Update 6/2/08: Hamish has not had ANY seizures since we stopped using Bio Spot
over 6 YEARS AGO, and appears to have made a full recovery. We are thankful for each
day that he is with us.
Farnam reimbursed us for Hamish's medical expenses, provided that we accept it as
"FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT FOR THE ALLEGED ADVERSE REACTION TO BIOSPOT."
Here are some of the e-mail 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.
CAUTION: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to
replace professional veterinary advice. Please consult with your veterinarian before giving
any treatment to your animals.
**********************************************************************************
(Below is a message that I sent to the EPA)
----- Original Message -----
From: <james@elversonpuzzle.com>
To: <Overbey.Dian@epamail.epa.gov>
Cc: <gesalman.claire@epa.gov>
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 10:24 AM
Subject: Adverse reactions to Sergeants Gold
Dear Ms. Overbey,
Here is an article that was written a couple weeks ago concerning an adverse reaction to Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs, EPA Reg. No. 2517-80:
Here is another article concerning an adverse reaction to Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs:
Here is a blog concerning an adverse reaction to Sentry Pro XFC (which is the same as Sergeants Gold,
but sold under their Sentry brand):
Below it are a year's worth of messages from people who had very bad experiences with that product.
If you do a search for "sergeants gold reaction", you'll find many other websites that warn people not to use
that product.
Given the number and severity of adverse reactions that continue to be reported in dogs from Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs, Sentry Pro XFC, or TriForce Canine Squeeze-On (which are all the same product made by Sergeants), it would seem appropriate for the EPA to take action to prevent further harm and suffering to animals.
Rather than waiting years for the EPA to reach an agreement with Sergeants, in which they agree to "voluntarily withdraw" these products, but only after they and their retailers are given additional years to sell through their inventory, I urge the EPA to order a recall of these Sergeants products, effective immediately.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
**********************************************************************************
(Below is a message that I sent to Agri Labs on 6/5/08)
To whom it may concern,
I am the administrator of a website concerning adverse reactions in pets from flea and tick control products. I
am writing to inform you that I have received email from several people who reported severe adverse reactions in their dogs after using TriForce Canine Squeeze-On, Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs, and Sentry Pro XFC - which, I believe, are all the same product made by Sergeants Pet Care. Their messages are posted
on my website:
These reports should be of concern to your company. I have forwarded them to the EPA and have requested
an investigation. If your company is aware of similar incidents, they should be forwarded to the EPA.
To prevent additional pets from being harmed from TriForce Canine Squeeze-On, I urge your company to cease further distribution, and voluntarily recall the product from retailers who have purchased it from you, effective immediately.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
**********************************************************************************
Our 5 year old English Pointer is still at the vet. She has never had a health problem. She became dazed, dilated pupils and ataxic. She wouldn't eat. Her kidney's shut down and she's been on IV's and still isn't out of the woods. Her white count was elevated, temperature low and kidney BUN and Creatinine very high. Our vet called Farnam and they said that kidney failure wasn't a side effect of Bio Spot. I have read of numerous adverse reactions and Bio Spot is still on the market. I will never use another Farnam product.
Diane 6/5/08
Hi James,
Thank you for your response! We did contact Farnam and they said that our dog's symptoms weren't consistent with Bio Spot adverse reactions. Our dog appears to be over the neurologic symptoms, decreased temperature and her kidneys are functioning again although she is extremely weak and can barely walk. She has been on IV's the entire week....our vet said it would take a miracle...Wings is still alive, so perhaps we got that miracle. The anorexia has continued and we had to do surgery today to insert an esophageal tube. I brought her home for the weekend to be able to feed her every two hours. She will go back to the vet on Monday when I have to return to work.
This is extremely frustrating to be duped by a company that seems to weigh profit versus an animal's welfare. My vet will be writing up her notes and itemizing her bill when this is over. Our dog is still not out of the woods by far.
Since, I've already spent so much, when this is over, I plan to ask an attorney to submit my vet's letter and bill.
Thanks for your web site.
Diane 6/6/08
I thought I'd give you an update...1 month since my last one. Wings has been back and forth to the vet for IV's since removing her esophageal feeding tube. What a nightmare! I think the Bio Spot killed something in her neural receptors that induces appetite. We're up to over a $2000 vet bill. The vet has been exceptional with consulting specialists regarding appetite stimulants and nutrition alternatives. Once the neurological symptoms dissipated, and the kidney failure reversed, the anorexia was the worst problem. Pretty amazing, when you
offer a dog, steak, chicken breast or pork tenderloin and they avert their head.
My vet, worked for Fort Dodge, and is aware of complaints. She will submit a claim to Farnam on our behalf.
I will be an advocate to remove this product from the market. Our local feed store, D & B, sells Bio Spot. I was next in line with a customer that was buying flea and tick shampoo...I cautioned him from my experience. The
D & B teller said "thank you" twice, when I told her of the adverse effects that I had with Bio Spot.
Diane 7/8/08
I am sorry to report that since medication was stopped, Wings has regressed. She has gone off food again (which Farnam said isn't a side effect) after [she] was doing well for a week. We started the medication again today, but she has only taken in some water. She's gone back to the vet for IV's. I've noticed several more posts to your site and am passing the link on to any dog person. I'll give you an update on Wings' tomorrow, after we run laboratory tests again. This is the first time, I've ever had a $2000+ vet bill, but it's better than losing a pet at age 5. How many people can't afford to pay for vet services, nor have internet, in order to realize what has gone wrong with their pet!!?? Thanks for your web site.
Diane 7/25/08
(See Diane 8/14/08 in Vol. 21 for update)
**********************************************************************************
My husband and I applied BioSpot to 3 dogs on April 14th, 2008.
A #5 Pomeranian was given (less than 1/2 dose), a #15 Papillion, and a #60 Golden Lab. Within 3 hours they
all had reactions, with the 2 smaller dogs being severe!
The Pomeranian "Bear" started going into a comatose-like seizure. He became disorientated; walking in stumbling circles, and could not stand in 1 place. His eyes became glazed and he started trembling. The
only thing I could think of (not having read any reviews on the flea and tick products) is that it must be from
the BioSpot I had applied earlier. I quickly gave him a bath. Normally Bear is very hyper but slept the rest of
the day. He continued to be a bit lethargic the next few days.
The Papillion "Roscoe" ended up being the sickest of the 3. His symptoms also began about 3 hours after
the treatment was applied. He began to scratch and lick himself obsessively. I again assumed it must be
the BioSpot but only washed the 2 areas that I had applied the treatment. Unfortunately I would pay for that mistake literally. Over the next week Roscoe shivered uncontrollably, as though he was cold. He became
VERY LETHARGIC, wasn't hungry, and continued to scratch and lick himself. By the end of the week he
could NOT open his mouth! Roscoe would yelp when he gave his "welcoming" bark and yelped if he tried
to eat. He could only lap up liquid food. We then noticed his mouth and gums were red, swollen and bleeding
with horrible breath. We took him to the vet immediately. The Dr. took a blood and chemistry profile. Roscoe
had 2 swollen lymph nodes in which he was treated for an infection. He was given an antibiotic and pain medicine. My vet bill was over $200 in which I feel lucky compared to other reviews I have since read. It's
been about 6 weeks and Rosco is still scratching himself. ***Here comes the kicker. For 3 years the dogs
have hiked with us and run in wooded areas. They've had lots of ticks and we just bath, comb and pick them
out. This year since the BioSpot was given, they've been getting horrible big soars that are swollen, seepy
and scabby where the ticks have tried to latch on. These dogs are having, for the 1st time, allergic reactions
to the tick bites. The sores take 2 or 3 weeks to clear up.
The Golden Lab "Lakoda" had a mild reaction. He was bathed before any side effects were noticed; BUT he
did become VERY HYPER for few days, more than the usual. Fortunately he was bigger and bathed sooner
than the other 2 and had less of a reaction.
All 3 dogs were PERFECTLY HEALTHY PRIOR to the BioSpot treatment. One thing to remember, is
that whatever is currently on their skin (good or bad) is also absorbed in through the skin along with the
"PESTICIDE" that is in these products! We feel horrible that we did not read up on the product first. I
have prayed for God's grace in that there would be no permanent internal damage in which many other
pet owners have reported as well as deaths.
Hindsight...We're back to just bathing, combing and picking. We did not realize these products had PESTICIDES in them or we would NOT have applied it in the first place!
Doug and Shana 6/9/08
Glendive, Montana
P.S. Thank you for your internet information!!! I have passed it on.
**********************************************************************************
REACTION TO SERGEANT'S GOLD FLEA & TICK.
JUST TO LET EVERYONE KNOW...THIS PRODUCT IS DEADLY!!!!! I PUT IT ON MY DOGS
YESTERDAY. ABOUT 20 MIN. LATER SHE WAS FOAMING AT THE MOUTH, THROWING UP,
VERY VERY AGITATED AND RESTLESS. SHE PULLED CLUMPS OF HAIR OUT AND THIS
MORNING SHE WAS STILL THROWING UP A FOAMY SUBSTANCE. SHE WAS STILL SO
RESTLESS SHE COULDN'T BE STILL FOR ONE MOMENT. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS
PRODUCT ON YOUR DOG.
REGINA 6/13/08
**********************************************************************************
I applied a treatment of Bio Spot to my Maltipoo today and about 2 hours later she became excited, restless,
and agitated - running around uncontrollably, panting, and had a rapid heart beat. I immediately thought of the
Bio Spot since she had nothing else that would have made her act like this... I gave her a bath with the baby shampoo I normally use on her, but that did not settle her down. I checked the internet and found your site and read the reactions of others and knew that it must be the Bio Spot. I gave her another bath with Dawn soap
and she has finally settled down and is resting. I will continue to watch her closely tonight for any other reactions.
I thank you so much for the information you provide on your site.
Nancy 6/13/08
(Below is a message that Nancy sent to Central Life Sciences - the parent company of Farnam's Bio Spot)
----- Original Message -----
From: NANCY [deleted]
To: clsinfo@central.com
Cc: npic@ace.orst.edu
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:26 PM
Subject: Bio Spot
Central Life Sciences
Farnam Pet Products
A Division of Farnam Companies, Inc.
PO Box 34820
Phoenix, AZ 85067-4820
1-800-234-2269
To Whom It May Concern:
I am sending this email to advise you of the suspected poisoning my dog received as a result of applying
one treatment, as directed, of the Bio Spot® Spot On® Flea & Tick Control for Dogs . She weighs 9 lbs. and
I applied one vial of the "under 15 lbs" Bio Spot application. Approximately 2 hours after the application she became excited, restless, and agitated - running around uncontrollably, panting, and had a rapid heart beat. I immediately thought of the Bio Spot since she had nothing else that would have made her act like this... I gave her a bath with the baby shampoo I normally use on her, but that did not settle her down. I checked the internet and found a site where several other people had posted their experience of similar incidents after using the product. At that time I gave her a second bath with Dawn soap, which seem to give her some relief. She continued approximately 24 hours having reactions.
I wanted to advise you of the incident I went through and the misery my animal was in after the use of your product. I request that you please post warnings on your products of the possible reactions that animals may experience after using the product "as directed" and save others the pain and suffering.
By copy of this email I am notifying the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency 's National Pesticide Information Center of my experience with Bio Spot and the pesticide permethrin, its main active ingredient. I understand
the EPA evaluates and monitors pet products to determine if changes in their registration are necessary.
Sincerely,
Nancy [deleted]
**********************************************************************************
I wanted to send you a quick note regarding several reactions my miniature schnauzer has had to flea preventative. Upon rescuing him from the shelter, we promptly put him on Advantix. His reaction was almost immediate. He laid his head on his paws and panted furiously. I had never heard of your site and did not
spend time searching the internet for a solution; we placed him in the shower and got the product off. That
was our first experience with Advantix and I was excited about the mosquito repellant (since mini's have
such short cuts), but decided to try Frontline since we had successfully used it on other dogs for years.
The Frontline was successful for many months - about 2 years, but we do not apply it in the winter. This month
I applied the product before we went to bed, as usual. Clearly it was not a ritual that my schnauzer liked, but he
tolerated it. until this month. At 3AM I was awakened by his frantic panting. It was then that I got on the internet and found your site. Of course I was frightened by many of the stories listed there, so I bathed him immediately and waited to see what would happen. I called the vet at 7:30 (when they opened) and was told to give him Benadryl. He was incredibly lethargic for several days but he appears to be back to normal now.
I am grateful that he survived the incident and our vet did not doubt the reaction. We will be keeping our other dogs on the medication, as the vet said that he has read articles about the benefits in a household when all
but 1 dog is on flea preventative. We will of course be monitoring them closely. The vet also prescribed a medication that we can use before exposure, as it kills fleas for a 24 hour period. We have yet to try that,
but it is an option for those who have minimal exposure situations and will be useful for us when going to the
dog park.
Thank you for the wonderful website. It was helpful to read to comments from others in similar circumstances.
Holly 6/14/08
**********************************************************************************
I am grief stricken over the death of my 12 year old sweet, dear dog. I had to have her put to sleep yesterday,
2 days after the second month's application of Zodiac Spot on. Since we live near a field with many ticks,
I treated her with this product I bought at Petsmart. It seemed to work well the first month, if there were any
small problems, they went unnoticed. This time she became lethargic, unable to stand and stopped eating.
She had a weeping, oozing spot under her front leg. ( I have seen others write about this, also.) I had not read
the warning NOT to give it to an aged or debilitated dog. Although Mali was 12, in no way was she at death's door. I beg of you, please warn people about this product. Do NOT do use this and live with the thought that
you have done something to harm your sweet, innocent pet. I will never forgive myself. I hope that this helps someone and saves them from the grief I feel. People feel a false sense of security in purchasing these
products. Please tell everyone you know to use them with CAUTION!
Anonymous 6/14/08
**********************************************************************************
I recently bought Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs flea and tick and it was the worst experience. About
an hour after applying it on my two Siberian Huskies they immediately were chewing crazy at where it was applied on there backs. It was sooo bad that one of my dogs could not stay still and cried like a baby tossing
and turning not be able to sleep. I had to put him in the bath numerous times and scrub that Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs flea and tick product off. Not to mention it hurt them so bad when I was scrubbing it. It
was awful like a chemical burn!! I used the right dosage and applied in the right areas as I have used flea products for many years but never seen anything like this. One of my dogs had a bald spot on his back area
right before his tale and his skin was raw. My other dog had his skin get eaten by this product and now has
an open wound. I am so upset as to why such a product is allowed on the market because it hurt my babies!
Brooke 6/16/08
Tampa,FL
Thanks I havent taken them to the vet. They seem better other than the fact they have open wounds. I can't
believe how many people on your website have gone through this. My dogs had the same, foaming at the
mouth and drooling. I am watching my dogs like a hawk as I am extremely concerned they will have lasting
effects from this product. I couldnt take them to the vet because they were closed and honestly didnt imagine
a product could even be on a shelf that could do this. I did ask a vet their opinion and they said just to watch
my dogs closely and it was good that I washed it off. I hope your website gets this product off the market.
Brooke 6/16/08
I have been watching my dogs closely and gave them baths again numerous times. One of my dogs now
has more, what looks like chemical burns on his inner leg area, on top of the one he already had. I have
been putting some dog wound care product on it to try to soothe and heal it. He has lost the hair in these
areas. I did email Sergeants and they simply said they were sorry and to give them a bath in Dawn and
they would reimburse me for the product, which isn't enough. I can't believe this happened to my dogs as
they are my kids!
Brooke 6/18/08
**********************************************************************************
Re: Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs
We have 4 miniature schnauzers that we tried this crap on tonight and I will never make that mistake again................this product should be taken off of shelves everywhere! The dogs can't lay down for
more than a few minutes, they have vomited and have been drinking water like crazy. We bathed all
of them and will most likely be up all night with them to make sure they are ok. I will let you know how
it goes. I wish I would have found this site before I made this mistake!!
Jeanne 6/20/08
Raytown,MO
**********************************************************************************
My golden retriever just turned eleven years old. He has never had any problems except for arthritis.
Two weeks ago he had his first grand mal seizure and has had two since. The only change in his life
was ProMeris that I gave him three weeks ago. His sleep habits and appetite are fine. I took him to
the Vet of course, and all his blood work, including thyroid, was excellent. The Vet said rarely do you
see a young dog as healthy as he. The vet has started seizure medication. Although I know there is
the possibility of a brain tumor, the vet thinks that is unlikely. Is there any research indicating ProMeris
could induce seizures?
Anonymous 6/21/08
**********************************************************************************
I have 2 Poms 1 approx 8 lbs the other about 10 lbs. I have always used Advantage on them with no
problems, but it is very expensive for the both of them. I decided this week that I would try Sargeants Silver
on them, boy was that a mistake. The smallest one has not slept in 2 days. He is acting very strange like
he is itching or maybe the fleas are moving around on him, but when I looked at him closer his back was
really red like he was burned. I wish I have done some research on this product before using it. I gave him another bath the same day I put the stuff on him and that seemed to make it worse. I gave him some itching medicine I had for my other dog and also gave him some Benadryl that seemed to help a little bit at least
he got a little bit of sleep. He has been sheding very badly. I just wish I could tell everyone how bad this
product is so no other persons pet would have to go thru what he is going thru. I dont know how long this
reaction will last. SARGEANTS SILVER is a very BAD product and I dont see how they keep products
like this on the market.
Phyllis 6/21/08
**********************************************************************************
First let me say thank you for your site! I used this product on all three of my dogs last night (9 - 20 pound). Fortunately, two had no reaction - the third, however, began coughing, drooling, spitting up clear saliva. She
then began frantically racing from one spot to the next in the house, biting at her back where the product had been placed. Terrified, I grabbed the packaging, and NO WARNINGS! I got on the internet, and found your site.
I washed her twice, which seemed to calm her some. The behavior continued for several hours, after which she was finally able to sleep. This morning she was better - the cough was gone, but she could not keep down any food or water. I was going to take her to the emergency veterinary clinic, but she began eating again and the food has stayed down. She ate, went back to sleep, and now that she is awake again (3 hours later) she
seems much better. I have contacted Sergeant's and the EPA. This line of products should be banned.
Thank you again for the information.
Holli 6/22/08
**********************************************************************************
My husband bought Bio Spot at the local Tractor Supply.
We gave our sweet golden retriever shepherd mix dog, Chisolm, Bio Spot Thursday 6/19/2008 in the evening and he was already having symptoms Friday morning when my husband saw diarrhea in his kennel. We did
not put it together at that point and he acted very fatigued all day on Friday and then starting acting confused
and uncoordinated THAT evening after he was given the bio spot. Then we noticed the white foamy salivation and HEAVY PANTING and COUGHING and glazed over eyes and he just kept looking at us with no expression and my husband noticed he had not touched his food at all Friday and then got a piece of turkey out of the refrigerator and he did not move. We knew something was very wrong and we called the vet and rushed him there and he had a 107.7 temperature as confirmed by two different thermometers!!! The vet could not believe he walked in on his own with that high of a temperature. The vets immediately started a cold bath with ice packs and an IV and giving him shots and doing anything to reduce that temperature. He was coughing a strange cough every fifteen minutes or so and coughed up blood several times. His blood work was normal. It took several hours for the fever to show signs of coming down and we finally got it down to 105.9 that night after several hours of effort.
He is still at the vet and has 103.5 temp on Saturday and has had more diarrhea today some with blood. He is very very sick and he our daughter's best buddy.
The vet said he would have died that night if we had not brought him in.
Today 6/22/08 our dog is still at the vet and the temperature is down but he still has diarrhea and blood in his stool and has NO APPETITE at all.
We hope to bring him home tomorrow.
I am sick over this! and disgusted that these companies are profiting while these animals are being poisoned and are suffering!!
I intend to call the manufacturer and report this incident. We need to band together and get this brought to
some nation wide media attention!
It needs to be reported to DATELINE!
Tammy 6/22/08
Decatur, Texas
We did pick Chisolm up today and he does not act the same. My husband says he acts like a twenty year old dog and does not move around well. It was over 24 hours before we noticed that Chisolm was in distress so
we were not able to wash the pesticide (Bio Spot) off in time to prevent it from going into his system.
When we took him to the vet, which was about 28 hours after initially applying the Bio Spot, the vet and assistant began giving him a bath with cold water and ice paks but this was 28 hours later.
I will be discussing this with the contact at Farnam today.
I hope there is not permanent damage to such a healthy wonderful dog that was so much fun for our family.
Thank you for your help and I will report back.
Tammy Wilson 6/23/08
Decatur, TX
By the way, the vet bill was $847.00 today and he does not act like the same loving dog as he did before we
put the bio spot on him.
James-
I did call Farnam's Customer Service and talked to a Kara and she took all my information and then transferred me to Animal Product Safety representative named Whitney and they took down my story and then transferred me to the Veternarian Dr. Means with the SPCA and gave me a Case # and a 800# to call back. This vet acted defensive and is denying that the Bio Spot could have caused the type of symptoms that our dog experienced. Chisolm is still lethargic and acts like he is not with us. He is not lively at all.
I am distgusted that they are denying that this product caused these symptoms. She says the symptoms that Chisolm had were not commonly seen with this type of chemical.
I told her that Chisolm had been very lethargic and his eyes were glazed over and he was not lively at all Friday. He did not act happy to see us. He acted lethargic and had heavy panting and lost his appetite totally after we applied the product. He was panting very heavily. He had a 107.7 temperature. Dr. Means is telling us that these symptoms are not commonly seen as a result of these products.
I was transferred to this Dr. Means by Farnam and this vet is telling me the symptoms are not common. I am
so upset that they are so defensive.
What should I do?
Tammy 6/24/08
Thank you very much for the update. Farnam transferred you to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Here is their website:
Several people have reported to me that the ASPCA Poison Control Center told them that Bio Spot (and
similar products) does not cause adverse reactions in dogs (it only causes reactions in cats). They also reported to me that the vets at the Poison Control Center were very defensive about it. Their messages
(and my replies) are posted here:
I don't trust the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. They have a contract with Farnam (and several other manufacturers of flea and tick control products) to handle their adverse effect incidents. Here's how it works:
You call the manufacturer and tell them that you think your pet just had an adverse reaction to their product.
The manufacturer transfers you to a vet at the Poison Control Center, who insists that the product had nothing
to do with your pet's illness. The manufacturer then pays the Poison Control Center for taking care of the problem. It's an outrageous scheme and a conflict of interest if there ever was one.
James TerBush
The ASPCA Poison Control Center (Dr. Means and Dr. Knight) told me that Bio Spot (Permethrin) did not
cause the reactions my dog, Chisolm, experienced. They said the high termperature would be seen in cats
but would not be seen in a dog. Dr. Knight told me dogs are very tolerable of Permethrin. They tried implying that these reactions could have been caused by not vaccinating our dog (which he is current) or the heat (he
is inside and outside) and has a water trough he can get inside if he is hot. He is only 4 years old and is very used to the heat and has been perfectly healthy and has never seen a vet for any illness ever! He was a healthy, loving, lively, energetic, fun dog! We gave him the bio spot and within hours we started seeing symptoms but
did not relate them quick enough to the pesticide to react and get the bio spot washed off him. They told me
that the 107.7 temperature he had does not match the symptoms of permethrin in a dog and would not see it
any other way. They told me permethrin is a safe pesticide and dogs tolerate it quite well. They were defensive and in fact argumentative with me. I asked if they could just listen to what I was saying with a nuetral position
and listen to my story in detail and they were adament that this product did not cause Chisolm's symptoms. I took Dr. Knight to the website:
to show that Chisolm's symptoms were just like the symptoms listed on this website and he said well I don't
know who wrote this and they must have been referring more to cats than dogs and I said well it refers more to dogs at the top of the page and it does say that the dog could have a change in temperature (either higher or lower) and Chisolm had and elevated temp of 107.7 and he had all the other symptoms listed.
I now understand this was a waste of my time and they are clearly directed and paid to be on the defense for
the manufacturers of these flea and tick products that harm animals.
Chisolm is still acting drugged. I understand now that it could take weeks for our dog Chisolm to be acting
normal again. I just hope there is no permanent damage.
Thanks for the website!
Tammy 6/25/08
Decatur, TX
**********************************************************************************
We have a Burmese Mountain Dog that we rescued about four years ago. I noticed that he would get very agitated whenever we would try to apply the flea treatment, Frontline. We have another dog that we'd treat at
the same time, but it never seemed to bother him. I started looking online for information about others who
might have had similar experiences, and discovered that this is an allergic reaction. It is fairly common and
can also be fatal. Then I remembered a cat that we had years ago that had a severe reaction to flea collars.
We had to stop treating her altogether because our vet didn't know of any other treatments available that she wouldn't be allergic to.
I'd like to know if there are some 'natural' alternatives that are effective, but without the side effects.
Donna 6/24/08
**********************************************************************************
(Below is a message that I sent to the EPA)
----- Original Message -----
From: james@elversonpuzzle.com
To: Overbey.Dian@epamail.epa.gov
Cc: gesalman.claire@epa.gov ; Spurling.Norman@epamail.epa.gov
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:09 PM
Subject: EPA Toxicity Class for Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On
Dear Ms. Overbey,
I am writing to request that the EPA reevaluate its toxicity class assignment for Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs (also sold under the name Sentry Pro XFC and TriForce Canine Squeeze-On), EPA Reg. No. 2517-80. This product carries the signal word CAUTION, which indicates Toxicity Class III (slightly toxic). Given the acute oral toxicity of Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs, I believe that it should be reassigned to Toxicity Class II (moderately toxic), and carry the signal word WARNING.
The main active ingredient in Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs is cyphenothrin, a Type II synthetic pyrethroid that makes up 40% of its formula. Cyphenothrin has an acute oral LD50 rating of 318 mg/kg (rat). In addition, Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs contains a high concentration of isodecyl diphenyl phosphate and triphenyl phosphate - both of which are organophosphate esters that can cause cholinesterase inhibition. Triphenyl phosphate is used as a synergist to increase the efficacy (toxicity) of the active ingredient.
There are several flea and tick control products on the market that contain a high concentration (typically 45%)
of synthetic pyrethroids, but these products contain Type I pyrethroids, and have an acute oral LD50 rating greater than 2000 mg/kg (rat). To my knowledge, Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs is the only flea and
tick control product on the market that contains a high concentration of a Type II pyrethroid. To reduce the likelihood of ingestion, the label instructs consumers to apply it as a stripe from the back of the dog's neck to
a point midway between the neck and tail, but similar products on the market instruct consumers to apply a
stripe beginning between the dog's shoulder blades and ending at the base of the tail. Even if Sergeants
Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs is applied correctly, it cannot prevent a dog from accidentally ingesting it.
Also, there is no precautionary information on the Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs label in regards to cholinesterase inhibition. According to EPA label guidelines, a precautionary statement should be included if the product is a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Here is the EPA Label Review Manual:
Here is an excerpt:
"If the product contains an organophosphate (i.e., an organophosphorus ester that inhibits cholinesterase)
or an N-methyl carbamate (i.e., an N-methyl carbamic acid ester that inhibits cholinesterase). If the product
contains either chemical, the following phrase should be included in the First Aid statement [PRN 2001-1]:
"CONTAINS AN __________________ (either organophosphate or N-methyl carbamate) THAT INHIBITS CHOLINESTERASE."
Here is the Material Data Safety Sheet for Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs:
Here is an excerpt:
"This substance is toxic to internal organs if swallowed. Signs and symptoms of cholinesterase inhibition may include, but may not be limited to, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constriction of the pupil of the eye, blurred or dark vision, excessive salivation or nasal discharge, profuse sweating and abdominal cramps."
Unfortunately, the above information is not included on the label of Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs,
which makes it nearly impossible for consumers to recognize cases of cholinesterase inhibition.
Many people are not aware that flea and tick control products have the potential to seriously harm or kill cats
and dogs. They may not be aware of the significance of the signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION). The phrase "DO NOT USE ON CATS" may not be interpreted by consumers as meaning, "THIS PRODUCT MAY BE FATAL TO CATS" (which is buried in the fine print). If a pesticide product is readily available over -
the-counter and labeled as being slightly toxic, consumers may be less inclined to read the entire label directions. Current label requirements do not adequately convey that flea and tick control products have the potential to pose serious health risks to people (especially children) and pets. The above recommendations
will not change that fact, but it will help to inform consumers that Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs has a significantly higher acute oral toxicity than similar products on the market.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
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I applied Sergeant's Gold(R) Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs 61 lbs and over on my pet Cloie,
a Husky/Lab mix (who is 98 lbs) on Friday 6/27/08. Within a couple of hours she was acting very odd.
She could not sit still. She would pant and walk around and around in circles. She did not sleep that
first night more than in 5 minute increments. She repeatedly got up to get water and was finding
places to lay that were not her usual spots as if she was trying to hide. She would not play with us or
roll around like normal. She seemed very anxious and unsettled. I was concerned but not to the point
of rushing her to the vet because she has reacted oddly to certain medications before. The next day
she was no better so I got on the internet and found all of these posts. It had been almost 24 hours
since I applied the medication but I wanted to do all I could to help her at that point. I used Dawn to
wash her and she looked at me the entire time as if to say "thank you so much for getting this junk off
of me". I plan to call the vet tomorrow. I can tell by all the posts that her reaction could have been much
worse. I have applied products like this before but never this brand and usually got it from the vet. This
time I got it from Wal-Mart because it was so much cheaper. I guess we were lucky possibly because
of her size. Within a hour or so after the bath she back to her old self rolling around in the floor with a
bone. When I was applying it to her I remember thinking there was so much more to have to apply
with this brand than the others I have used. I washed and rinsed her 4 or 5 times until the area no
longer looked greasy. I am going to write a letter to Sergeant's. This is unacceptable that this
product is still on the shelf.
Kim 6/29/08
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(This is an update to a message posted by Peggy on 5/31/08 in Vol. 19)
James,
Just thought I'd let you know that I heard back from Sergeant's in regards to reimbursement. They said that
I had applied it wrong and felt it was my fault as to the application. I never told them how or where I applied
it as that was in the vet statement. I told the vet that it said on the box to start at the shoulder blades and go
down back toward tail. Sergeant's said the directions on the box did not imply this (which I am kicking myself
profusely for not keeping the box as I left it at the vets, and they threw it away). I went to Wal Mart and they no longer carry Sergents products, which is a good thing. I have looked in several places to try and find some
to reread the box cause I know I would not have applied it in this manner unless it said to. I have read Hartz
boxes and they also say to start at shoulders and end toward the tail. They want to send $93.00 for Tanks suffering in which I am not sending back the form, because they also want me to sign a form to release any claims against company etc. arising from this product or damage the reputation of sergeants orally or written.
I refuse to sign because as far as I see it they have also called me a liar and that is a slap in the face. Along
with causing my dog anquish they are now attacking my credibility. NOT!! It's not about the money, it's about them recognizing what their product has done, and most companies or people only recognize something
when you hit their pocket book.
Thanks for letting me vent again and just wanted to keep you abreast as to what happened.
Peggy 6/29/08
Thank you for the update. You may be surprised to learn that the directions for Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On
for Dogs tells you to apply it "as a stripe from the back of the neck to a point midway between the neck and tail." To my knowledge, it is the ONLY flea control product on the market that tells you to apply it in that manner. As you mentioned, Hartz and many similar products tell you to apply it as a stripe, beginning in between the shoulder blades and ending at the base of the tail.
There is a good reason why Sergeants tells you to apply it that way: Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs is the MOST TOXIC flea control product on the market. It has the potential to cause severe adverse reactions in dogs, especially if it is ingested.
To my knowledge, the label directions on Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs DOES NOT WARN YOU that
it may be toxic and potentially cause severe adverse reactions in dogs if it is ingested. Also, to the best of my knowledge, the label directions DOES NOT WARN YOU that applying it incorrectly can potentially cause life-threatening reactions in your dog.
Here is the Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs' website:
Here are excerpts:
"Fast Acting. Long Lasting. Fraction of the Cost. No Visit to the Vet."
"Now dog owners can buy an over-the-counter flea and tick control
product that kills fleas and ticks faster than the leading vet brand."
"Better yet, they can buy it at a fraction of the cost - up to 50% less.
No trip to the vet needed."
"Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs Kills Faster than the Leading Veterinarian-Dispensed Brand"
Frequently Asked Questions:
"Q: What makes Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs more effective than other products?"
"A: Our active ingredient - Gokilaht - is simply more effective. In addition, Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs contains a longlasting insect growth regulator to take care of flea eggs and larvae."
"Q: How do I apply it?"
"A: Simply part your dog's hair and apply the entire tube onto its skin as a stripe from the back of the neck to a point midway between the neck and tail. Addi
