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.
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I have a 9 month old shih tzu /peekinese mix & his name is Toby. I live in Southern Ohio, so obviously he was
in some need of frontline. I've heard a lot of great things about that product, and bought the correct dosage according to his height/weight etc. Once I put the product on him, he seemed fine. However, the very next day,
I noticed he was shaking his head frantically as if something was inside his ears. I checked thinking there may have been a tick or a flea. But there was nothing. 2 days later, toby wakes me up at 3 a.m. crying, and wimpering. I checked on him, and noticed he was having a very difficult time breathing. He was getting sick & foaming at the mouth. I was in full panic mode & had no idea what to do. I immediately hopped online to checkout some forums on frontline for dogs. I stumbled across this site, and knew immediately what to do. I read the dalmation story about Hamish & that's what did it for me. He had a rough night, but overall he seems to be okay. I'm hoping I washed it off in time, but I do know the medication is still in his system. I will NEVER buy frontline again in fear that it could seriously KILL my dog. It truely is amazing how our pets can become like family members, and
for me to be able to do nothing to help toby when he couldn't breathe broke my heart! All because of some medication that is all the "hype" for animals. I would NEVER recommend this product for anyone, and I do
hope they get enough reports to have it taken off the market. This website is great, and if it weren't for it, than
I may not have known frontline was the cause. So thank you so much for everyones' feedback & advice!
Chrissy 7/23/08
Ohio
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(Below is an update to a message posted by Dawn on 4/24/08 in Vol. 19)
Thank you so much for your obvious concern over this situation happening all too often it seems. The necropsy was done at the U of Il.Vet Diagnostic Lab. Necropsy found no probable cause for the seizures. Death was
result of bronchopneumonia, edema lungs from the seizures. Could not find valid cause of seizures. The report indicates samples collected for a toxicology study if needed. The bills have been sent to Farnam from my vet. The vet at ASPCA indicated that all cases are reported to FDA. In hindsight I probably should have let the rescue's vet arrange the necropsy. We have a lot of those done when we lose dogs suddenly and no apparent reason, especially litters that have already received shots, etc. The lab printed out the results on 5/1 but when
I called the ASPCA several times for the results they did not have yet?? Finally got answers on 6/16 per call. Then called Farnam and my info was relayed to "corporate for review". Then got call 6/19 from a Sherri Pike
at the Phoenix office. Requested copy for me and to vet that date. Still waiting to see if they take care of vet bill and all.
None of other dogs here treated with Biospot the day ChiChi was got sick. But a month or so later when bathed and treated 2 dogs up for adoption I did observe some spitting up/loose stools later that night. I quickly bathed both and kept under close eye. I have tossed the BioSpot. We had started ordering/using Biospot back years when came out---lot less $$ and we care for hundreds of dogs. Never a problem. Makes me wonder if [they] changed [the] formula along the way??
So sorry people are losing pets like this!! Applaud what you are doing to help. Would like permission to send this on to head of my rescue and if OK to send out to other rescues. To educate and keep this from happening. Obviously, this is a mission for you! God Bless your efforts on behalf of his creatures.
Dawn 7/23/08
Well, checked the mail and got letter from Farnam. Denying any fault or to pay vet bills for ChiChi. Why am I not surprised? Obviously they cited the exact cause of death. Even the vet last talked to at ASPCA agreed that she probably aspirated during the seizures. The necropsy had said death was due to severe acute necrosuppurative bronchopneumonia with intralesional bacteria. I questioned this with the vet at ASPCA when she read it to me. Probably resulting from intense seizure activity. Of course my question was "yes, but what brought on the seizures to begin with?" Duh.
After last using the Biospot here on 2 dogs up for adoption and seeing they react by spitting up/loose stools I will not use any more of the product.
We, the public and pets, may be in a no win situation no matter what products used. Not sure if having a necropsy done through our own vet will be able to prove more? Appreciate your attention and interest in this matter.
Dawn 7/26/08
St. Francis Animal Rescue, TN
Thank you for the update. I am very sorry to hear that Farnam has refused to accept responsibility for ChiChi's death and will not reimburse your vet expenses or compensate you for your loss. If possible, could you please send me a copy of the letter that Farnam sent you? I would like to post it on my website (I will black out your last name and address).
I received email on 4/21 from a woman who used Bio Spot on her three Chihuahuas. Two of them had a severe reaction (including seizures) and died shortly afterwards. Her story is posted here:
http://www.elversonpuzzle.com/biospotlettersv19.html (see Norma 4/21/08)
Farnam refused to accept responsibilty for her dog's deaths because she did not have a necropsy done. The letter that Farnam sent to you her is posted here:
http://www.elversonpuzzle.com/biospotlettersv20.html (see Norma 7/21/08)
I would give your vet a copy of the necropsy and the letter that Farnam sent to you. If your vet disagrees with Farnam's interpretation of the necropsy, and believes that the bronchopneumonia and pulmonary edema were most likely caused by the seizures, and that the seizures were most likely the result of an overdose of the pesticide in Bio Spot, then I would ask your vet to write a letter to Farnam on your behalf.
I am going to forward your messages to the EPA in Washington, D.C. They may be interested in seeing how Farnam handled your case. I am also going to urge the EPA to investigate Farnam to determine if they have EVER accepted responsibility for a dog's death based on the results of a necropsy that was arranged and paid for by the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. It's possible that Farnam is reimbursing the ASPCA for any necropsy in which Bio Spot is suspected of causing a severe adverse reaction. If so, it is a potential conflict of interest.
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
I am so glad you are being a advocate on this issue. Today I found out something very very questionable about the whole necropsy situation.. I was not born yesterday. I guess someone is counting on we folks accepting things blindly. You may have not been aware of this. I had just talked to my sis who works at the local vet here that saw my dog within 20 minutes of onset seizures. Something rattled my brain and decided to call the U of Illinois vet lab, 217-333-1620. What I received from Farnham was the gross autopsy and histopath report. It does state at bottom of pg 1 "samples are collected for toxicology in case testing becomes warranted". So I called to see
why no tox report.
This lab does not have a toxicologist any longer and has to send the samples out to be studied. ?????? Does this raise a big red flag for you as it did me? That is NOT a complete autopsy. I am sure ASPCA, Farnham and all the others know toxicologies are not being done. I may not be the only person to catch on to this but they probably count on us to accept the "final report" at face value.
If I was not all too familiar with necropsies and what they can show, etc. and not been in rescue for over 14 yrs now I might be easier to fool. Yes, someone is counting on the way all this is handled from the time you call Biospot and are transferred by them to this ASPCA poison reporting system to make the public feel someone cares. I admit I was also blindsided with the ASPCA involved. I should know better!!! Been alive long enough
to know the real dirt is way up at the top of the ladder.
The female I talked to when [I] called the lab seemed a bit taken aback by my call? I could only talk to her. The
vet is the one they would discuss things with. She even seemed surprised when I read her the statement about samples having been collected for tox. I guess the American public is supposed to be really naive and clueless. They yanked the wrong chain here. I assured her I would discuss all this with my vet. Called my sister back and she was going to re read my dog's file and bring all this to the vet's attention tomorrow. Basically, the necropsies are a farce since no tox will be done and that would be vital to this situation. This is not over yet. Do not know
how I will even pay the vet bill for her care here let alone to get the samples to a lab here for testing. But I feel the public needs to know what is really going on behind the guise of this ASPCA relationship with the companies. Yes, they or someone paid for her body to go to the lab there and for the necropsy. Knowing without a tox report that the pet owner has little chance of proving any blame. I am pissed off right now. I will send the letter and lab report on to you. I want to "lay low" until I get those samples!!!! They just might go POOF if [I] raise too much attention to case. Does that make sense?? Will speak with local vet tomorrow and find out the lab the rescue uses for all our necropsies. There is much more to all this I fear. And the reports being sent on to EPA, etc are misleading at best. I did do search on Biospot and found a few other sites like yours exposing problems.
Maybe these folks thought they were dealing with some Southern hick. Due to my own toxic exposure for 8 yrs
in work place and having been left disabled to work since 1999, I do know a bit about toxicity issues. I also have the time to research and advocate. And I am actually a Damn Yankee born in Easton, PA!!!
Dawn 7/28/07
(Below is email that I sent to the U.S. EPA)
----- Original Message -----
From: james@elversonpuzzle.com
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 7:25 AM
Subject: Fw: BioSpot/just lost my chihauhau
Dear Ms. Overbey,
I would like to bring to your attention four emails (attached) that I received from Dawn [deleted] concerning the death of her dog shortly after applying Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 270-278).
In the last six years, I have received many emails (which are posted on my Bio Spot website) concerning severe adverse reactions in dogs from Bio Spot. Some of these emails mentioned that when they called Farnam (the manufacturer of Bio Spot) to report the suspected adverse reaction, Farnam transferred them to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advised the callers that Bio Spot for Dogs does not cause severe adverse reactions in dogs (the vets said that it only causes severe adverse reactions in cats). In fact, one person mentioned to me that the veterinarian at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center was very defensive about it - insisting that Bio Spot for Dogs does not cause severe adverse reactions in dogs.
I called the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and spoke with one of their veterinarians (Dr. Youssef). He told me that Bio Spot for Dogs does not cause severe adverse reactions in dogs. He also advised me that he is not aware of ANY cases of Bio Spot for Dogs causing severe adverse reactions in dogs. I told him I found that difficult to believe, and asked him to visit my Bio Spot website.
The emails below are particularly alarming because they involve an incomplete necropsy that was performed and paid for by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's lab at the University of Illinois. NO TOXICOLOGICAL TESTS WERE PERFORMED IN THIS CASE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT POISONING FROM BIO SPOT WAS SUSPECTED. Farnam refused to reimburse Ms. [deleted] for her veterinary expenses because the necropsy did not find that the cause of death was related to the use of the Bio Spot.
As Ms. [deleted] stated in her email, she called the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's lab at the University of Illinois to find out why no toxicological tests were performed in her case. She was told that they no longer have a toxicologist! They must send samples out for toxicology, but that was not done in Ms. [deleted] case because they apparently deemed that it was not warranted.
I find it difficult to believe that the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which promotes itself as being "the premier animal-oriented poison control center in North America," no longer has a toxicologist at their University of Illinois lab. I also find it incomprehensible that they would not perform toxicological tests in a case where poisoning from a pet pesticide product was suspected.
Farnam pays the ASPCA Animal Product Safety Service to manage their adverse event cases. Here is information about this service:
Here are excerpts:
"Incomparable veterinary and toxicology expertise"
"Unsurpassed credibility"
"Medical expertise key to differentiate product reaction from disease condition"
I suspect that Farnam authorized and paid for the necropsy performed in Ms. [deleted] case. If so, this is a conflict of interest.
I urge the EPA to investigate the relationship between the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Farnam (as well as other manufacturers of pet pesticide products that have a contract with the ASPCA to manage their adverse event cases). Specifically, when the ASPCA performs a necropsy on a dog where poisoning from a pet pesticide product is suspected, how often do they perform toxicological tests? Has the ASPCA ever found that a dog's death was related to a pet pesticide product, especially a product covered by their Animal Product Safety Service?
Thank you in advance for looking into this matter.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
I do thank you for such a well written letter to the EPA. I am in process of a letter back to Farnam per their denial. There is indeed a obvious conflict of interest issue here. I am not the only pet owner who looked to this ASPCA involvement as being totally legit and in the best interest of the animals harmed. What pet owner would question the ASPCA or the National Humane Society? They are the agencies that we assume are really looking out for
the welfare of all animals.
I highly encourage any pet owner that suspects a death as result of any flea/tick product to have their vet arrange for a necropsy at the appropriate Vet College lab. I understand it may not be as costly as one might think. Many states have a lab. I wish I had not been so naive. We may never know for sure but I do know that on a Friday I bathed several healthy dogs and treated them with appropriate dose of BioSpot. I do know that by noon on Sunday my chihauhau was in full blown seizures. I am very educated about seizures in dogs per over 14 years
in rescue. I followed standard protocol and had assistance from a visiting friend. She also was educated per protocol. I do know that 2 of the dogs seemed to be ok from that dosing. However, a month later I bathed those same 2 dogs and treated. I did not apply a full dose to either. Later that day they both had very loose stools and one was pukey. I promptly bathed both again. It is hit or miss it seems. But any death or illness is too much.
It is obvious when calling Farnam and listening to the directory options that this must be a common phone call they receive. There are 3 options and 2 deal with suspected problems either in human or pet. That alone should be a red flag! The EPA needs to do some homework. Make their own "calls" and see how the process works. Do not take our word. I should think the EPA can search the internet just like I did. There are way too many pet stories like mine to be just a cooincidence.
The tragedy of the pet food recall fiasco should alert the EPA that anything is possible. Greed is a big motivator. We cannot keep assuming that the very companies that make pet products are in it for the betterment of our
pets. Look at the prices on these products! Who knows if a "formula" gets changed from the formula that was approved by the EPA. Granted, our rescue started using BioSpot years back and never a problem. At least no deaths. The product was more affordable for a rescue situation to involve the treatment of large number of dogs. We are sitting on a fairly large order of BioSpot right now. We do not want any more dead dogs or at best, sick dogs.
In this day and age of the internet we do not have to live in ignorance. There is a wealth of valid information available to all. As we were alerted to the pet food recall so can we be alerted to other dangers out there for
our pets. I urge the EPA to take this seriously. Someone needs to really care about the welfare of our animals.
At this time I put no faith in the ASPCA Poison Control Center. This is not just about danger to pets. What
about the person applying the product or children exposed to the pet being treated???? Now that is the bigger issue of all this. Neurotoxic chemicals are used to kill the fleas and ticks. Who can we count on to investigate
the illness in a person exposed to the products? Wake up time.
Thank you again,
Dawn 8/24/08
St. Francis Animal Rescue (TN)
See Dawn's update in Vol. 22 (Dawn 11/5/08)
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I was reading your web site today on the problems with today's flea medications. It was pretty scary to read.
I have used Frontline Plus for many years and have not had any problems with it. I live in Florida, and fleas
are such a big problem down here. It seemed like the Frontline product that I was using was just not working anymore. After talking with a couple of Vets they all had the same opinion that Frontline was no longer working like it use to. There is a new flea med out on the market called "Comfortis" have you heard of it? Has anyone wrote in about if they have tried it or not? If not I'll be the first. I have only tried Comfortis one time, and I had no problems with it. One of the biggest problems was that dogs would become sick to their tummy's and throw up. This did not happen with my dog, a 5 year old Chow. Although my dog was not "infested" with fleas, I did see a few on her and she was itching a lot. And even after a bathed her, within like 2 weeks I'd start to feel "flea dirt"
on her. So I tried the Comfortis and it is amazing how well it works. Fleas die within an hour, no more itching,
no flea dirt, I have yet to even see a flea on her. With frontline plus, I'd always see a flea or two on her. Both of
my Vets have high praise for Comfortis, however I was talking to a Vet tech over at the PetSmart store and she said that the drug is "too new, and it could cause liver problems and their Vets won't sell it, or sell Frontline".
So now I'm not sure if I should even keep my dog on this new flea pill or not. Any thoughts from you?
Susan 7/27/08
Hi Susan,
I am not a vet or an expert on the subject, and do not know very much about Comfortis. I have not received
any compaints about it, but that's not unusual for a new product. Here are some other websites that are talking about Comfortis:
The active ingredient in Comfortis is spinosad - an insecticide that is derived from a microorganism found
in soil. Spinosad received the Presidential Green Chemistry Award in 1999 and is promoted as being an "environmentally friendly" insecticide because it does not persist in the environment and it is said to have low toxicity to mammals and birds. However, it still has the potential to cause adverse effects in dogs. According
to Eli Lilly's (the manufacturer of Comfortis) website, "The most common adverse reaction recorded during clinical trials was vomiting. Other adverse reactions were decreased appetite, lethargy, redness of the skin, hyperactivity and excessive salivation." It is not recommended for dogs that are pregnant, nursing,
or have a history of seizures.
Spinosad has a mode of action that is similar to the drug, ivermectin. The FDA recently issued a warning concerning the use of Comfortis along with high, extra-label doses of ivermectin:
I do not believe that Comfortis is safer for dogs than other flea control products, but I am glad to hear that
your dog appears to tolerate it and it is working for you. I do not like the idea of exposing animals to the pesticides in flea control products, and encourage people to try safer alternatives for flea control (there are several links for alternative flea control methods on my website). I believe that products such as Comfortis
should only be used as a last resort.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
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Here's the real deal with the FDA and the EPA (who regulate flea control products with pesticide ingredients). THEY ARE NOT DOING THEIR JOB!! Most (animal) pharmaceutical companies will not release their clinical study trials. When you ask, as I did in writing to a lead veterinarian at Merial, (producers of Frontline) not once
but twice, they inform you the information is `proprietary.' And there are no gas chromatography studies (blood tests) that have been created that test the specific harmful ingredient in the blood. So they say, prove it (you can't). They say sue us (you can't cause you don't have any `proof') and the Daubert Law requires the claimant
in order to file a motion to sue to have `proof' the product itself caused an adverse reaction. Know any scientists/PHd's who will publish a bona fide paper on the harmful effects of specific commercial pet products
so you can show it to the judge? No, well, there aren't such folks who I have been able to locate. The EPA/FDA are extraordinarily lax and apparently don't have to inform the public at any great length why they have approved
a (pet) product line....or report follow-up checks and balances to the public after they receive adverse reaction reports. If the current Bush Administration had anything to add they want to make it even harder to potentially question or attempt to sue government regulatory agencies. Most lawyers, as sympathetic as they are will not touch these type cases. There is no advocate for us. I have tried for two years. The pharmaceutical companies know they have you over a barrel and that's exactly where they intend on keeping you. Your pet almost died/ passed away from a commercial heartworm/flea product?...ah well. They have nothing to say. People should
be outraged. But apparently we can be silenced quite easily. Nobody responds and few ask why. It's pretty disgusting.
Jan 7/30/08
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Friend had supplied me with K9 Advantix 100 as her dog was staying with me temporarily. Never used [it] on
him but am beginning to wonder if SHE had used it as dog has been very very sickly, has ended up living with
a friend who is a veterinarian so as to monitor. Symptoms lack of appetite, straining to pass stool, eventually shock, has every test known to mankind since living with my friend (veterinarian) no specific results but dog is much better. I will call and ask this evening but so [far do] not believe he uses any flea preventative.
Anyhow I used [it] on my own two (Scottish Deerhounds) older dog (8) no reaction Younger bitch (6) has always been a sort of "itchy" type. God knows why I used [it] as I have seen neither fleas or ticks but it is warm and humid here in southern Tier New York. Anyhow within a day hair between shoulder has thinned some, small
scabs, dog is even more quiet than usual although otherwise seems okay.
My question - Why specifically Dawn? I am off to pick some up and give her a bath as all I have at the moment
is oatmeal shampoo.
Shay 7/31/08
Whenever an adverse reaction to a flea control product is suspected, it's best to wash it off immediately with a mild dish detergent (like Dawn) and thoroughly rinse it off (the dish detergent will help dissolve the oil carrier in the product). If the flea control product is not washed off soon after application, some of it will be absorbed into your dog's system and it will take longer (possibly days or weeks) for your dog to recover from the effects of it.
James TerBush
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My dog had reaction to Sergeant Flea and tick 'gold' preventative - the 'squeeze on' kind that goes on the neck/back.
I had no idea these products were so toxic. I had never used any of these types of products, but had heard
the flea & tick problem was getting bad in our area. So I bought the product at Meijer (local grocery chain) and applied on the nape of his neck, not giving it a 2nd thought. My poor 50 lb black lab was so miserable within an hour. he kept getting up, lying down, switching positions.... I knew something was bothering him..... I didn't even connect it with the flea preventative - thought it was perhaps a simple stomach ache. But then soon, he began drooling/salivating excessively. That's when I rushed him to the Emergency vet. (it happened on a Sunday - my regular vet not open.) They induced vomiting, hydrated him with fluids via IV, bathed him, and thank goodness after almost 4 hrs at the ER, I was able to take him home..... and he was OK.
Just wanted to let you know about my experience. Thanks for posting the website.
Margaret 7/31/08
Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs is the most toxic flea control product on the market.
The EPA was aware that Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs caused adverse reactions in dogs (including head shaking, vomiting, and body tremors) before they approved it for sale. Sergeants argued that such
effects "can be considered normal dog behavior," but the EPA didn't buy it. They made Sergeants revise
their application instructions in an effort to prevent dogs from ingesting it.
Here is an EPA memorandum concerning the toxicity of Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs:
Here are excerpts:
"Subsequently (memorandum dated June 27, 2005), TRB reviewed findings from an efficacy study (MRID 46166109) in which all 6 dogs treated at what was supposedly a 1X dose showed symptoms which included head shaking and/or slight body tremors."
"The most likely explanation for the symptoms (including tremors) observed in the efficacy study was that the dogs ingested some of the test material after application."
"Current directions for the application of this product specify to apply as a stripe from the back of the neck to the base of the tail. If labeling is revised to specify application of the product from the back of the neck to a point midway between the neck and tail then the dog would not be able to reach any part of the application site and so would be unable to ingest the product by licking. With this labeling revision TRB would have no objections to the registration of the proposed product."
To the best of my knowledge, Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs is the only flea control product on the market that advices you to apply it from the back of the neck to a point midway between the neck and tail. Of course, if there are two or more dogs in the household, it won't prevent the other dog(s) from licking
the product off of the treated dog. It may also not prevent the treated dog from developing adverse reactions.
James TerBush
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I have a 7 year old Boston Terrier who had her first (and hopefully last) seizure at about 2:30 am this morning.
It was a terrible and frightening experience for everyone concerned. She has never had a seizure before. The
seizure lasted about 3 minutes but what seemed like an eternity. I thought about what may have caused this
and noted that we had given her both Frontline Plus the day before and Heartguard Plus that day. We took her
to Emergency and her vitals were ok. We took her home and visited out Vet this morning.
I "Googled" canine and seizures and came up with many, many stories about these pesticides and others that have caused similar reactions in dogs and cats. The Vet said we could exchange these drugs for something
else but now I am afraid to try any drug for fleas, ticks or heartworm on her. We also have a Golden who has
not suffered a reaction. Strangely enough, however, both dogs are the same age and both dogs have "fatty" tumours on their bodies. I am wondering if this stuff has caused those, too.
I am furious that that these products continue to be dispensed to prevent problems yet nothing is said about
the more serious side effects that appear to be so common. If you have any more information or advice, it
would be appreciated.
Kathy 8/2/08
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Last night was a nightmare for me!
I have 2 Boston Terriers and a Boston Terrier/Pit Bull Mix. They are all spayed and are MY GIRLS! I gave The Girls their weekly shampoo/bath early evening. Later I found a tick on one of my Boston's named Wrangler. I decided to put some Sergeant's Gold Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs on all 3 of My Girls. Around 11:00 that same evening my little Figgie Pudding was restless, licking her paws, wandering around like she was lost. She was also digging in the bed (My Girls sleep with me) and would not settle down. Figgie had frothy saliva coming from her mouth and was coughing and vomiting. I did not make the connection to the flea & tick application at that time. I put Figgie in her cage to see if she would settle down. Well, she didn't.. By this time it is 3:30 in
the morning and I was online trying to find out what I could about her symptoms. I figured she had gotten into something that was poison earlier that day and it was causing a reaction. I called one of the Vets that I use because she lives just down the road from me. She was nice enough (even though it was 4:00 in the morning)
to let me bring Figgie to her house. She looked Figgie over and said that she had a seizure. By this time Figgie was doing a little better. So the Vet gave me a medication to calm Figgie down so she could get some rest. I took her home and she seemed to be able to finally get some rest. I had forgotten to tell the Vet that I had put
the Flea & Tick application on!!!
Ok....so now it's morning and Figgie is doing better and then the nightmare starts over again!!! Only this time
it's my other Boston, Wrangler!!! Wrangler's face was swollen!!!! Her jowls looked more the size of a Bull Mastiff than a Boston!!! She looked terrible, had frothy saliva drooling from her mouth and was also vomiting frothy stuff!!! My brother was at my house at the time this was happening and had me call the number on the Sergeant's package. I talked with someone and they said they NEVER HEARD OF THAT KIND OF REACTION to the Flea & Tick Squeeze-On.
Then I received a call back from another Vet that I use and told him what was happening. He said to give Wrangler a Benedryl and the swelling should go down within the hour. It was maybe 10-15 minutes after I gave her the Benedryl and the swelling had started to go down. The Vet said it was a reaction to the flea & tick ingredients and had seen this kind of thing happen before.
I gave all 3 Girls 2 SHAMPOO'S EACH......to get that nasty stuff off of them!!! Now it's evening.......... and The Girls are resting peacefully. They seem to be back to normal. The Boston/Pit Mix didn't seem to have a reaction to the flea & tick application. Anyway..... I know this was a long message, but I also had to join in and let people know about this NASTY PRODUCT and what it did to MY GIRLS!!! I just wish I had found this site BEFORE
I had to find out the hard way!!!
I have called some people and told them NOT to use that JUNK and told them about this website also. I know things weren't as bad as some of the other cases, but when ANYTHING happens to your beloved fur kids, you
get really scared!!! PLEASE.....tell everyone about this kind of product, no matter what brand it is!!! It needs to be taken OFF THE MARKET!!!
As My Girls lay sleeping, I think about how close I came to maybe not having them because of moron companies that INSIST on selling products, to make money and harm our animals.........AND THAT IS JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!
All the best to everyone that has had to deal with this kind of thing and I hope your Little Fur Kids......get better
and live a happy life!!! And my heart felt sympathy to those that have lost their Fur Kids.
Kathie 8/03/08
Michigan
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First I would like to thank you very much for the information on your website. I have a 8 lb mini yorkie and last month about a week after applying Bio Spot he got very sick. He was lethargic and whiny and felt very hot to the touch. Well this was very out of character for my little Coco as he is very playful at 1 1/2 years old, sometimes I get tired just watching him play . I brought him to the vet that day and neither one of us thought anything of the
Bio Spot. After blood tests which came back with elevated white blood cells and platelets we sent his blood
out for a Lyme test, (another 197.00) when the Lyme test was negative she figured an infection of some kind
and he took Vibramycin liquid for 10 days he perked back up to being himself again. Well after being groomed on Friday I remembered to put his Bio Spot on him on Monday, within 3-4 hours after applying he started acting weird again, he was walking funny with his tail to the side and seemed to want to sit down all the time. I immediately looked online and found this site and put coco in the bathe I than purchased some Benadryl and gave him the correct amount for his body weight and it seemed to help a little. Well it is Wednesday now and he does seem better he is eating and drinking normally and though he is still favoring his tail end I believe he is going to be ok. I did just call the vet and explained to the nurse what had happened and she said to monitor him for 24 hours and that the vet will be calling me back. I have only had Coco since March and I was so excited to have this little beauty in my life that I have lost many nights of sleep with all this sickness needless to say my emergency vet bills have been great also, as someone on a fixed budget I had to charge his appointment and medicines and blood tests, all of this because a company is allowed to put poison in their product and not warn people of the possible reactions. I will be contacting the company after hearing back from my vet and hopefully
I will get some satisfaction or maybe the 490.00 it has cost me so far. A word of warning do not use this product, don't find out the hard way like so many of us have, go for the natural, home remedies that are recommended
on this site, you will be much happier and your pet will be much healthier. If anything horrible ever happened to Coco from this I would be at the companies front door with a sign. I love my dog so much and can't stand the thought of anything happening to him especially something that I thought was the right thing to do. Thanks for
your time and I will post again after hearing from my vet.
Ann 8/6/08
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Take it off the market before any more pets are killed. My parents just lost their dog because of biospot. How
can you live with yourself while killing helpless pets daily!!!
Robby 8/6/08
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I have enjoyed reading the info on your site. I have a 20 year old kitty and
am more than fond of this long haired beauty.
She is an indoor outdoor and flea season is here. I absolutely dread taking
her to the vet but this is the only way to have access to what I thought was
'safe' flea and pest treatment. We have used Revolution for cats. The reason
I hate going to the vet is because he starts giving her shot after shot and
the first time this happened, I was afraid she was going to die. She just laid
under the chair in my office, unable to even lift her head for two days. I
called the vet frantic. When I visit now I am my pet's advocate. I have these
rules for the vet:
1. You will not inject, apply, administer any substance without my
permission.
I fight him on this. He says...oh these are just routine vaccinations...so
he would give her in one visit:
1 feline 4 in 1 injection for DT, Rhino, Calici, chlamydia
1 Rabies Vac
1 Heartworm antigen test
1 Revolution F 5 -15lbs application
1 RX misc prescription.
This is too much for my kitty to absorb in one visit. We argue and I tell
him that she really doesn't need this every single year! She only goes outside
with me (agoraphobic kitty) and the likelihood of her being exposed to this
menacing list of possible maladies is minimal at best. she is inside and sole
ruler of our hearts and home.
2. Only apply Revolution in the buggy months.
3. If your buggy season lasts for more than 90 days, apply revolution every
other month or every third month.
I did this myself, applied revolution 1 time for a three to four month flea
season, and happily found Princess (my kitty) flea and funk free. The reduced
chemicals, the reduced drain on your wallet, the better health of your
cherished pet are all bonuses.
4. Meticulous combing: regularly and in all directions with a thin flea
comb. I keep a plastic cup filled with hot dish soapy water for intermittant
comb rinses. Frequent comb cleanings, to remove old hair and dirt required.
5. Shave and a haircut...two bits
She's older and not attending to personal grooming. The knots have been less
than easy to untangle. Better than scissors which run the risk of accidentally
cutting the delicate skin pulled into one of the more gnarled knots, is the
electric trimmer (like the barbers use)...with small to medium guard attached.
This takes a little longer but this painless method gently, hopefully painlessly
chips away at the tight tangle with minimal risk to your pet. Also, be careful
NOT to cut the whiskers...as these help your pet walk..and also add to her
essential coifure.
A haircut is a great way to get at those fleas!
6. Rinse those pests right out of her hair! No soap required.
I just tried this approach and I have mixed results. Kitty does not enjoy
bathing. It was a warm day, her fur coat looked ever so hot and frazzled, she
was meowing at me from the edge of the tub/shower, so in she went.
Make sure door to bath is closed prior to trying the following as I soon
realized kitty will try to make a break for it.
I just put her in the shower with me and rinsed her off. Being very very
careful not to squirt water into her ears, eyes, or general area of her face.
She has really really long hair, a live dust mop, that picks up everything in
her thick multilayered coats. As I rinsed her off...I happily watched the
outside leaf litter, dust and three fleas and their nasty dirt wash away as well.
No chemicals needed...just a luke warm gentle shower of water.
7. Rake up leaves, vaccuum OFTEN and make it unpleasant for fleas to settle
in and multiply.
These are some of my strategies to safely care for my kitty. I look forward
to reading and learning some new ones here.
I liked the vinegar idea...instead of using fabreeze...very clever!
Davina 8/7/08
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It seems that we are now going through with our Sasha what you went through with your dog Hamish!
$700. 00 later- the vet can find nothing wrong!
She had just come back from the groomer's and we wanted her to be safe. So we used Bio Spot. Shortly
after that she started to throw up! A few days later She had her first seizure. She is now recovering from her SECOND Seizure in 24 hours! I am SO ANGRY. No where on the box does it list ANY adverse effects. Had
we not put 2+2 together and found your site I hate to think of what would have happened. My husband and son are bathing her, and our other dog Max, now (it is 1:00 am). Can you please let me know with whom you spoke
@ Farnam? They need to know that this is NOT OK! She was perfectly healthy until this. G-d willing she
will be again.
Thank you so much for your site!!
Amy, Michael, Sam and Zach 8/8/08
Just wanted to let you know that Sasha is doing much better today! We however are pretty tired, but relieved!
I spoke with Sherri [Farnam's Risk Manager] a while ago and she was terrific. I faxed everything to her and she seemed pretty positive about reimbursing us. She didn't see a problem. Especially because it seems that Bio Spot was purchased by Farnam a couple of years ago and they changed the formula. We had no problem with the product before this! She even gave us some advice about re-washing the dogs.
She will let me know shortly, about everything but I'm sure everything will work out fine! Just wanted to give you
a heads up.
Amy 8/11/08
Farnam Companies was acquired by Central Garden & Pet a couple years ago, and Iast year they changed the
formula for Bio Spot for Dogs. It still contains 45% permethrin, but instead of 5% pyriproxyfen for the insect growth regulator (IGR), it now contains 3% (S)-methoprene.
It's interesting to compare the Material Data Safety Sheet for the original Bio Spot for Dogs formula and the
new formula.
Here is the MSDS for the original Bio Spot for Dogs:
Here are excerpts:
"Acute Oral LD 50=2,614 mg/kg male rats"
"Acute Oral LD 50 = 1,660 mg/kg female rats"
"Acute Dermal LD 50 > 5,050 mg/kg rabbits"
"Signs and Symptoms Of Exposure"
"May produce skin sensations (feelings of numbing and tingling) in certain individuals. Moderate eye irritant. May cause drying and irritation of skin. These sensations normally subside and disappear within a few hours. If ingested, the product may cause diarrhea, salivation, bloody nose, increased urination, decreased activity, tremors and intermittent convulsions. Excessive inhalation causes coughing headache, dizziness, nausea as well as nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation. "
"Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin."
Here is the MSDS for the new Bio Spot for Dogs:
Here are excerpts:
"Oral LD50>5.0g/kg; Dermal LD50>5.0g/kg"
"Signs and Symptoms Of Exposure"
"May cause minor skin irritation. May cause minor eye irrittation. Not a contact sensitizer."
The LD50 (dose needed to kill 50% of animals in study) reported for the new formula is almost TWICE that
of the original formula (suggesting that it is much less toxic to animals), but they do not indicate which species
(rat, rabbit) this figure applies to. The MSDS for the new formula also omitted, "If ingested, the product may cause diarrhea, salivation, bloody nose, increased urination, decreased activity, tremors and intermittent convulsions. It also omitted, "Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin."
I doubt that the new formula for Bio Spot for Dogs is any less toxic to animals than the original formula, but
one would certainly get that impression by comparing the MSDS for these products.
James TerBush
Hope all is well. Wanted to give you an update on Sasha. She was doing much better for a while and she also benefited from an all raw diet. She has been on all raw for aprox. 2mo. Now, as have our other dog and our cat. She lost a lot of weight on the raw food and then had another seizure! Had her to a neurologist and??? Farnam agreed to pay for this (already got the $900+) in Sept. to pay back for the other vet bills. Now I can't get hold of Sherri! I've left messages for the last month! You said to let you know if I had a problem, so I am. Can you help me??
Amy 10/27/08
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Today, 08/10/08 Our family had to put our cat Chloe to sleep. Yesterday, after bathing her we put bio spot on her for fleas. Three hours later Chloe was shaking and went into convulsions. Being late into the evening we had to
take her to an emergency clinic. We had to paid a thousand and plus dollars because of a medication that highly toxic (which we had not been aware of). Please let others know about these type of medications that can take your pet, a loving family member away from you. Free enterprise allows companies to indirectly kill your pet. The government should make consumers aware that these toxic medications are harmful.
Arnoldo and Awilda 8/10/08
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I used Sargents flea and tick gold on all 3 of my dogs. What a horrible experience. We just recently moved and
I was concerned about ticks because we do have a lot of pine trees. My little shih tzu who is 2 years old had a
traumatizing experience. She was breathing heavy and falling down unable to hold her head up and her front
feet she had no movement in them. This was about 2 hours after the medication had been applied I bathed her right away and then my 2nd dog a cocker mix who is 10 years old was breathing hard and walking sideways.
I washed her and rushed them both to the vet. The vet explained to me what this medication can do to animals
I was shocked. It effects their nervous system how cruel is that we should just inject drugs into the animals. My shih tzu slept with me that night and I kept her calm by petting her the second I would stop she would become restless. My daughter kept my cocker with her doing the same thing with petting and trying to keep her calm. 3 days later my older lapso starting showing signs by walking to her side I have bathed all of them at least twice and even soaked my little shih tzu in our salt water pool to relax her. I wish we could form a class action law suit and take these people out. I felt so helpless watching them suffer for no reason. My vet was great and did put
fluids into them to help absorb the medication. Thank you for your web site and I am by far not done with this.
Tammy 8/11/08
Lenoir, NC
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I wished I would have researched bio- spot before applying to our family cat. As soon as I did, she ran, howled, panted and the next morning was suffering from constant tremors and couldn't even stand. She is in the vet's as
I speak and although her tremors are better, she still is having jerk attacks. I can not believe this stuff is on the market! I can't believe I looked for cheaper when they are our family......
Who can I report this too?
Very upset,
Sherry 8/13/08
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(Below is an update to a message posted by Diane on 6/5/08 in Vol. 20)
I thought I'd give you an update. Wings was so bad last Saturday that I thought we'd have to end the journey.
We gave her IV fluids again and as a last resort put her on prednisone. She began drinking and on Sunday
ate a couple of pieces of bacon. We went to pork loin slices and now have progressed to pork, warm water
and Purina dog food. We've tried numerous other food, but this entices her the most. Wings is now alert and comfortable. Next we face the weaning process to the prednisone. I am attaching photos of Wings on day
2 after her last come back (I just couldn't take pictures of her on Sat). Please feel free to share these photos. Our vet recently put down a young dog that quit eating after application of over the counter tick preventive because the owner couldn't afford to take his dog to the vet and it was too late by the time he took the dog in. These products need to be taken off the market. Wings is now a $3000 vet bill and it has been difficult for us
to decide whether to stop or to continue care. In our case, we're glad our vet consulted the internal specialist
and we kept trying knowing that Wings had been healthy and hoping that she could endure the toxins.
We haven't submitted the bill to Farnam yet, however I don't anticipate a positive response from some of the responses on your web. Would you like me to put a link to your site on my web page? I've found the computer
to be an excellent educational tool.
Diane 8/14/08
Photos of Wings:
Hi James,
No, Wings doesn't have AIHA. She was healthy prior to the Bio Spot. Her CBC reflected a high WBC, but no anemia or thrombocytopenia...the high WBC was probably a response to the stress of the BioSpot.
She's not out of the woods yet....and my employees at work (when I showed them the photos) commented that they're surprised that I haven't been turned in for animal neglect. I assured them that we're making decisions with Wing's comfort and best interest in mind...it's a conundrum...we are trying to give her a chance and yet not make her uncomfortable.
I will put a link to your website on mine.
Thanks for your support,
Diane 8/14/08
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Re: Sergeants Sentry Pro XFC
I applied the above flea medicine to my two dogs today.. my szhtzu had no bad reaction but my Lhasa Apsa started acting weird running aroun the house, jumping on the couch etc. could not keep still... after I fed them
I thought she would settle down... not so got very much worse... It could only be the flea medicine...I was very worried, all I could think of was wash it off... which I did.... she still was very agitated... about an hour ago I gave her 1 prednisone tab and that after about 10 mins. seems to have quieted her... I have read the articles about
this medicine & others and I am absolutely shaken to the core that I would poison my dogs this way... I shall
return to PetsMart and let them know what has happened and hopefully they will take the product off the market.
Norah 8/14/08
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I'd just called the vet because my cat was shaking all over. I'd stupidly put some of the dog's flea Bansect by Sergeant's on yesterday. When I noticed him shaking I suspected the flea drops and washed him. I called the vet today and she said to wash him in Ultra dish detergent. She said that the flea killer is made to stay on, and Ultra is said to get all of it off your pet. She'd said to wash him twice. This may help others. I just watched him have a seizure, attack a stuffed animal and then cuddle this same stuffed animal and begin purring (still shaking) again. I'd read the box (I should have done this yesterday and then I wouldn't of put it on him) and it said to give water but not induce vomiting. I gave him water from a dropper. I'd also called the Sargent medical hot line.
The gentleman there told me that there is a medicine to stop the tremors. The vet told me that there was such medicine but it was not necessary if he was eating and walking. Well, he just stopped being able to eat though he seems to want to. He can still walk. I wonder what harmful effects this could have on humans, especially my kids. I'm washing this off the dogs tomorrow morning. Tonight they sleep in the basement, so that this stuff is
not spread around the house. I'll look on line for more treatments.
Deb 8/14/08
Oh, I meant to type Ultra Dawn dish detergent not Ultra, but I was a little distressed at the time. Bo the cat has made a full recovery, I can't believe doing something stupid like putting flea stuff for dogs on him almost killed him. I'll check out the site for non harmful flea repellant methods. Thank you,
Deb 8/20/08
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(Below is an update to a message posted by Norma on 7/21/08 in Vol. 20)
August 13, 2008
Farnam Companies, Inc.
301 W Osburn Rd
Phoenix, Az 85013
Attn: Sherri Pike
Dear Ms. Pike:
I am in receipt of your letter dated 6/23/08. I have called you and left 2 messages, obviously you did not want to return my calls.
I have been doing a lot of research reading copies of complaints that people have sent in regarding deaths, seizures and poor health due to Bio Spot. Some of these people have been reimbursed with or without a necropsy.
Your quote: Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control for dogs has met all applicable EPA registration requirements Internal bleeding, seizures & of death are not expected side effects. Then why are all these people writing about the same side effects and the EPA does not say it’s proof positive it says “NOT EXPECTED”. What does that mean?
As to your third paragraph, your poison control center knew I was not able to have a necropsy done on Princess, due to the fact, that when she died and we went to pick up her little 2 1/2lb body the man was there that does the cremation and he is not from this area and in the vets office the decision was immediately made to have her cremated after we arrived home and I called into Farnam and was directed to your poison control center, I explained to them the dog had already been taken for cremation, that I would call and try to stop them, but it
was too late, I was told as long as I had the vet’s letter it would not be necessary I certainly did not decline and accordingly you are well aware of the problems Bio Spot has caused and is causing.
I was on and off the phone with these Dr’s representing Bio Spot several times during the night and nights to follow with Creulla having seizures. You know as well as I that Bio Spot was the cause and NO you are not really sorry to learn of the loss of these two dogs nor does Farnam care as long as they can manufacture, sell, make money and kill--------, How do you work for such a company and how do you sleep at nights knowing you’re a party to this travesty - Since Cruella, my 3 1/2lb Yorkie has died - doesn’t that really make you & your company happy?
No - you, again, are not sorry for my loss or you and your company would do something to correct these problems - Well, I can tell you I am going to be one of your worst thorns in your side until something is done most vets agree it’s a very bad product - I, will get as many vets to acknowledge this and I intend to retain an attorney, hopefully to start a class action. Had you been somewhat fair with me, I would not have researched all these poor unknowing people and found out that you are well aware of what is happening to these poor animals - If it was your kid - what would you do?
Very Truly Yours
Norma [deleted]
Cc: EPA
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I read everyones blog concerning your pets reaction to Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick medication. I am deeply sorry for your experience using this product, unfortunately my pet is also a victim of Sergeant's products. I used Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze On as directed on the label and my pet had a severe adverse reaction, in my opinion so severe that this product should be off the market immediately. I believe if we all work together
by sharing our experience and voicing our concerns we can get this product off the shelf. I will make every effort possible to take legal action against this company. If anyone has any information, experience, or would like to hear more about my story please feel free to e-mail me. I have attached some pictures of the reaction my pet
had to Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze On. I know the pictures are horrible and it is distressing to see
an animal suffer like that, but I believe that it is my duty to raise awareness.
Joshua 8/16/08
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Gizmo is dead...and Mieko is dying...(update is now dead too)...they somehow were poisoned ... I'm certain it was the flea spray..i sprayed them both that night at separate times hours apart because their battle with fleas was severe...Please warn any cat owners you know about Hartz/Seargents flea sprays they are deadly and should be banned...they contain deadly toxic chemicals and have to be administered to a "T" or it will certainly make your cat deathly ill or kill your pet which is more likely depending on the size of the cat...and that goes for dogs as well...I feel the company cares little about the wellbeing of animals otherwise there wouldn't be such a product...it is not completely safe to administer...my cats are dying proof...after I administered the flea spray my female Black Point Himalayan cat fought profusely until she ran off hiding for two days... when I came home later in the evening around 9:30 pm i opened the front door to find her dead with my other cat by her side I think he found her and brought her out from where she was hiding...he wouldn't leave her side...next thing I know he's getting wobbly on his feet and he was lifeless before I knew it...I called the vets (but because I had no means to pay for it due to my limited pension after suffering a massive heart attack two years ago)...at that point was offered no help...one vet had a party to go to and was late...I think that was despicable and heartless...all the vets offices were closed for the weekend...So, I looked up information on the internet only to find others encountering the same problem…I finally took it upon myself to hopefully find a way to keep him alive...I gave him first off some water via syringe because he wouldn't eat or drink so I force fed him as well with a syringe of milk mixed with egg and he lived through the night as I stayed by his side to maintain him all night...he seemed to be bouncing back then suddenly went lifeless again...I crumbled up some cat kibble to a fine dust and mixed it with the milk and egg...and syringed the liquid to him orally and suddenly I panicked because at that point he went into convulsions gasping his last breaths I administered immediately some water and soothed his throat because I may have cause him to choke and gave him water... He somewhat gained his breathing but started convulsing again until he died at 5:pm August 17th 2008...
I will never buy another another product over the shelf from sargeants or any other manufacture of these common toxic chemicals...It virtually did little or nothing with the fleas but ultimately killed my Himalayans consecutively....by putting trust in a well known manufacture unknown to myself of a deadly product is not only inhumane on their part but also criminal and negligent of not producing a fail safe product and high in toxicity...shame on you Hartz/Sargeant and whoever else manufactures this product for purely profit and not the wellbeing of the animal community....I find it utterly disgusting and heart wrenching...and of course I live alone without my little defenseless friends...If I had the money I'd spend millions to sue your #%^^^ just to take away your right to sell this deadly product...If there is a petition out there I want to be on it and possibly be part of any lawsuit against these firms... They know they are getting away with murder and openly admit there’s a problem with their products as one person put it. They haven't got a call from me but when I find the number I definitely will call... As well I'm calling Customer Relations at Canadian Tire where I bought the product....and attempt to have it removed.
Robert 8/17/08
I've called Sergeants and they direct me over the desk of Danielle in which she didn't return my call as of yet..
I heard some laughing going on after the first girl expressed her sympathy for the loss of my cats and I responded with "I can appreciate that but it doesn't give me back my cats...perhaps it was something else...but anyway...I told them I wanted to be compensated for the loss of my two cats which was when she redirected my call and
a voice recording to leave my name and number etc. Right now its feeling like twilight zone with everyone I called...the only one who seemed sincere was the representative of customer relations at Canadian Tire who gave me a reference number if they haven't got back to me within two days...S.P.C.A told me that the product
is legal and that from time to time animals have an adverse reaction...offering little help at all...over here everything seems to be all in a days work...no one seems to give a "Flock of Turtles" meanwhile my cats are rotting while I bat my head against the wall not getting anywhere fast or satisfactoraly...I'll have to bury them tomorrow it's getting rancid...I'll bury the rubbermaid container for environment purposes and it won't leach into the ground or water table...If they want evidence then they can dig them up..Next call is the health board and failing that a call to my alderman...or perhaps the newspaper might like a story and embarass a few heads...
Thanks James
Robert 8/18/08
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Hi this is the first time I've had any problems using a flea control product, but am not sure what to do..
I purchased the Sentry Pro XFC product at Pet Smart and applied the product to my 2yr old pug Pablo, on Thursday about 6pm following the instructions completely. At about 4am I was awoken by him pawing at my head, he was whining like he was in severe pain, flicking his tongue like crazy, breathing very heavy, and he would lay down for about 5 seconds jump up run to another spot trying to get comfortable, but would dart up
again after a few seconds. I wasn't sure what to think I looked around to make sure he hadn't gotten into
anything and found nothing. I sat on the couch with him and tried to comfort him, which is when he started twitching and foaming at the mouth. I called the ER vet who asked a few questions and hit the subject of
applying the flea control; she suggested bathing him in the Dawn dish soap and giving him 25mg Benadryl tablets twice daily if seemed to help. This has seemed to help some, but it is now Sunday, and I can not
even touch his back with out him wincing in pain which I have been using a Pramoxine HCI and Colloidal
Relief Spay which I got from the vet but it doesn't seem to help at all. He also keeps chewing on his front
paws, has a bit of twitching still, my main concern is he is still having heavy fast breathing. Is this something
that will subside, or should I bring him back to the vet. If you could please get back to me as soon as possible with any advice, I don't want to wait to long to take action if needed.
Nicole 8/17/08
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My beloved dog, Tuff-E-Nuff (Tuffy) was a perfectly healthy 8 & 1/2 year old Pug. She was born in NV
and resided in NV all of her life, but my family was moving to OK, so I checked with my local vet to see if
she would need heart worm medication and flea & tick medication in the new area we were moving too
(as these are not common problems in NV). I took her to the vet on Saturday, August 2, 2008 for a complete check-up. I was not told that she had any health problems. A heart worm test was performed and I was told
that it was negative. I started her on heart worm medication that day, which she had no reaction to. The
following Friday, August 8th we left on a road trip from NV to OK, at which time I applied Frontline flea and
tick medication. Late Friday she started breathing really hard and didn't have much of an appetite. She went
to sleep in our 5th wheeler when we stopped for the night and Saturday morning seemed to be breathing a
little easier. By Saturday night when we stopped for the night she was again breathing really hard and refused food and water. I decided that when we left in the morning I would stop in the first city we came to and find a
vet to see if she was reacting to the Frontline. I got up at 2:00 am to check on her and found her dead on the
floor of the 5th wheeler. It is hard for me to believe that in one week my dog went from being a perfectly healthy dog to dead, if it wasn't from a reaction to the Frontline. I can't stop crying thinking about the agonizing death
she must have gone through, not being able to breath. Nothing is going to bring my wonderful dog back, and nothing is going to make me feel less guilty about not stopping somewhere to find a vet when I first noticed
she wasn't feeling well, but I hope this will make others realize that some products being used on probably
mllions of animals might affect some animals in a deadly way.
Georgiann 8/19/08
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Yesterday AM I applied Sargeants Silver flea & tick sqeeze-on med on my 10 1/2lb Chi the label stated for
dogs 9 lbs to 20 lbs, that should have been my 1st clue. Within 30 mins she was hyper, panting and shaking
her head constantly. I bathed her twice with a mild soap, no help. By the end of the day she had lost her appetite along with all the other things she had going on. When I got home from work, she goes to work with me, I bathed her again. No help! we were up most of the night with her shaking her head and being miserable. This AM I
called Sargeants they advised bathing her twice, back to back with dishwashing detergent, because of the degreaser in it, which I did, that seemed to help. I broke of some of my aloe plant and rubbed it directly on the area I had applied the medication and that really helped. She still will not eat, which is oh so not like her, but she is sleeping now. Maybe the combination of bathing in dishwashing detergent & the aloe will do the trick, I hope so. I hope this will help someone along the way.
Lawrence 8/22/08
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I have 4 cats, all healthy and one dog. A vet on TV said don't buy biospot as it can and often causes bad
results. I forgot and bought biospot. 1 pkg for dog 3 vitals and 2 pkgs for the cats ^ vitals. It burned the fur off
in the place applied on one cat, the others began loosing fur and were also burned in the place the biospot touched. It didn't seem to get the fleas off. My cats are house cats and never go out, but a rainy season has encouraged the fleas inside.
I have many friends and one daughter and biospot has done the same to their cats. You should do something about this problem. Also, I can't return the biospot to you as the post office thinks it may be harmful to the enviroment, if the pkg came open.
The vets in this area will not take it to even give away. Something is wrong.!!!!!!!!
Winnie 8/23/08
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A week ago I got a very healthy adorable 5 month old pug and it had fleas. Well the new store "Petsense" had just opened here in town so I took him with me and got him all the works, seat belt harness, leash, collar, toys, chew things, and then Sentry Pro XFC for the fleas. I put it on and about an hour later he was acting really tired and I knew something was wrong because he is a very hyper puppy. So I read the package that said to wash
the flea killer off, I did this. He seemed to get better within an hour but for the past couple days has been licking everything and when theres nothing to lick, he licks the air or his nose. Well last night again (its been a little over
a week since I used it now) he started showing more symptoms, he was wheezing and breathing very heavy. I don't have the money right off for the vet and they all want it up front here. My parents would loan me the money when they got back and this is just a few hours off. So I went to bed, put my baby next to me and drifted off. I woke up a few hours later to find a cold, dead puppy in my arms. I was horrified and couldn't believe that they sell stuff that does this! I knew what it was but got to researching and sure enough his symptoms matched everyone elses. I'm glad others got lucky, no one should have to deal with this. I honestly don't want another pet after this. After my two cats are gone, i'm done. My heart can't handle anymore of this. I will be contacting the company, the EPA, and the local newspaper. Hopefully we can all get the word out and save someone else's baby.
Nathan 8/25/08
Do you think the company will really help me since I don't have anything from a vet? Since the signs cleared the 1st time I thought it was over. Then in the middle of the night he was breathing heavy and then drank water and it stopped. I just woke up to him next to me dead so he never got to a vet. Thus I am not seeking any money from them. The $200 I paid for him would be great but still that doesn't bring him back. I just want them to pull their product off the shelf and stop killing our pets. You buy a product thinking if a name brand store carries it, it will
be safe. Apparently not. This has honestly ruined me for pets and I don't ever want one again after the cats pass.
I can't go through anymore of this. Its always something, the food recalls, now this. Where does it end? Sorry to complain to you, it just seems that my case is hopeless. I sent Sentry an email the same time I sent yours but haven't heard back from them. Anyways thanks so much.
Nathan 8/26/08
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(Below is an email that I sent to the EPA)
----- Original Message -----
From: <james@elversonpuzzle.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:28 AM
Subject: Sergeants "Look at the Label" Educational Campaign
Dear Ms. Overbey,
Last week, Sergeants Pet Care Products announced that it has expanded its educational campaign to help consumers "understand the risks involved" in using Sergeants brand flea and tick control products. Here is
their press release:
Here is a list of frequently asked questions from Sergeant's website:
Here are excerpts:
"Q. I am concerned about all of the warnings and precautionary statements on your product label. Is this product even safe to use?"
"A. Yes. Sergeant's spent six years in development and research of Sergeant's Gold to ensure it was safe for pets. The EPA regulates all pesticidal products, and mandates that each of the precautionary statements you are reading appear on the product. The statements are intended to inform the consumer of possible issues that can occur with the product and steps to take if they do occur. In almost all instances, you will not experience issues with the product if you are following the label instructions."
"Q. Can I pet my dog after I have applied the product? Can my children play with our dog?"
"A. Both you and your children are safe to pet and play with your dog after the squeeze-on has been applied. It will take about 24 hours for the product to spread and dry on your dog, so if you pet and/or play with your dog within this time frame, you can simply wash your hands with soap and water once you are finished."
I would like to bring to your attention the EPA's Label Review Manual, which is found your agency's website:
Here are excerpts:
"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.""
"X. Claims Made in Advertising"
"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. Although OPP does not routinely review advertising
in connection with the registration, the Agency may require advertising used in the marketing of the product to
be submitted upon request and then reviewed it to see that it is in compliance with FIFRA section 12(a)(1)(B)."
According to the EPA's Label Review Manual, Sergeant's brand flea and tick control products should be considered "misbranded" due to the above mentioned safety claims that are found on their website.
In my opinion, Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs, Sergeants Sentry Pro XFC, and Agri-Labs TriForce Canine Squeeze-On (made by Sergeants and distributed by Agri-Labs) are the MOST TOXIC flea and tick control products on the market today. The EPA had concerns about the toxicity of these Sergeants brand products even before they were approved (registered) by your agency, and expressed those concerns in
this EPA memorandum:
It should be apparent that the above mentioned Sergeants brand products do not contain adequate information on their packaging label to be used safely, and no "educational campaign" from Sergeants will change that fact. These Sergeants brand products put the health of pets and people (especially young children) at an unnecessary risk. I urge the EPA to withdraw these Sergeants brand products from the market, effective immediately.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
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I am so glad I found your site! Thank you for sharing and allowing others to share. I used Advantix on my two dogs last month and didn¹t feel it worked very well (We started seeing fleas within 2 weeks). So I was willing to try a ³new and recently approved product that also helps repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes². I have a malti-poo and a malti-poo-havanese mix. I used Triforce on them last night. Within an hour and a half, the maltipoo started whining, scratching, rubbing his face. I got out of bed to check on him. His back was wet and red, his mouth
was wet, he had dropped a HUGE stool on the bathroom floor, and was spitting out thick frothy white stuff. I immediately put him in the shower and washed him. After his bath, he was very hyper, running around, rubbing his face, salivating, and did not want to be held or consoled. After an hour, he started to settle down, so we went back to bed. He continued to scratch and whine off an on, but within about 2 hours, the other dog started digging in her bed, scratching and whining. She put her feet up on my bed and her face was dripping wet. So I got up again and gave her a bath and we went through it all over again. It took her about 3 hours to stop salivating. I did a google search to see if I needed to go to the vet or call poison control, and that¹s when I found your web site. Both dogs seem fine now, but I do not plan on using this product again and will be doing some lengthy research before I use another one.
Angela 8/26/08
Jupiter, Florida
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"I'm a journalist working on a story about pet exposures to insecticides. If anyone would like to discuss the experience you've had with these chemicals, I would really appreciate the opportunity to talk with you. I have
a dog myself and I'm very sorry to hear about these incidents. I can be reached at mbp.cpi@gmail.com."
Jillian 8/27/08
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I had bought Bio-Spot for my Jack Russell and Papillion and they
received their 2nd monthly dose about 2 weeks ago. When I give any flea
and tick medicine to my Papillion, he cries for days and tries to rub it
off, when I asked my vet he just said some dogs are more sensitive than
others. He never told me of any problems with the medicines, I just
found out from reading your site.
My question is..my Jack Russell had numbness and drooping on the left
side of her face. She has probably had this for about a week now, have
you heard of this in any other dogs? Could this be from the Bio-Spot?
Could she have had a seizure when I wasn't around and the numbness is a
result of a seizure? She is 10 years old and both of my dogs are my
life, I would hate to think that I have put them in danger by not doing
my homework. I just figured that the products that I purchase from
Foster & Smith are safe considering all they sell is pet products.
Also, have you heard of any adults getting seizures if they got the
product on them? I don't want to put my pets in danger, but I live in
the south where fleas and ticks are a huge problem, what advice do you
give to people as far as what to use on their pets?
Thank you for your website, I learned alot from it. I also believe that
something needs to be done about these products, they need to be taken
off the market. How many more pets will suffer before someone does
something? I will be throwing out the rest of my Bio-Spot as soon as I
get home.
Lori 8/28/08
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Our 11 year old lab mix, Willie, always used the old "pick the tick off" method until last year. I decided to try Frontline Plus. I don't remember at this time if he even had any minor reactions, but certainly no major reactions. This year we were spending the summer in Montana and decided to try something we thought would be better. K9Advantix 100. His first application was May 25th. This was within 2 weeks of being out in Montana. He began having incredible thirst, much more than usual. He was itching and shedding like he was going crazy. He developed fears that he did not have and his normal fears such as fireworks were much more traumatic for him. We ignorantly attributed this to being homesick and afraid of new surroundings (i.e. grizzlies, moose, sheep etc.) He had his second dose on June 22nd and his 3rd dose about a week after we returned home on July 23rd. We both thought surely his scratching would get better, but it actually got much, much worse. Willie could not even walk a few steps without scratching. He scratched all day and all night. We tried a bath with soap and a rubdown with Baby Powder. This helped for one night. We were really confused because Willie was so happy to be home, so all that suffering in Montana could not have been stress, or at least not stress alone. Out of the blue, Sid says maybe it is his tick medicine. Lights went off and I did some online research and am convinced that is what it was. His last application was July 23rd and is now not itching AT ALL and is back to normal. I see we are luckier than most. I would like to send a letter to Bayer along with the 4th vial which is unused and ask for my money back. I have so much anger towards them that I feel this is the least they can do. But there are shipping issues, aren't there?
Sid and Karen 8/29/08
Butternut, Wisconsin
What comes around, goes around.
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(Below is email that Central Garden & Pet sent to an individual concerning a severe adverse reaction that
her dog experienced shortly after using Bio Spot)
Dear [deleted],
We are very sorry to hear about what occurred with your dog and we would like to fully understand what happened. Many of our employees are dedicated pet owners and have strong relationships with their family companions too, so we want to assure you that this incident will be carefully evaluated and properly reported.
So that your case is fully investigated by a trained animal care specialist, we ask that you contact the Animal Product Safety Service - a division of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. We use this service to collect information on the application of our products. You will be able to speak with a veterinary professional who has expertise in the use of flea and tick products for pets. This free service is available 24 hours a day, and can be reached at 1-800-345-4735.
The information you provide to the Animal Product Safety Service will be carefully documented and reported to our company as quickly as possible. Additionally, the information will be submitted to the appropriate government registration agency that will look for any industry trends related to this kind of incident. I would also like to speak with you personally regarding your request for veterinary bill reimbursement. I will try calling you today at the number you provided me. I can also be reached at 800-234-2269.
Once again, we regret the difficulties you and your cat are experiencing and we will review this occurrence thoroughly after we receive the report from the Animal Product Safety Service.
If you have a question, please call me at 1-800-234-2269, Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 P.M. Central
Time or reply through this e-mail address.
Sincerely,
Kellie Cook
Biospot Product Specialist
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To make a long story short, I put the Bio [Spot] Flea medicine on my cat on Sunday, Monday, she started
seizing, 6 hours later she was gone. Nothing could be done. I would like to be involved in a lawsuit against
this company if there is one pending.
Losing an animal is like losing a child, and to know that these people are putting this product out and not
warning consumers is unacceptable!
Jenny 9/3/08
Can you please let me know the age of your cat? Also, did you use Bio Spot for Cats?
James TerBush
Thank you, my cat was 11 years old, never had any issues and yes, I used the Bio Spot for cats. She started
just shaking then went through the seizures. I did not take her to the vet, so there would be no expenses to reimburse, and there is nothing that can replace my cat, she was the best ever, a maine coon.
I will contact everyone and I hope that someone can shut these people down.
Jenny 9/3/08
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On the morning of August 27th, 2008, my husband and I immediately noticed blood all over the back of my Boston Terrier, Milo. We found that directly in the middle of his neck and shoulder area was a gaping bloody wound. We determined that the wound had been caused by Frontline purchased at Petco Inc. which had been administered to Milo on August 25th, 2008. We immediately tried to call Frontline and got their automated system indicating that no one was available to speak with. We then rushed Milo to our Veterinarian and she reached out to Frontline and spoke to a clinical specialist there who indicated that Frontline had never seen
or heard of a wound like that before and could offer absolutely no help for treating Milo. We’ve had Milo since
he was a puppy and he is a six year old Boston Terrier who was recently diagnosed with possibly Cushings Disease (tumor on the pituitary gland). A few months ago we noticed that Milo had excessive urination
problems and after enduring numerous tests over the last couple of weeks, the veterinarian felt it was best
to try treating him with Trislostane, which is a very common, well tolerated, medication for Cushings Disease. We immediately began to see a wonderful change in Milo as the excessive urination problem stopped. He
had just started the Trilostane approximately 2 weeks before the Frontline application. Despite our best efforts, the wound refuses to heal and the skin around the area is being burned away daily by the Frontline product.
After nine days of daily washing the wound and oral antibiotics, the wound is now approximately five inches
long and two inches wide. I am familiar with animals and I have never seen a product so caustic as to burn
away a dog’s flesh. Although we are fortunate that we have not lost him, we are heartbroken and devastated
by the pain and suffering our dog is going through as a result of using the Frontline product. We are not sure what will happen to Milo if the Frontline continues to eat away at his flesh. Frontline reports their topical product repeals fleas and ticks for thirty days. We’re not sure he can survive thirty days of losing flesh, not to mention
we have no idea what the long term side effects will be. We are exceptionally angry by the lack of help we’ve received from Frontline. We find their warning insert from the box, which states: Do not give to dogs on medication to be sadly lacking. Which medications? Shouldn’t there be a warning that states: May cause severe caustic type burns? While we’ve sought only to improve Milo’s life though medication and of course keeping him tick and flea free, we’ve now succeeded in making him worse off than when we started. We
recently found your website and we are shocked and deeply sadened to read all the stories of suffering
caused by these products. Please keep up the good work you are doing. I am enclosing pictures of our
Milo's wounds.
Marla 9/5/08
Many other people have reported to me that Merial (maker of Frontline) refused to acknowledge that Frontline causes severe adverse reactions in dogs.
Merial knows that Frontline has the potential to cause bleeding wounds and other severe adverse reactions in dogs. They should offer you advice on how best to treat your dog and reimburse your vet expenses.
Please contact Petco's corporate headquarters (contact information can be found on their website) and ask
them to assist you in getting help (including reimbursement for vet expenses) from Merial.
Also, please contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) and let them know what happened (they maintain a database of adverse incidents from pesticide products for the EPA). Their phone number is 1-800-858-7378.
I have forwarded your message to the U.S. EPA and have asked them to investigate it.
James TerBush
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On September 1, I used Zodiac Spot On on both my Bostons for the first time. I have used a product monthly from my vet until this month. Both were made ill from its use - vomiting and shaking. Today is the 5th and they are beginning to recover. NEVER USE THIS PRODUCT!
Judy 9/5/08
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Please, please, please, DO NOT use Sargeant's Gold flea and tick meds on your dog. I put the proper vial on
my boxer last TH (8-28-08) about 12:30 am and in less than 2 hours he was gaging, vomiting, scratching, spot turned red, panting, drooling and overheated and hyperactive. My 9 pound, 7 month old minature dauchshund - with long hair, had similar but worse reactions. I washed it off but couldn't get it all out of her long hair. At 3:00
am or so, I called the poision line listed on the box: I thought I had killed them. They were little help and told me
to bathe them twice with dish soap, it's bitter and makes them drool!
Both had to have shots for allergic reactions and the puppy had oozing sores. She had to be shaved, cleaned
up and get an antibiotic spray 2 times per day. Izie has lost 7 ounces because she can not eat and will not come out from under the bed. Ozzy, 71 pounds boxer/American Bulldog has a red stripe down his neck and back with scabs which he keeps scratching, red toes and a reddened place under his tail.
I had to throw away collars, their bedding, and trying to get it out of my sheets, pillows, etc. Izie wanted "mommy" and rubbed up against my face and neck. I burned for 3 days and had to take atarax for it. I know it is contaminated in the carpet where she hid. I am so glad the cats have stayed away from these areas, probably due to the highly offensive smell.
My puppy especially, has been traumatized. And I've STILL seen a few fleas on Ozzy (he is white). Izie has a sore, dry bare spot on her shoulder over a week later which she does not want touched. They both still will not sleep in our bed and Izie is still hiding under the bed and is not the loving trusting puppy she was before.
Sargeant's called and said they would have the medical staff call but... What we need is to get someone like Oprah upset by this lousy treatment from pet companies and agencies which allow these products to keep
being sold.
Anna 9/6/08
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I stumbled across this website while researching Revolution and Advantage Multi for dogs. My vet
recommended either of the products for our 7lb min pin as preventative control for fleas, ticks, mites
and heartworm. Our boy did have a mite problem, but after two weeks of meds he is better and the
mites have decreased. I'm just wondering if anyone knows anything about Revolution or Advantage
Multi and its safety. I'm horrified by the stories I've read so far and would be devastated if anything
happened to our boy. My heart goes out to the people who are currently or have been through these
horrible experiences. Any information on the above mentioned products is greatly appreciated. I
want to be sure what we give him is safe.
Desiree 9/6/08
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Hi, I know this is a different case, I haven't used Bio Spot, but I bathed my Corgi with Adams flea shampoo
then put a Adams flea collar on her, this was saturday, monday I noticed she has been sleeping a lot more
then normal. Now paying more attention to things she just doesn't act normal at all, so I called the Vet and he
said take her temp and if its high to bring her in, No fever, however now she is worse, she can't get off the
bed or walk down the stairs in the morning, I took the collar off after the vet said it shouldn't bother her. Monday morning I am taking her in to the office. She is eating and drinking, just tired and coordination problem.
Lee Ann 9/6/08
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I used Triforce on my dog on Sunday. Because the stuff is more like a jell, it did not readily absorb into the
skin and was a mess on his fur. I used the lower of two amounts as he is just on the edge of the weight recs.
By yesterday (Tues.) his skin was very red and he kept trying to scratch or lick the area. Because the whole
area was a bit of a mess, he must have licked a bit of it. I had to rush him to the vet last night as he was
drooling profusely and foaming at the mouth. The vet said we were lucky that I noticed his problem so quickly. Today he is resting and hopefully will recover completely. Don't use the stuff. I've never had any problem
with his skin etc. before this.
Patty 9/10/08
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Hi just found your website, we are pursuing legal actions against bio spot, We applied it to our miniature daschund and with in 2 days she had blisters and burns all down her back. Her skin has now fallen off and it
looks like she got into a tustle with a machetti. I am attaching a power point we made for legal purposes. She
has undergone several vet visits to remove the dead areas and try to repair the damage, she will probably
be permanently scared. thx for posting this website.
MW 9/11/08
James, I emailed you earlier, but after going thru your website more thouroughly I felt the need to write back
with a more detailed story. I will start off by saying how appauled I am. I can not believe all the pets that are
killed or sick because of bio spot and not one person has tried to sue them. Well I for one am going to press
this legally, and my dog is still alive, thank god. We have a 7 month old minature dacshund named Ellie. We applied bio spot on our dog on a Saturday night a few weeks ago, Sunday she had some large welts on her
back. By Monday she had more, and they were spreading. We had no idea what was going on, then it clicked that we had put the flea treatment from biospot on her and this was probably a reaction of some sort so we
called the vet and took her in. By then it was all the way down her back and across her shoulders. Puss was starting to come out of the bumps. The vet shaved her and you wouldnt even believe what was under her skin, huge, pussy bloody welts all down her body. The vet said it was a chemical burn. So for the last few weeks she has had several vet treatments, has had to be put under anesthesia and have her skin peeled off, because it
is all dead. Now she has huge open wounds all across her back from neck to tail. You can literaly see the line where we put the product. I will be pursuing legal action against this company. They seem to think they are immune to the fact that they can put out such a dangerous product and get away with it, I think more of us
need to stand and fight. I am attaching pictures of my dog today. Thanks so much for your site. It really
opened my eyes. I thought we were the only one, I mean farnam tells us this has never happened before,
wow, ignorant arent they?
MW 9/11/08
WARNING: Several of these photos are extremely graphic.
Hello James, I wanted to update you on Ellie our miniature dacshund who had severe chemical burns
(I attached photos last time) from using Bio Spot. She is doing well, she has permanent scars all down her
back and the hair that grew back is white, she is black so she looks a bit like a skunk. It is the daily reminder
of what this lethal dangerous horrible product did to my dog. Luckily she did not die. We settled with Bio Spot
for her vet bills and the product. They still wont take full responsibility but paying us for the bills says it all. I tell everyone I know not to use it, thanks for your website, keep it going, we have to warn everyone about this
product. I go to the petstore and warn ppl that are looking at buying bio spot all the time. If your new to this
site and reading it, please please never use this product, it could kill your dog.
MW 11/8/08
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If your dog had a severe adverse reaction to Bio Spot Flea & Tick
Control (or any similar product), or if you have found a safer way to
control fleas & ticks, please let me know.
