling all our friends who are animal lovers about this.
B.J.T. 3/18/08
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Thank you for your website. Our dog had been itching and scratching a lot lately and as it's spring, I assumed it was fleas. So Yesterday, I bought the 21 to 39 lb. Sergeant Gold Flea and TIck. I've always used Hartz before on our dogs and cats with no problems but they were out of Hartz and this was on sale (guilt). I applied it as directed to the back of our 29 lb. 3 year old Rat Terrier Snickers last night. He woke us up in the night, whining, scratching, shaking his head and rubbing his back on the floor and under the bed. We assumed the fleas were just agitated from the medicine and agitating him, so we petted and scratched him and shut him out of the bedroom and went back to sleep.
This morning I went online and found your site and followed the advice of the posters and bathed him in Dawn and lukewarm water and gave him a chewable Benadryl. Then I called the emrgency number on the Sergeant's package. She was actually very caring and professional and admitted readily it sounded like an allergic reaction, she took the package info and my info and gave me a case #. SHe said to bathe him two more times with Dawn, apply vitamin E oil and cold compresses, and to call our vet if he got worse or got any other symptoms. So, that's what we're doing today.
Laura 3/19/08
Escondido, CA
Thank you very much for your follow up. I did take Snickers to the vet because his eyes and gums were red and he was drooling, plus the itch....they bathed him 3 more times with Dawn and a medicated shampoo and gave him shots of cortisone, benadryl and atropine. Then they sent me home with antibiotics and prednisone AND advantage for the fleas, which they promised was safe and a different formulation than Sergeants. He is MUCH better now and resting peacefully. It came to about $250.for the vet and meds...do you really think Sergeants would reimburse me? One thing I did notice was that I applied the Sergeants all the way from his neck to the base of his tail....like I used to do with the Hartz OTC...when I looked at the package again there was a dime sized picture that showed to stop midway down the dog's back - I assume so they wouldn't lick it, like he did.....thank you again for your website - it helps when you're panicked to get some good first aid advice and support. Keep up the good work!
Laura 3/19/08
I just read the fine print on Sergeant's website and noticed that they say to apply it "as a stripe from the back of the neck to a point midway between the neck and tail." If stopping midway between the neck and tail is necessary to prevent a life-threatening reaction, Sergeants should do more to warn people about it (especially when other OTC products recommend applying it from the base of the neck to the tail).
James TerBush
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(Below is email that I sent to the EPA on 3/20/08)
Dear Mr. Lesher,
I received a letter from you dated October 2, 2007, in response to my complaint against Bayer for using the words "gentle" and "trusted" in advertisements to describe their K9 Advantix and Advantage flea control products. In my opinion, the use of the words "gentle" and "trusted" are synonymous with the word "safe" and therefore it should be construed as a safety claim, which is not allowed under FIFRA. Can you please let me know the status of your investigation?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
(Below is a response that I received from the EPA on 3/26/08)
Dear Mr. TerBush:
Thank you for your 3/25/08 e-mail. EPA Region 7 is continuing to investigate the possible safety claims made by the Bayer Company regarding their K9 ADVANTIX and ADVANTAGE pet products. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), is the federal statute that regulates the sale and or distribution and use of pesticides in the United States. This matter is currently under review and we will inform you of the results when our investigation is complete.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact me at (913) 551-7054 or by e-mail at lesher.mark@epa.gov. Thank you for your concern for the safe use of pesticides in the U.S.
Mark K. Lesher
Environmental Scientist
Toxics & Pesticides Branch
Water, Wetlands, & Pesticides Division
U.S. EPA Region VII
901 North 5th. Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-551-7054
lesher.mark@epa.gov
(Below is email that I sent to the EPA on 3/28/08)
Dear Mr. Lesher,
I am disappointed, but hardly surprised, that it has taken your investigation over five months to reach a conclusion. I thought that it would have been a simple matter to resolve. Once again, here is the question: Does federal law (FIFRA) allow manufacturers to use "gentle" and "trusted" on labels or in advertising or collateral literature to describe their pesticide products? What information do those statements convey to consumers?
Here is information on the EPA's website regarding safety claims:
Here are excerpts:
"As defined in FIFRA Section 2(q)(1)(A), a pesticide is misbranded if its labeling bears any statement, design or graphic representation which is false or misleading. FIFRA Section 12(a)(1)(E) provides that it is unlawful for any person to distribute or sell any pesticide which is misbranded. EPA’s regulation, at 40 CFR 156.10(a)(5), provides examples of statements that are considered to be misbranded; such as:"
"Safety claims of the pesticide, or its ingredients, including statements such as “trusted,” "safe," "nonpoisonous," "noninjurious," "harmless" or "nontoxic to humans and pets" with or without such a qualifying phrase as "when used as directed.” "
"Advertising and collateral literature or verbal claims for the product must not substantially differ from any claims made on the label or labeling. See FIFRA § 12(a)(1)(B). In other words, if a claim is not on the label or substantially differs from what appears on the label (or any part of its distribution or sale which for example appears on a brochure), it cannot be made in advertising."
Here is Bayer's website for Advantage:
Here is an except:
"Since our launch 10 years ago, millions of pet owners have used gentle, effective Advantage to combat flea infestation. Ask your veterinarian for Advantage flea control by name."
Here is another Bayer website for Advantage:
Here are excerpts:
"Is Advantage a potential hazard to pets?"
"No. Advantage is backed by extensive and thorough domestic animal safety studies which show even when administered at five times the target therapeutic dosage for three consecutive days, cats and dogs experienced no adverse effects.* *Bayer Domestic Animal Safety Studies"
"Is Advantage gentle enough to use on puppies and kittens?"
"Advantage is so gentle it can be used on puppies as young as seven weeks and kittens as young as eight weeks."
"Can Advantage be used on dogs and cats in households with small children?"
"Yes. Advantage is backed by human and animal safety studies, so you don't have to worry about exposure to you or your family. Even at elevated doses shortly after treatment, there is no significant exposure to people from petting an Advantage treated pet. Advantage dries quickly and is gentle enough to use with households with small children."
Here is a Bayer website for K9 Advantix:
Here are excerpts:
"Tough on parasites. Gentle on dogs."
"K9 Advantix is gentle enough for puppies as young as 7 weeks of age and dogs of any weight."
It should be noted that Bayer is not the only manufacturer that uses "gentle" and "trusted" to describe their flea/tick prevention products.
Here is Merial's website for their Frontline flea/tick prevention product:
Here are excerpts:
"GENTLE. Gentle enough to use on puppies and kittens 8 weeks of age or older without weight restrictions"
"TRUSTED. Vet's #1 choice for long-lasting flea and tick protection"
Here is Fort Dodge's website for ProMeris for Dogs:
Here is an excerpt:
"Gentle enough for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older"
Here is product literature for Summit VetPharm's Vectra 3D:
Here is an excerpt:
"Safety – gentle enough for puppies as young as 7 weeks."
The statements "gentle" and "trusted" are often used to describe products that are formulated for babies. In my opinion, these statements should be prohibited from advertising and collateral literature for pesticide products because it conveys a degree of safety which does not exist.
I very much look forward to learning the results of your investigation.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
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After applying Sentry Pro XFC for 2 successive months, my husband and I realized that it was causing our dogs to have symptoms similar to those cited on your webpage. My poodle experienced breathing problems and uncontrollable twitching. My cocker displayed also displayed the twitching, and was unusually agitated. Thanks for your site. We're not using these products again!
Shauna 3/27/08
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My dog Libbie died of IMHA on Monday, March 24, 2008 two days after I administered Frontline Plus. My guilt is overwhelming because I had read this website before but since she had never had any kind of trouble with Frontline, I decided to go ahead and use it. We are in tick country and I didn't want fleas in my house. (What I wouldn't give for that problem now.) I have been researching nonstop and what I can come up with is this: I hadn't given her any Frontline since November. But sometime around Thanksgiving she became arthritic. They put her on Osteo-3 and for a time seemed to be better. First of March very bad arthritis, asthma attacks, (she was asthmatic but hadn't had an attack for a year). Anyway, I went ahead and gave her Frontline because they had told me at the vets they already were seeing ticks in dogs. She bled to death 48 hours later. Because of her weak immune system, I am sure this is what did it. She was my life -- I would have gladly given my life to save hers and yet, I took her life. This is unbearable.
Becky 3/27/08
Illinois
Just an FYI for those of you wanting to try Promeris. I raise pomeranians, I too have found the lack of effectiness with Frontline Plus. I tried the Promeris on a couple of my dogs, they did fine, then I applied to about 6 of them, and one had a bad reaction about 24 hours later, emergency vet visit and still he is not himself. He lost his mobility and ability to urinate and deficate. I myself will not use this product again, I do not know the long term effects this will have on my baby...but I would rather use Frontline Plus then something that is going to be fatal to one of my babies.
The hotline for Promeris just took my information, and suggested that this dog must have licked another one, this I know for a fact did not happen. Also was told that it should not have affected his ability to urinate and deficate. Another vet I use told me that it affected the nervous system to the point that he could not stand, walk, or eat, that he did not know when he needed to use the bathroom...that it supressed his ability to know to do this. I think Promeris needs to take the product off the market and do more research, and reimburse those that have vet bills due to their product.
I am now wondering what long term affects this will have on my baby....and did it damage any organs?
Patricia 3/30/08
Thanks for the reply, I surely do not recommend it after what I have been through. My vet said he could have died.
This product is fairly new and I dont' think there is enough study out there yet on old and young, etc. This is a chemical, just like all others. I normally use Frontline and Advantage...without problems...and thought this to be safe... but when I first tried it, my vet said to watch the puppy really close, because he was not familar with the product and the reactions. Well the puppy did fine, so I bought more and applied it to my other dogs, then this happened, it happened 24 hours later, it was not something instant... He was at the vet clinic at 1am in the morning then back again that day for another shot to reverse the conditions.
Please post and warn others, it might not happen to others, but it is highly likely it will. I am not a vet either but I am very experienced when it comes to dogs and medication, etc. I have been a small hobby breeder for a very long time, and have tried alot of stuff over years and have had good results till now.
Patricia 3/31/08
Prior to registration, flea control products are tested only on a small number of young, healthy animals. Once these products are approved by the EPA, it is almost impossible to get them removed from the market.
In my opinion, the ProMeris website is very misleading. Here is their website:
Here is an excerpt:
"For years we've used insecticides to control fleas on pets and in the environment. Many of these chemicals have been around for decades. Perhaps we’ve relied upon these older chemistries for too long and are in need of something new."
If one didn't know any better, they might assume that ProMeris didn't contain insecticide, and therefore it might be safer than other flea control products. The truth is ProMeris contains two insecticides and poses the same risks to people and pets as any other flea control product.
James TerBush
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Advantix kills.
I wish the true information was available on the package, I never would have bought it! I applied it to my two wonderful dogs on a wednesday and friday night my 9 1/2 yr. old lab/beagle mix ,Toby died. He suffered because I thought I was doing something good, keeping fleas and ticks off of him.I found this site after he died,too late for him but not too late for his 6 yr.old lab love Hannah. Friday night he refused to eat and started vomiting a white foam,became very weak unable to walk and was followed by vomiting blood. He died on the way to the emergency room.It all happened so fast. My plan is to tell everyone I know and contact the media and hopefully save lives. God help us,help them.
Thank you & God Bless,
Dawn 3/31/08
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DISCLAIMER: Below are messages that I have received from others whose dogs and cats experienced adverse reactions after using flea control products. I have no way of knowing if the information in these messages is factual, or if the products they used were the actual cause of the adverse reactions.
