Update 6/9/05: Hamish has not had ANY seizures since we stopped using Bio Spot
36 months 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 used biospot on my cat Midnight two days ago. He started having a seizure and panting, drooling. Rushed him to the emergency animal hospital. Iv's, anitoxins administered, in intensive care all night, then spent the rest of the next day with his vet. The vet said he would have died had I not washed off the area when I saw his distress and got him in ASAP. He seems fine now. How do we fight this company. Also who can I contact to recoup my vet bills?
Pam 2/9/05
Just an FYI-Farnam refused to pay for the vet bills incurred! I intend to initiate a campaign to all companies that carry this product to have it removed from their shelves.
Pam 3/15/05
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I applied Advantage to my beautiful cocker on Monday. She is seven years old...picture Lady.
After the application, the dog began to shake, throw up and was incredibly thirsty. At first, I did
not understand what was happening, thinking that maybe she had a stomach ache. As the night continued, the dog became very sick. It was the middle of the night. I washed her four times,
trying to remove the Advantage. The next morning , I took her to the vet. He took blood, but was hesitant to believe that the Advantage was causing the problem. He sent her home, and she
continued to throw up all night, and shake, and be miserable. He called Bayer, who of course,
denied that they have ever had any dog react adversely to Advantage. The next morning he was
shocked to see results of the blood work...the liver reading was "off the charts." He wanted her
back in immediately to start IV fluids.
He still did not believe that the Advantage caused the problem because they stated they have
never had another dog react to Advantage like this. Apparently, vets are being lied to by Bayer.
I looked up the pesticide in Advantage a the EPA web site. Interestingly, the insecticide used in Advantage causes the exact reactions that my dog is suffering. How coincidental! I also called the site at the EPA site that provides info about animal products and the pesticides in them. I told her how rude Bayer was to me when I called, and told her they insisted there had never been even one incident of Advantage making a dog sick, as it has mine. She let me know that there were other
such incidents.
If the vets are going to rely solely on the word of Bayer, we are in trouble. The Bayer rep was rude, unconcerned about the animal, and more interested in insisting that Bayer has a perfect record with Advantage. The EPA and the NPIC were wonderful. Bayer was horrible, and at such a difficult time.
You would think that they would be interested in treating their consumers with kindness and understanding. That has not been the case.
My dog is dying. The Advantage is the only thing different in her routine, and she was perfectly
healthy up until I applied it. I am sick, and furious at the way Bayer is treating us. I was begging for information, trying to see if a dog could survive this. I got nothing from Bayer.
After telling the Bayer rep of all the different instances on the web from pet owners who have gone through the exact experience, she told us that anyone can write anything on the web. Well, I am writing the TRUTH. Today I am trying to prepare my four children for the painful and needless loss of this
very important member of our family. Thanks Bayer vet "technicians"...for caring nothing about our dog or my family.
Anonymous 2/11/05
I have received email from several people who were also informed by Bayer that the adverse
reaction could not have been caused by their product. Despite their refusal to accept responsibility,
I am glad you reported the incident to Bayer and the EPA. Here are some other things that you
may want to consider:
Send Bayer a letter about the incident via Certified Mail. Make them respond to you IN WRITING. Send them copies of your receipt for the Advantage, copies of your dog's medical record (which should indicate the symptoms and results of the blood test - indicating pesticide poisoning), and a copy of the vet bill, and let them know that you expect them to reimburse it.
I would also ask your vet to help by contacting Bayer on your behalf and ask them to review this incident and reimburse your expenses. Your vet is in a better position to do this because he can tell Bayer that if they don't accept responsibility and help you, he may decide to STOP selling their products because he doesn't want to lose a client and risk the health of other animals.
I would also contact your local newspapers and television stations and see if they would be interested in doing a story about it. Here are a few similar reports that appeared recently:
The newspapers or television stations will contact Bayer for a response, and perhaps Bayer will see fit to help you when this becomes public.
It's a terrible thing that you and your family are going through. Please let me know how everything works out for you.
James TerBush
My dog received another round of IV therapy and she is getting amoxicillin and anti-nausuea medication every eight hours. She is also getting a drug to help her liver, plus vitamins. Although
she is still shaking, I am keeping her on a heating pad and that seems to be a great comfort. We are letting her rest. She did eat for the first time in five days this morning-rice and a little bit of finely chopped chicken. That was encouraging! I am keeping her home after the IVs so that she can be
with her family. The vet bills are enormous. I hope that this might help another pet owner who may
go through something like this. The vet is truly a dedicated and caring one, and has been
very good to us, although he thinks the reaction may be coincidental...I might, too, except the
numbers of pets having such reactions to topical flea products is so great, and the symptoms
match those of a toxic reaction to such a chemical. I do not know whether she will be okay. I still
think that the Advantage did something to her, as she was happy and healthy until that was applied and then the problems started. Another blood test will be taken on Monday so that the liver levels
can be checked.
Anonymous 2/13/05
I am writing to tell you that for the first time in ten days, I believe my dog is going to recover. She
finally ate a little bread, and seems to feel much better, just in the last hour. Her behavior is showing signs of her old self, although she still has tremors very often. After force feeding her Hill's mixed with water by the teaspoon, which often was too much for her, it was so good to see her eat on her own. I am still stuffing down the liver med, the antibiotic, the anti-nausea pills, and vitamins. I hope she keeps feeling good tonight, as up until now, she has shaken and thrown up for so many days, we all were beginning to think she was too weak to recover.
I read the guy's letter (posted below) about how you shouldn't be posting things that aren't proven, etc. I want to tell you, that even though it may only happen one out of a thousand times that a dog reacts unfavorably to a med, it is really frightening. It is so helpful to be able to compare other experiences,
if just for the moral support, even if the outcome does not appear to be a good one. At least you have some information. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your words of encouragement. All I want is for pet owner's to be aware that things can and do sometimes go wrong, and know what to do and what they might expect. Just like people, animals can have reactions to things when it's not supposed to happen. When it is your pet, believe me, that one time really matters.
I will keep you posted. Thank you again, for your kindness. Keep pulling for us!
Anonymous 2/18/05
I want to say hello, and tell you that the liver levels, upon last check were almost normal. The bilirubin was normal, and the other counts, one of which was plus 2500 had returned to the high 100s....almost normal. Can you beleive that the dog survived such a poisoning. The vet is now a believer that the Bayer flea treatment did this, especially since Bayer did not ever call him back even after receiving
the lab reports. He was disappointed....he said any other pharmaceutical company he has ever dealt with always contacted him to check on the animal. They treated us with total disregard, as well.
If you ever need to pass on any of the efforts we made as far as care and treatment of the dog to someone who has the same thing happen, please contact me. From ice chips to heating pads to IVs antibiotics, liver pills, miniature marshmallows, and even rice krispy treats, we did it all. I still have my
worries that this has done long term damage. For now, though, she is feeling pretty good. It was amazing that she survived. It took almost three weeks of constant care.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice during a very stressful time. It was difficult and exhausting and your kindness really helped.
Anonymous 5/10/05
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On christmas eve I used Revolutuion heartworm flea and tick medication on my 2 yrd old jack russell and my 12 schnauzer..we were leaving for a trip to florida for two months. When we arrived it was apparent both dogs were not feeling well..at first I attributed it to the long 2 1/2 day trip and nerves.
But both dogs were sickly, diahrrhea and a bit of throwing up...slow acting and not eating much. We took them to a local vet and he could find nothing wrong. I asked him if the Revolution could have done this to the dogs as we were very careful when we traveled and fed the dogs the same exact food they
always eat. He sort of blew off the idea and gave the dogs a shot and some pills. In a few days they seemed to get better though still had the diahrrea....by now we are getting into two weeks....I wound up taking Eddie the JR back to the vet for a different type of pill as he was still having some problems.
Finally the dogs are both better...life is better..dogs are perky again..and I give them the next months dose of medication...(it is liquid and it goes directly onto their neck to be absorbed into the
bloodstream)......boom..dogs are sick again..not quite as sick..but the diahrrea is back and Eddie threw up once or twice. Only this time I know what is wrong..I put it together without the help of vet....it is the Revolution doing this to my dogs..I am poisoning them each time I give them the medication.
I looked up info on Revolution and the manufacturer admits to 1 percent of tested dogs becoming sick
with stomach disorders a few rare deaths....everytime we give our pets these flea and tick treatments ..we are giving them poison.....please research your product thoroughly before you give it to your dogs or cats.
Joann 2/11/05
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Don't believe the hype!
True, one should research products before using them, but I would suggest doing that research with
a professional. I know far too many people, myself included, who through continuous, monthly usage
of Advantage/Advantix, Frontline, and Bio Spot on multiple dogs over the span of years since their
introduction, can debunk every claim here through proof of no problems or adverse reactions. Only one person in this forum has provided conclusive evidence to the contrary -- Farnam covered her expenses -- and that problem did not involve seizures. And, while I share your pain at having a sick
pet, most have provided little more than conjecture and speculation, indicating that many do not care for their pets until emergencies arise. Of course then, the fault must lie with something or someone else, right?
Are you applying the product as prescribed? Is it the correct dosage for your pet? What is the state
of your animals overall general health? When did your pet last have a blood work-up to determine if a propensity exists for liver or kidney damage? Your pet's breeder, if it is a genuine breeder and not a puppy-miller or a backyard "purebred" breeder, is an excellent source of help, too, and should gladly share with you information about their lines and the breed itself. If they do not, something is up. This
is what is meant by research: Not listening to horror stories that drive people into withholding protection from their pets against deadly parasites. (On this note, I cannot find one iota of information on the EPA or Humane Society websites that mentions "Bio Spot" as some here are claiming). I
should add that while there are myriad purported "natural remedies," who provides oversight on what and in which dosages is toxic, and what are these naturalists credentials?
Finally, if your dog is having seizures, you owe it to your pet to take him or her to a specialist, a neurologist, more exactly, to see what the problem is or is not. Yes, it is expensive buy you signed up for the expense when you took on the responsibility of caring for a pet. Tragically, Dalmatians, like Boxers and German Shepherds, run a high risk for seizures and epilepsy, and this site is a disservice in its failure to acknowledge that fact, or to provide links to organizations that assist with information
on these known afflictions (the Dalmatian Club of America, for instance), preferring to whip up a frenzy over a flea control product. Speculating with inconclusive evidence on the Internet is not the way to care for a precious friend or loved one.
John 2/13/05
The fact that many people use products such as Advantage, Advantix, Frontline, and Bio Spot on a monthly basis without any apparent problem is not proof that these products do not cause adverse reactions. Likewise, anecdotal reports of adverse reactions is not proof that the product they used actually caused the adverse reaction.
The purpose of this website is to make people aware that pesticides pose health risks to animals
and people. It also provides a forum for people to make others aware of possible adverse reactions to flea control products. These messages are anecdotal, but I believe they can provide valuable information to those whose pets have experienced a similar reaction. This website also encourages people to report suspected adverse reactions to the manufacturer and the EPA, so that it can be investigated.
I agree that dogs experiencing seizures should be examined by a professional. Seizures can be caused by many things, including exposure to toxic substances such as pesticides. Here is what the Damatian Club of America says about seizures:
Here is an excerpt from their website:
"Seizures are the result of muscle responses to an abnormal nerve-signal burst from the brain. They are a symptom of an underlying neurological dysfunction. Toxic substances, metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities and/or imbalances cause an uncoordinated firing of neurons in the cerebrum of the brain, creating seizures from mild 'petit mal' to severe 'grand mal'."
Fortunately, my Dalmatian stopped having seizures when we stopped putting pesticides on him over 30 months ago.
James TerBush
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Please look at this photo. This should not have happened. This kitty was treated with Sergeants flea drops. This product, Hartz advanced flea and tick drops, and other products containing pyrethrins for use on animals must be banned from sale!
I was at my vets last night and I checked on this kitty and the Dr. told me "he's beating himself up, he won't make it, it's time... but he sure put up a brave fight." They he went to contact the owners. This
poor animal has suffered horribly. The pic does not show the tremors and shaking this kitty was experiencing. Dr. told me they tried easing up on sedation and he would go into full blown seizures. His tongue was swollen. He was completely unresponsive. THIS BABY SUFFERED LIKE THIS
OVER A $5 TUBE OF POISON!!!!! His vet bills will be in excess of $500.
This is a failure on the part of the government. These products are regulated by the EPA, not the FDA like Frontline, Advantage, and other vet products/meds. I always wonder, every time we hear about one of these, how many do we NOT know about? How many have REALLY died from this garbage?????? How long will these deadly poisons be sold in grocery stores and mass retailers everywhere????
This kitty is not suffering now. He never should have suffered like this in the first place. Please, I'm BEGGING, help stop the sale of this poison....the cheap price is not worth the potentially deadly consequences....Rest in Peace, little baby, I'm sorry you had to pay this price, simply because of corporate greed and government inadequacy....
Julia 2/17/05
P.S. you know the worst part? This kitty STILL had fleas.
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Is anything being done in an attempt to get BioSpot pulled? I am willing to do what I need to do, and I am sure there are many others who would join in the fight to get this stuff off the market. Here is my recent experience:
I placed a rescued Boxer named Winston with a wonderful, wonderful family 31/2 years ago. I got
a call yesterday morning saying that Winston had died. He had had many of the same symptoms I have seen from others, and he had started having seizures. Winston had been given a dose of BioSpot last fall and had his second dose this past Tuesday 2-15-05. Winston died on Thursday,
2-17-05. Winston's owners vet told them that he didn't think the BioSpot could be responsible. I had been told years ago by my vet not to use BioSpot or any Permethrin-containing product on my dogs. My vet told me that if a cat even slept next to a dog that had used BioSpot the cat could get seizures.
I have since called several vets asking them what their opinion is of BioSpot and of products containing Permethrin for use on dogs. I did not tell them of Winston's situation or this website, as I wanted their opinions to be pure and not jaded. Each vet I phoned advised me not to use BioSpot or other products containing Permethrin. I think the comment that a vet made on this website speaks volumes. The highest percentage of permethrin he had seen used in livestock was 10%. BioSpot
uses at least 45% in their product for canines.
Again, I would like to become proactive and attempt to do something about the manufacture of this product for dogs. Please let me know if there is already a campaign to do this under way and if there is somewhere I can send my support.
Patty 2/19/05
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I was reading your story about Advantix poisoning. I hope all is well. Can you tell me what you did?
I think my dog has the same thing. No problems with her until I applied Advantix. She has been throwing up and having bloody diarrhea for over a week.
Angela 2/21/04
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On March 13th 2005 I used the Zodiac Flea Control on my 43 cats. 4 ended-up at the Emergency Vet suffering form Grand-mal seizures. From 10:30pm till 1:30am my husband was running the cats to the vet. as each was dropping from the toxins. I spent 3 hours bathing the others, not easy when they are not used to water. Needless to say my arms look as if I was attacked by a feral cat. It was touch-and-go during the night. Ended up costing $1069.50 for 3 of the cats, the costs for the fourth cat were paid from a fund that the clinic has from donations.
My Vet said that since Zodiac has come onto the market she is seeing more and more of these cases. She said it would take 2-3 days for it to work thru their systems. My cats are exhibiting symptoms for the following: Restlesness,Scratching,Chewing,Fighting ,facial twitching and not eating.
The long term effects we do not know.
Kathleen 3/15/05
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We had been using Frontline on our cat and like so many of you, we seen Bio Spot on Dr.FosterSmith.com and it was highly recommended to them. As I am typing this, it is the
Doctor's Choice Flea Control right now. We applied it to our cat last Wednesday. By Thursday morning he was vomiting all over the house. He then seemed to be ok. That evening he was
very lethargic. We took him to the animal hospital where they put him on IV's and gave him
injections to stop the vomiting. They also shaved the back of his neck where we applied the
medicine and scrubbed him with Dawn dish liquid. We are still having problems with him.
He is drinking water and urinating, but he has not eaten since last Wednesday (it is now
Tuesday night). I finally fed him baby food mixed with half and half creamer and put it in a
syringe to feed him. Earlier today, he had diarrhea - we don't know if this is a new side
effect???? If he is not better by tomorrow morning, we are going to take him to the hospital
for the third time. Does anyone out there have any advice on how to get their cat to eat?
I have tried canned food (he normally eats dry food), baby food, creamer, milk (he cannot
tolerate chicken products). Please help!
Shilee 3/15/05
Hi James! I called the animal hospital yesterday and they put Jasper on another medication to help him eat. He didn't like that at all! He started foaming at the mouth and jumping all around. They told me that was a normal reaction because they had to give him fruit flavored medicine instead of chicken because he is allergic to chicken! He was so dehydrated that I had to feed him water thru a syringe, but by last night he was starting to act like himself and we were able to get him to eat some tuna. Today he is acting like the Jasper we know for the most part. I can't believe that BioSpot is allowed
to sell a product like that! The veterinarian is going to write a letter for me to send to Bio Spot who responded to me to send them the vet bills, the remainder of the product or receipt and written notes from the vet and they say they will reimburse me - I'm not counting on it! I didn't want to do that at first because it is not about the money. But the more I thought about it, I want them to pay and if they have
to pay all these vet bills, maybe they will go bankrupt and quit putting this product on the shelves! My veterinarian said that usually Dr.'s Foster & Smith are the ones to respond and BioSpot puts their head in the sand, but it was completely opposite for me. After I write to you, I am going to email Dr.'s
Foster and Smith and tell them I will no longer be buying any of their products due to the response of the person I talked to a few days ago - she never asked me my name or looked up my account, all she said was "Sorry to hear about your cat, good luck!" We buy our cat and dog stuff from them all the time, but I will no longer do that if they sell products like Bio Spot. I noticed a lot of people talked on your website re: a class action lawsuit. How does that work? If there is one, I would be interested in participating. Let me know. Thank you for your website - it was an eye opener to see how many animals have been affected by this product.
Shilee 3/17/05
I wanted to update you. Our veterinarian sent that letter to Farnam (without the remainder of the product and without our receipt) and I received a check yesterday for all of our hospital bills for Jasper. On the back of the check it said "This is for full and final settlement of the alleged reaction to BioSpot on the cat owned by (they had our names listed out)". I suppose that is so we don't sue them at a later date.
I found that rather interesting, though. They must send checks out all the time because of their product.
Hopefully one day this may force them to recall their product completely. Thanks for all of your help. Jasper is definitely feeling better. He is back 100% - although now we have him addicted to tuna fish being that is what got him to eat after not eating anything for eight days!!!! That's ok! He can have a little tuna every day if he wants!! As long as he is feeling good!
Thanks again!
Shilee 4/13/05
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I am a responsible, caring breeder. My dogs have not been affected by BioSpot because I warn every puppy buyer NOT to use it - I recommend Frontline, as I believe it to be the only safe alternative.
However I have had personal experience with cats and BioSpot. It's all about MONEY. Have you been reading the posts? Most of these animals have gone to the emergency clinic when seizures start - most start within 24 hours after applying the product - particularly regarding cats - my vet, who is a very well educated man and holds my upmost respect, cannot believe the product is still on the market. My emergency clinic sees two or three deaths A WEEK they attribute to topical flea products. For one thing, you have a dog - and although it can affect dogs, it's most severe effects are on cats. It's money and politics - until we the consumers get enough backing, as long as they make a profit companies will continue to sell the product and it will continue to be manufactured. They don't care that pets are dying as long as money is lining their pockets. I am a good breeder - and when an animal dies of unkown causes, I pay to have a necropsy done, even if it's an animal I no longer own - and I beg and urge everyone to NOT buy any topical flea product except Frontline. One person may be able to use the product with no reactions, not every pet is affected - but you CANNOT ignore all of those who's beloved pets have died as a result of using this product. If you don't believe this product is deadly, pull out your phone book and call every clinic in the yellow pages, and ask the opinion of the vets on staff. I have done this myself, and have yet to find one professional who will disagree with the statements within this website. One clinic - two or three deaths A WEEK - don't you think that is proof enough?
Kim 3/16/05
I am so upset about this whole topical flea product business! My neice's cats died from BioSpot.
I have been writing companies, pleading with them to take it off their shelves - and I tell them if I can
find one - just one - company to refuse to carry the product, I would spread the word as best I could for people to buy only from that company. I've pleaded with Foster & Smith to take it off their Doctor Recommended list. So far, no one will take it off the shelves - but maybe, maybe - if we could get hundreds of emails, letters, and phone calls instead of one or two trickling in - someone will find it worthwhile to listen to our pleas.
Would anyone like to join me?
Kim 3/16/05
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My husband and I used Sergeant's PreTect on our little Maltese "Princess". Right after we put it on
her she begin to act differently. But we didn't put the two together until later. She kept acting funny so we took her to an emergency vet as our vet was closed that day. He examined her and asked us if we had used anything on her and we told him that we had used this product. He checked her again and told us that this product had poisoned her system, and that to take her home and wash her 2 or 3 times straight, so we did. She continued to act funny, so we called him back and he said it would have to
wear out of her system and that some dogs never recover from it. The next day we took her to our vet and she examined her and gave the same diagnosis as the emergency vet. Princess, too, begin to have seizures, but hers did not stop, they continued up to the day she died. Some were like she
had just passed out and some were the foaming and shaking type. She wandered constantly, until she just wore herself out. She shook, and walked into things, fell against things, sometimes she had to be hand fed. She couldn't even safely drink out of her water bowl, she would fall into it. March 10th, my little Princess died in my arms while having a seizure. She never recovered. My heart aches at the thought of not having her near. She was so precious. She had some unusual things she did, including talking on the telephone. The day before we treated her with the Sergeant's Pretect, she was an energetic, happy little dog. The next day she didn't even play. We didn't know that this product would do this! We do now, and like you we are telling people about it. We contacted Sergeant's and ask for their help with a neurological consultation, they told us to send them some information and we did, as did our vet, we never heard from them again. To me they are heartless and they let my Babygirl Princess die. Please anyone reading this, don't buy any product off the discount store shelf, go to your vet. I talked to the store where I purchased the PreTect about what happened, they aren't removing it. They said they would have to have so many instances where it had caused harm or death and right now mine is the only one. I have talked to several vets in my area and they said that they see several a year where the pet gets sick or dies. It's not just dogs, its cats also. When I read that your dog recovered, I was so happy. Please pray for me, I can't stop crying, she was truly my baby girl, I have no children, so as with many couples who don't have children, their pets become their babies. My arms and heart feel so empty right now. I want another little Maltese, but she will never ever replace my little Princess in my heart.
Thank You For Listening,
Princesses' Mommy & Daddy 3/16/05
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Thanks very much for your website. I'd like to relate an incident, which regrettably, I had a part in. I'm a physician from the Philippines, and my beloved 6-year old Shih Tzu-terrier breed named Fruitcake (no, she's not gay) had been having an infestation of ticks, and I decided to apply Zodiac Fleatrol ointment for dogs (which I was to learn later, contained permethrin) and I followed dutifully the instructions on the package.
Around three to four hours after, Fruitcake started to vomit and have diarrhea and did not eat very well for around 2 days. We visited a local vet who attributed the symptoms to an adverse reaction with the tick ointment. Later, my husband and I did some Web searching and ran across your site.
Permethrin is a dangerous insecticide, a representative of a chemical family generally known as organophosphate; I have personally treated suicidal patients who ingested large doses of permethrin (around 1/2 to 1 bottle of bug spray), and they also exhibit the same symptoms described as those in your website (vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, ataxia). Pesticide poisoning is a very serious problem around here. Two weeks ago, pesticides probably related to permethrin found their way into cooked sweet potatoes served to schoolchildren in Bohol, a province of the Philippines. Around seventy children died.
Fruitcake is now eating well and has no diarrhea; Although she's none the worse for her experience, I also feel guilty for putting her through it. As per the advice given in your site, we scrubbed her down with detergent soap, which incidentally, we also do in humans poisoned with pesticide. Her tests revealed some acute liver damage, but hopefully, it won't be too long before it resolves.
I am appalled that such a product for pets is still continuing to be marketed; were this a drug for humans, it would have been INSTANTLY taken off the market. We laud your continuing efforts for trying to bring this issue to pet owners' attention and prevent needless suffering for pets and owners alike.
Jane Frances Estrella, MD 3/19/05
Laguna, Philippines
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My cocker spaniel had ear ticks and I ordered some earmitide from a company that puts out a catalogue of products for dog care. I followed the directions and 3 days afterward my dog had a seizure but survived. I have contacted the seller and will call the Nat pesticide info center. I am
glad your web site exists.
Kathleen 3/22/05
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Thank you for your very thoughtful website. I was just trying to figure out what to do about flea and tick prevention for the summer so I was reading up about the available products. Bio spot sounded pretty good until I read your story.
I had and American Eskimo that I had given Frontline to for 2 summers. The third summer is when I guess she just couldn't handle it it any more. Within maybe 7 hours of applying it she started to act anxious and jumpy. As the days went by, the only way I can explain it is like she was a dog on speed
in a thunderstorm. She paced, she jumped, she ran into walls, she fell down the stairs, she would hang her head in exhaustion, but couldn't fall asleep...she'd immediately jump up and run into something. She tried to hide her head behind the toilet and other strange places. The next day I called poison control because it was a Sunday and my vet wasn't available. They said to wash her 2x a day until
the chemicals washed out of her skin. She was like this for 2 weeks. Her brother also had an allergic reaction to the Frontline the summer before. They thought he had a brain tumor. I guessed it was the
Frontline.
She later did contract Lyme Disease and came up lame until I got her the antibiotic treatment. We live amongst the Deer Ticks here in Rockport, MA.
So I'd like to go the natural route with this new dog of ours—a rescue from the south, but I just wonder if garlic, vitamin B, and Brewer's yeast will do the trick. (Oh ya, lemon washes and apple cider vinegar
too)
I'm looking for serious solutions that won't hurt my dog. Again thanks for posting your story. I'll be keeping away from Bio Spot and Frontline now!
Jean 3/22/05
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I haven't even looked over your site or posts yet because I wanted to say things unbiased. I would have to look up the exact dates, but my dog got a nasty skin rash from me spraying biospot on him last summer I think. I am pretty sure I contacted Farnam about it at the time. A day or so following applying the spray my dog - an Akita-Husky mix 85 lb. male started itching badly. He developed a bullseye like rash that would bleed. I thought he might have something like Lyme disease, but test cleared him of tick diseases. One morning I woke up and looked down at him and there was about a golf ball size blood spot on top of his white furred head! I should have been more cautious when the product said if humans get on them to wash immediately. How could that be safe for dogs then?
Todd 3/29/05
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I bought some Frontline Plus from my vet and put it on my Boston Terrier. Within two days she broke out in big sores. Others who have used the plain Frontline on their BTs have not had any problems.
We control the fleas in our yard with just plain household lime. It is safe, and also good for the grass. We sprinkle it on the grass and in the flower beds, and then spray it with water. The only reason I put the Frontline Plus on my dog was because we were headed for Tenn. for a visit.
Mary 3/30/05
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On Tuesday we applied Bio Spot for Cats on our 4 adult cats. Three of the 4 seem to be okay but Cordelia our most dog-like cat started acting lethargic on Wednesday...by that evening we were worried enough and gave her a bath. Thursday morning we took her to the vet. They ran a
bunch of blood test which all came back fine. The vet said it is probably a reaction to the flea treatment. She is thankfully still eating, but we are force feeding her water from a eye dropper and
watching her carefully-today her legs seem wobbly and she seems drunk. After reading all your posts
I had to write. I'm hoping that she is going to recover. I'm a nervous wreck-if anyone has any
recommendations on what we should do next please let me know. I'm giving all 4 of them baths with dawn dish soap as soon as my boyfriend gets home. Keep your fingers crossed for my baby. I will
be contacting Drs Foster & Smith (where I bought the product-because they recommended it as a good alternative to higher priced treatments), the Farnam people and the EPA-thanks for the contact info.
Carrie 4/9/05
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to whom this may be of interest i had same experiences with bio spot [for cats] only on a cat he would not have lived if he wasn't seen by my vet.
Sue 4/13/05
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I was very close to purchasing Bio Spot due to its lower cost for my dog midnight (26lb 7 yr old black lab mix rescued from SPCA).
I decided to review comments online before switching from Frontline, his previous ointment, and I am thankful that I didn't use BS (and horrified that I did use FL).
My dog developed seizures ~ 2 years ago (~ 1 every 3 months). I have for the last 3 years applied Frontline every month for 3 months of the year (our summer) and now I am suspicious if this is the cause of his seizures?
I am an R&D chemist by trade and would like to share some info regarding these two products
(Frontline & Bio Spot) and say they are quite different chemically, but their target appears to be the same.
Frontline
Fipronil =
5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-(trifluoromethylsul
finyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile.
TOXICOLOGICAL ISSUES
Fipronil is a member of a relatively new class of pesticide known as
phenylpyrazoles. Fipronil disrupts normal nerve function by blocking
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels of neurons
in the central nervous system.The GABA-receptorsystem is responsible
for inhibition of normal neural activity (as it prevents excessive stimulation
of the nerves). When the system's regular functions are blocked by fipronil,
the result is neural excitation and death. Although fipronil is selectively toxic
to insects, some of the toxicity of fipronil observed in mammals also appears
to involve interference with the normal functioning of neuro-receptors. A
toxicological assessment of fipronil and products containing fipronil conducted
by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in 1996 found that fipronil has
moderate acute toxicity and did not irritate the skin or eyes of rabbits or cause
skin sensitization in guinea pigs. Two products containing fipronil were found
to have caused slight skin irritation in rabbits, weak skin sensitization in guinea
pigs and slight to moderate eye irritation in rabbits (Public Release Summary
of the evaluation of fipronil in the products Regent 200SC Insecticide and
Presto Mushroom Insecticide, APVMA 1995). The predominant adverse
effects experienced by the pet owner may involve an immune-mediated
response. This response is not reported to occur during the application
of the products but following skin contact with the treated cat fur or dog
hair. Products containing fipronil have also been associated with a number of
animal deaths. Neurological signs preceded these deaths. Such cases often
involved infestation with paralysis ticks. The toxicology of fipronil was reviewed
by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) in 1997 with
additional information published in 2000.
Bio Spot (mixture)
Permethrin =
3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid
(3-phenoxyphenyl) methyl ester and Pyripoxyfen =
2-[1-methyl-2(4-phenoxyphenoxy) ethoxyl] pyridine is water insoluble and
appears relatively speaking not highly toxic or irritating (LD50 (lethal
dose 50 percent kill) at its worse through the skin is ~ 2000 mg / kg
lethal dose 50 percent kill). Based on the EPA there is no risk
(ok????...data please.). I will need to investigate further.
Pyripoxyfen
(http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/1998/July/Day-06/p17729.htm)
ii. Dogs. In the subchronic feeding study in dogs, the NOEL (no-observed
effect level) was 100 mg/kg/day and the LOEL (lowest oberved effect
level) was 300 mg/kg/day. The effects were based on increased absolute
and relative liver weight in males and hepatocellular hypertrophy in females.
These findings were also observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day and may represent
adaptive changes at both 300 mg/kg/day and the limit dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day.
Also not significant if you do the calculations.
I would need to do further work on my own to answer the many questions which were raised as this search proceeded. However, all appear to effect nerve functions, the species and degree is what I question and therefore it appears that the reactions reported such as canine paralysis/death may be probable, however, I would need to invest the use of my companies regulatory department provided I am allowed to proceed to come to a reasonable conclusion. I will do my best to investigate this and
will insure that any further info is complete and accurate.
Stephen 4/13/05
R&D Chemist
(work for a specialty chemical co. involving the lubrication of machines involved in metal formaton/deformation used in the automotive and aerospace industry).
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I too started using Bio-Spot on my 1 year old lab Rudy last June (2004) and he began to seizure. I took him to the vet and explained to them the only thing I did differently was use this flea control product on him. They did blood work and everything came back normal. My vet explained to me the danger of this product and advised me not to use it in the future. Of course I discontinued the use of this flea product but his seizures continued. It was one of the worst experiences I've ever seen a dog go through and to think that I jeopardized his life just to save a few dollars, it makes me sick every time I think about it. Although we discontinued the use he continued to seizure (I might mention that he had NEVER seized before using it) and as each month passed the seizures got worse. We lost Rudy on October 18, 2004 at 18 months old.
We've never been able to prove that the Bio-Spot was the root cause of his seizures but considering the fact that a couple days after applying the flea control was the first time he every had any signs or symptoms of seizing and consulting with our vet, I'm pretty convinced that this was the cause. PLEASE spend the extra money for a reputable flea control product that is recommended by your vet, your dog and/or cat deserve it and they depend on us to make the right choices for them. In the long run, you aren't saving a dime....just save a life.
I have two other labs and I'm wondering if there is a natural way to eliminate fleas...I've been told to put garlic in their food or give them a garlic supplement...any ideas? I do know one thing, before I give them ANYTHING I will consult my vet.
Barb 04/13/05
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I treated my 2 chihuahuas with "Hartz Advance Care Flea & Tick Drops Plus+" and the next
morning I woke up with severe swelling (face, especially eyes/eye lids, hands feet, etc) and felt achy and arthritic. Swelling faded over the next week. Woke up one night and could not walk or put any weight on my leg (totally weird), woke up to additional soreness but able to use my leg, swelling continued to gradually reduce until more than a week later. My "vacation" was over and I had to go back to work. Typing was painful because of residual swelling (seems to be between my knuckles)
in my hands, still puffy almost 2 weeks after the treatment on my pups (who seem fine). Doctor ran some blood tests which came out okay. I think I am reacting to the flea treatment, tho. I cannot find information related to the main ingredient, phenothrin, in relation with any human reactions or allergies.
Anonymous 4/15/05
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Friday afternoon my husband applied Frontline to our 9 year old golden retriever. Yesterday, April 16th 2005, our dog suffered a seizure and died. There was nothing we could do. I am devastated by the loss of my dog and I am convinced it was caused by the application of frontline.
Anonymous 4/17/05
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In March we adopted a dog from Dogs and Cats forever. It is a Rat Terrier and is a lovely female six years old. Very healthily and had only one owner. We have used Bio Spot successfully for six or seven on our two 5# Yorkie's. We never had a problem. However, when we applied this to Patsy she
immediately started walking through the house very fast (not running) for nine hours. I contacted her former owner and she informed me that she had used Advantix and the dog always reacted the same way. I went to my Vet and explained the situation to her and she said to use Advantage and gave me a mild tranquilizer to calm her down. The reaction was the same but lasted 13 hours. She seems fine now but now I have learned my lesson.
We live in FL and I need to know what to use as an alternative. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have to assist me in my research.
Suzy 4/17/05
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We treated our cats several weeks ago , with a "flea wipe" for each. Thought it was safe,we had
used it over a month ago with no problems. However, our beloved and elderly "Kitty Mom" who was
18 years old this month, became gravley ill and died two days ago. I did not put two and two together until today, it appears she died from the application of the flea medicine. In small tiny print , that I failed to read on the box, it said, do not use on old or sick animals , (((I did not see that when I bought it. )))) The warning should have been Clear, and on the front of the package, not in small writing on the very bottom and back, where I could not read it!!
I am devastated, I loved my "girl" she was with me for most of my adult life,through everything.I feel terrible. Why are they able to sell products like this, claiming they are safe, and why is there not clear warning labels!!
Very Sad In Ca 4/18/05
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We applied Advantix to our Shihtzu two days ago. Within 20 minutes he was whipping his head around trying to bite the site. He began jumping around literally throwing himself on his back and squirming across the carpet trying to rub (scratch?) the site. I wiped all that I could off with a warm wash cloth. Ten minutes later he began panting excessively and drank a huge amount of water. We then washed him again with warm soapy water. For the rest of the night he continued to pace, jump around, bite at the area (between his shoulder blades per package instructions). He could not get comfortable. The next morning he finally calmed down and was able to sleep. Today he is back to
normal but only because we were able to remove the medication rather quickly. I called my vet and
he acts totally surprised. With all of the information I'm finding on your web site and others, how
could he NOT know about these potential side effects? He said maybe there were still ticks on him and he felt them biting?!!! I'm furious at his ignorance. He's been our vet for years and through at least 20 dogs. We trusted him.
Susan 4/21/05
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On April 11th I open a package of Bio Spot for cats and ferrets and applied 2 drops on four of my
six cats. With in 4 hours all of the cats were having tremors and I called the poison control and ask
what should I do. Their reply is to give each of the cats a bath with a mild soap. My daughter and I
did. However one of the cats "Greenie" started to have seizures. I called my vet and he told me that a lot of his clients had lost their animals due to the toxic levels of Bio Spot. He advised me to take her to the emergency hospital. I explained that I am on a fixed income and I could not afford the emergency room visit and I asked him what does the emergency vets do and he explained they use an IV and some narcotics to get the animal to stop having seizures. I held Greenie down and applied one hand on her jaw and her head to keep her from biting her tongue. While i was holding her like this I felt the nerve agent moving through her Small body from her head down to her tail. Finally I gave her a narcotic (I am not going to mention what because some animals would not be able to tolerate this med.) I broke it in half and diluted it with one fourth cup water and gave her a tsp. At first I though I had killed her because she reared back and stopped breathing. I shook her a little and she came back .She stopped seizing for a bit and we gave her a bath. Each cat got at least 3 baths. However Greenie started to have more seizures and I gave her another dose and finally she calmed down, mine you she still had tremors. The next day my daughter was reading the package and the vials that were in the package and for some unknown reason the company had placed DOG VIALS IN THE CAT AND FERRET BOX this made me very upset and I called the company and they were more than happy to reimburse me for the vet bills and whatever I wanted....however after a week Greenie's skin started to split open and now I think it is time for an attorney. All of the cats are not the same as they were before and neither are we. I hope people read these devastations that each and every one of has had to endure before applying
a flea product on their animals.
Tori a single mother in Texas 4/28/05
Pet Lovers
I, and I am sure many others out there .....We are trying to find anyone who has done a class action against FARNAM'S BIO SPOT, and if you have please contact me at: walkscrooked@yahoo.com . Thank you for posting this.
Tori 5/2/05
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I have a collie who reacts to any of these flea and tick products. She seizured shortly after applying Advantage and reacted to Frontline, as well.. Tests done at a nuerological clinic revealed nothing. MRI revealed nothing. Everything was normal. Shortly after, however, I was sent an article from Washington State University where a researcher (Dr. Katrina Mealey) had isolated a mutant gene found in collies, shelties, some other herding breeds and now thought to affect some sight hounds
and possibly other breeds. Research is ongoing. http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/. If you have a herding breed you might want to check into having your dog tested to see if it carries this gene. It could be wider spread than just herding breeds as the studies are ongoing. Click on the link above.
I contacted Katrina Mealey, and told her about my collie's reaction to Advantage. She didn't take much stock in it, however, but said she'd look into it as she'd never heard of a dog reacting to these products. Now pesticides are being looked into in their studies. I am sending her this website.
Be very careful what you put into and on your dog. Even with Veterinary advice. Be your own researcher before using any product, prescribed or over the counter! Chemicals are chemicals and
the less you or your dogs are exposed to the better. We are dealing, in some cases, as with fleas
and ticks, a double edged sword and have to decide what poses the most risk to our dogs or ourselves. Just because a vet says it is ok, doesn't make it so. The vets only know what the
product reps have told them.
Also under the gun, are Ft. Dodge Vaccines, used by some veterinarians still! Many of the Hartz Products have caused MANY deaths to dogs and cats. Never let your vet give Proheart 6 ! It has caused many deaths! It is a Ft. Dodge Product! This company has contamination problems! Never let your vet give your dog it's vaccination and heartworm preventative at the same time. Wait two weeks after your dog has been vaccinated and then apply the heartworm preventative. All these
affect and lower the dogs' immune system.
Check out the new protocol on giving vaccines!! The new protocol advises most vaccines are not necessary on a yearly basis. Advocate vaccinating every three years for those vets whose practice would suffer financially. Most vaccinations last 7 years or longer! Yet, we are vaccinating our dogs every year??? Rabies shots are the law and some states require yearly shots. Be very cautious
with your pets!
Jacqueline 5/5/05
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Yesterday I applied K9 Advantix to my 75 lb labrador mix as I'd done every month for the last few years. 20 minutes later, his back legs gave out and he couldn't walk. Weighing only 110 lbs myself I carried him to the shower (mommies have adrenelin) and rinsed him for about 20 minutes and called the vet. They said to wash him again and bring him in. He was given something to offset the drops and has been lethargic for the past 24 hours. We hope he will make it but are unsure of any long term effects. The most frustrating thing is the vets refused to connect the drops to the episode. Then why give him
an "antidote"??? I am outraged, sad and feel horribly guilty. While searching this site I cried and cried and send my sympthathies to all the pet owners who have been "murdered" by these products.
I also send daggers to the horrible companies that continue to put chemicals in so-called "life saving" products that are killing our pets. Heck we don't have to look in the mid-east for the WMDs, they're right here on our pets!!
Anonymous 5/6/05
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I have a pit bull/boxer mix that is about 7 years old, give or take a few years. She was a shelter dog when we got her about 4 years ago so we did not know her medical history. She seemed healthy despite being very under weight. We nursed her back to health and used frontline for fleas/ticks. The last few years money has been tight so we switched to bio spot and the only thing that seemed wrong was it seemed to irritate her skin upon application. But no fleas or ticks. So we used the product... april-october for about 2 years, this would have been the 3rd year. She is up to date on her shots, has had her rabies shots, stays in the yard and is genrally a good dog. Last fall a friend gave us a blue tick coonhound so now that it is flea time I went and got biospot for both of them. gave them both a dose exactly a month ago today. Yesterday the pit bull mix had a seizure. Not a bad one but it put her under the weather for the rest of the day. We had never seen her act like this before. She didn't pace and walk into walls like others had happen, but it was still a great concern. I immediately thought of the bio spot. I had two more doses sitting on my desk to give them today. Late last night, I found a website that had a vet on it that I could ask questions. I told her of what happened to our Videlia and she told me to stop the bio spot. Of course there could be other causes to her seizure and she said that we should take her into our vets to have her blood checked. But like I have said, I cant help but think it is the bio spot and the vet did say to stop using it. She is a healthy older dog. Always alert, happy, etc. We checked our yard, there was nothing she could have gotten into. I know that it had been a month since the bio spot had been put on her, but maybe it was possible that her body just couldn't handle the chemicals anymore. She is much better today. Still groggy but she is eating, drinking and wagging her tail when you talk to her, last night she was nonresponsive to us. As I have said I'm not sure her seizure was due to the BS but i wanted to share my experience and ask if you know of natural remedies for fleas/ticks.
April 5/7/05
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My irish setter was 8 years old, a sweet-natured mellow dog ( not hyperactive as is the generalized view of irish setters) ). She was fed holisitic products, got lots of exercise and was in top shape. We had moved to a tick-ridden area and the holistic products did not work the first couple of years. Then
the next year at the vet's recommendation I used one application of FRONTLINE on her, and within an hour she went totally berserk and had a prolonged seizure. That night she calmed down. I had called the vet who said to wash off the frontline. I never used it again, just picked the ticks off every night
by hand.
Three years later my irish setter died and until the last minute no tests showed anything wrong - until
the vet saw a tumor - osteosarcoma- exactly on the spot where the FRONTLINE had been applied.
This is information I think pet owners would want to know. I was never able to get the vet to acknowledge that the FRONTLINE was related to the seizure. My son lives in England where he
says it is pretty well-known that Frontline is dangerous to dogs.
Beverly 5/10/05
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I also had problems with Frontline Top Spot. I applied this to my perfectly healthy young Maltese dog as directed in Summer of 1997. She fell down, panted, and became shakey. I called Frontline and they said the never heard of such complaints and to take her to the vet. They were sure it was not the Frontline Top Spot!
Since this time, she completely lost her hair on her back, ears and face. Her soft pink skin skin became thick and black. Each pore was filled with a thick tar-like substance. Her skin first blackened at the area of application between her shoulderblades and spread over the next six months to her entire body. Her skin hurt and she screamed out in pain whenever I touched her. My vet had seen several dogs sickened with Frontline, but did not know what to give her other than steroids. Frontline was of no help when he called them.
I called Frontline many times after placing my report and they said they never heard of any such complaints. During one conversation with a "cheery" consultant at Frontline, I told them I could express the thick tarry goo out of the pores just like a pimple, they "humorously" suggested I: "...Exfoliate my dog at the spa." Needless to say, I was not laughing. They did not ever take me seriously.
Today, in 2005, my dog is still ill. I have never used any pesticide on her since 1997. I simply rub few drop of essential oil (Citronella, cedar and lemon grass) in my hands and rub it on the tips of her fur. Works great. Plus her diet is now healthy whole foods. That helped a lot, but she will never be totally well.
Since the initial application most of her hair has grown back, although she was bald for two years.
She has a chronic cough, lumps in her skin at the application site, and is still very shaky when she walks. Her skin is mostly pink again, but she still has several thousand pores that are full of tar-like material mostly around her belly, vulva, anus, and tail, and between her shoulder blades at the site of the first (and only) application of Frontline Top Spot. I can gently express (clean) her pores, but they
fill again within a week.
I wish a similar tar-like pox on the makers of Frontline Top Spot for making such a toxic product and keeping hush hush about all the complications to our beloved animals.
Anonymous 5/11/05
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I just want to point out the fact that some are suggesting that biospot is the only dangerous product
out there yet i see a few posts about Frontline and Advantage users having the same problems. I
have a niece that is allergic to milk........does that mean we need to jerk milk off of store shelves? Or what about peanuts or shellfish. Just like humans some animals have different reactions to different products. I think its just rediculous to blame the manufacturer when the vast majority of people
have had no problems.
Joey 5/13/05
Unlike milk, peanuts, or shellfish, few of the pesticides used today cause true allergenic symptoms. Pesticides (unlike milk, peanuts, or shellfish) are poisons which interfere with the central nervous systems of insects, animals, and humans. Most adverse reactions that occur after pesticide exposure
are toxic responses, not allergic responses. A toxic response is directly the result of the pesticide acting on cells.
Is it ridiculous to blame the manufacturers for these toxic responses? If they have done inadequate dose-response testing, and if they fail to warn their customers of the possibility and symptoms of a severe toxic reaction, and if they deny any responsibility when toxic reactions occur, then it is not ridiculous to hold these manufacturers accountable for any harm caused by their products.
James TerBush
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I recently applied Biospot to both my dogs (approx 2 weeks ago). My ivory lab has lost all the hair
on her back and is extremely itchy. My golden retriever seems fine although he had two days of unexplained vomiting around the time of application. I wish I had found your website B/4 I used it.
Will the hair grow back? Is it too late to wash it off?
Scott 5/13/05
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My beautiful six year old golden retriever is currently in the dog emergency center suffering the effects of an application of BioSpot last Saturday night. Sunday she began panting heavily, wouldn't eat or
drink, had difficulty moving. I immediately called the vet. When I mentioned I had applied BioSpot they said "Oh No!". Following their instructions I bathed her immediately and took her in. The liver damage may be permanent. I can't believe this product is still on the market. What is it doing to our young children who hug their pets, bury their faces in their fur and kiss them? Do we have to wait for our kids to turn up with liver cancer before we hold these people accountable?! Every vet I've spoken with has nothing but negative things to say about BioSpot - but none of them have huge signs in their offices warning of the danger of using OTC treatments on our pets. I stupidly assumed someone out there (EPA) regulated products which would be used in the home and come in close contact with young children. Clearly I was wrong and sadly many lovely animals have to suffer the consequences of our neglect.
Peggy 5/17/05
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I used BioSpot on my 1 year old English Setter last weekend. First she acted as if I put acid on her back, her eyes were dilated, she was drooling profusely and she was very agitated. She jumped on my husband's lap and trembled as though she was frightened. She then ran around the house crying and trying to rub it off.
I scooped her up ASAP and put her in the tub and thoroughly washed her with mild shampoo and rinsed her in cool water. She stood for the bath with great relief and was immediately better.
How can a product that causes this adverse reaction in a healthy, young, athletic dog be sold over the counter in pet stores without any cautions on the packaging?
I wrote to the U.S. EPA per your suggestions and I reported her reaction to the pet store and advised them that they should either stop selling the stuff or warn purchasers about the possibility of adverse reactions.
Diane 5/18/05
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Last year I switched from Program to BioSpot for my two dogs (Vinnie, Jack Russell, 12 1/2 years
and Bert, American King German Shepherd, 12 years) due to concern over the West Nile Virus. Vinnie never seemed to have any problems with the applications. Bert, unfortunately, did gradually develop many problems. He became depressed, lethargic, more aggressive, disobedient and moody in addition to losing his appetite. He also experienced muscle tremors, paralysis in his hind-end and loss of bladder control. Since the onset of these symptoms was so gradual, we just assumed it was old age. Never thought the BioSpot would be to blame as Vinnie was fine.
Some friends shared their experiences with topical flea/tick products, none of which were good
(mostly relating to cancer, but they did mention seizures). That's when I found your website along with many others cautioning about the use of BioSpot.
For January 2005, we did not administer the monthly dose to either dog. Bert seemed to perk up a bit and had better bladder control, so we did not administer for February. The muscle tremors lessened, his appetite returned and he could go up and down the stairs without problems. No dose in March brought the sparkle back to his eyes and the desire to fetch the paper again (something he hadn't
done for almost a year!). Now it's May (still no doses administered) and we have our old dog back
with hardly any residual problems.
I've sent the remaining product back to Drs. Foster & Smith for a refund and intend to notify the EPA and Farnam Pet Products of our experience. Thank you for maintaining your website as it has proven incredibly informative about this insidious product; Bert sends his thanks, too!!
Lisa 5/20/05
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Not as quick as chemical products but a lot less toxic are natural products. A little apple cider vinegar in water (Pets do get used to it if you add it gradually over a period of a couple weeks. about 1 teaspoon in a gallon of water is good for most cats and dogs) The vinegar gets into their system and becomes 'part' of the animal. It makes them 'taste' bad to bugs. Natural oils like pennyroyal and mints diluted and applied to an elasticized fabric collar (So your pet can get loose if it gets snagged on something) are natural flea collars...There are a lot of good "Natural" care books out there that can teach you how to eliminate pests from your pet with out eliminating the pet. Yes some of them take a little more time than dribbling on some liquid stuff but in the long run you'll save time (and money) by
not having to run to the vet, sit in the waiting room etc...
I have had pets in my life for just shy of 50 years and in the last 20 have become a 'natural' pet owner. We rescue animals and last year one poor kitty who we named Olivia had been so inundated with flea products by the people who dropped her off that she became ill, developed Liver dis-ease and died within 6 months despite all our efforts to save her(We do go to the vet with such cases but do still try to keep the 'kids' as chemical free as possible). We have managed to maintain a chemical free flea free environment for our pets for the last 15 years and they seem to thrive. Our cats are minimally vaccinated and on average live to be at least 20 unless struck by disease. ( we have had several vaccine-cancer related deaths of cats which is why we don't vaccinate blindly) My husband and I got our first cat, Burt when he was 3-4 years old...he lived with us for 18 years until his age caught up with him. Most of our cats are still with us so we don't know how long they will live yet...time will tell. Our oldest right now is TJ who we got 17 years ago...he was said to be between 2 and 3 years old at that time. Yes that makes him 20...the rest range down in age from 17 years to 11 months. We got more involved in natural care when we adopted a 'feral' cat who turned up Leukemia pos and the vest said he'd be dead in no more than a year...he lived another four and was fine right up until a week before he passed.
Good luck and do know there are alternatives...
Cherie 5/22/05
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I can't begin to thank you for putting this web site up- unfortunaly it came too late for me. I have used
Bio spot for years and although I did think it had no side effects for my animals , after seeing your site
I realize that there were signs that I just did not see. Our dog would act confused and stumble sometimes, but since he is getting old I did not think much of it. I did recently change his medication
for other reasons or he might now be dead.
Last Sunday I used the correct formula of Bio spot on our outdoor cat. Since she was outdoors I did
not notice that something was wrong until Wednesday. There were no tremors or siezures, she was
just lethargic and sounded a bit funny. A little later in the day I noticed that her eyes did not focus right.
I then came in and did a Google search and found your site. I immediatley bathed her and planned to take her to the vet the next morning. Unfortunatly by morning it was too late- she died the same night.
I cannot tell you how heartbroken I am because I unknowingly poisoned one of the best friends I have ever had . I will not be getting over this for a long time to come. PLEASE everyone reading this
DO NOT USE BIOSPOT- IT IS POISON . It may work this time with no bad side effect, but if you seriously care about your animal NEVER use this product- someday it will kill your animal.
I am outraged that this product is on the market with so little warnings on the label. If someone knows how to contact the company please post it so that I can add my two cents worth with the company that makes it.
JoAnne 5/22/05
I thought I would give you an update on Farnam. You posted my letter dated 5/22/05 about my cat dying three days after using Biospot on her. I did contact the company , who seemed surprised to hear that I thought their product killed my cat. I had several packages of Biospot left and the lady said if I would sent it to her she would be glad to refund my money- she was especially interested in the second unused vial from the package that killed Miss Kitty. I got a check today for 91.89. The products I sent back cost no more than 35.00 so I suppose the remainder is supposed to replace my cat. What it tells me is that they KNOW they are responsible for her death and this is hush money. Too bad since I do not intend to hush for a long time to come. Please post this in case anyone else is interested . Thanks and keep up the good work.
Jo Anne 6/19/05
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Thank you for the very informative web site. My husband and I have had our dog Tricksy since she
was 5 weeks old (she will be 9 in December). Since we are unable to have biological children, she
(as well as her 2 sister cats, Riley and Carson) are like our furry children. Tricksy is a medium sized dog, about 16 pounds and is a mixed breed. Her mother was an AKC Registered English Springer Spaniel and her dad was a little poodle/maltese mix. We have never had much problems with fleas however, when we do, we have always used Advantage with a good result.
Recently, I purchased 2 single doses of Advantage for my cats via PetSmart's Vet Dept. They were
out of the single dose Advantage for dogs and suggested using Frontline Plus instead. Monday, May 16th I gave Tricksy a bath in the evening and then applied the Frontline Plus. The next night (Tuesday the 17th) she was unusually lethargic and seemed to quickly be going into a deep sleep. On Wednesday the 18th, my husband and I noticed Tricksy was involuntarily keeping her mouth open.
She was restless and couldn't sleep and was having difficulty giving kisses or lapping up water. She was drooling and her saliva was all over the place.
Thursday, the 19th we took Tricksy to our regular vet who did a physical exam and took blood and
x-rays of her lower body. Although her blood work and x-rays were completely normal, they seemed
to think she had injured her back and the mouth opening problem was her reaction to pain. They gave her a muscle relaxer and sent her home. Durning the night the problem became increasingly worse
and Tricksy was having difficulty swallowing and resting. We took her for a second opinion on Friday, May 20th to another vet in our area. This vet took more blood and put her under a local anesthetic so they could obtain films of her jaw as well as scope her throat and nose to make sure her breathing passages were not blocked. Her x-rays again were normal as was the blood work. They did hint that she may be a bit anemic but didn't want to make an issue of that. They prescribed an anti-inflammatory to use in addition to the muscle relaxer and told us that if she is not better by Monday, to call them back.
For some reason the application of the Frontline Plus kept nagging at me. Actually, when my husband called me at work on Wednesday and told me about the mouth opening situation, the first thing I thought was that she'd had a stroke...it sounded neurological to me. The only different event has been the application of the FrontLine Plus. It is now Sunday, May 22 and Tricksy is still unable to close her mouth and continues to have difficulty swallowing or using her tongue. Needless to say I am very concerned. Upon a review of your site, we quickly put her in the tub for another bath and took pictures afterwards in case we need them.
If you know of any similar instances we would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you in advance and have a great day.
Jeannie 5/22/05
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BioSpot has just killed my cat. Judging by the previous accounts this is not an uncommon occurrence. The company does not seem to accept responsibility for this dreadful product. If they did it would not still be available to the unsuspecting buyer. Another question-why are stores putting it on their shelves?
Lucy 5/29/05
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Our 7 month old Labrador Retriever died on May 28 after his 2nd application of Frontline Plus was administered the preceding Tuesday. He starting throwing up on Thursday and we rushed him to an animal hospital where they gave him a shot to calm his stomach. We noticed that he couldn't keep his balance and was stumbling....he just didn't look right.
The next morning, he threw up again so I brought him to his vet. They kept a watch on him all day and rehydrated him. Every place we took him they asked if he had gotten into any toxic solutions. Our answer was always no, he was a heavily supervised dog. The vet sent him home in the afternoon and said he was noticeably better.
When we got him home, he was still 'out of it' and was drooling and panting. We gave him some chicken & rice, which he ate. We watched him all night because he just wasn't right. He was standing up with his eye closed, he got to a point where he couldn't walk and he was urinating on himself. He also had a few seizures with heavy panting. He then threw up again. We called the hospital and they said to bring him in (it is now 2:30am). They wanted to open him up right away to see what was going on. We refused, we wanted to contact his regular vet. At 9:00 a.m. our vet called us and told us that the dog has some type of serious neurological problems and we need to get him to a hospital (in another state) that specializes in critical care and neurological problems. We picked him up and drove 2 hours
to the hospital. We told all 3 hospitals about the recent application of Frontline, but it did not seem to concern them.
The doctor at this last hospital said the dog was in critical condition and again asked if he had been exposed to or drank any toxic substances. We made a decision to have an MRI and a spinal tap done and some tests run to determine if any toxic substances could be found in his blood. At 10:00, we called the Dr and she said they were changing their focus from the brain to the liver. They performed
a test that detected that his ammonia level was over 1000, which the normal is between 80 - 90.
They started treating this and the levels began to decrease. They told us that he actually sat up and responded to his name. At this point, we thought there was some hope, but he was still in very
critical condition. Their next focus was going to be on the liver, stomach & kidneys. We received a
call at 4:00 a.m on Sunday and he had taken a turn for the worse. As they were working on him, he stopped breathing. In the end, he died. Although no one will confirm that the Frontline was the cause, we are convinced that it had something to do with it. After all the research we have been doing over
the past couple of days, we will not use this product on our next pet. We lost a lively, much loved
family pet that was only 7 months old.
Thanks for listening and I hope this information helps some other pet owners.
Signed: A very sad family 5/30/05
I spoke with the people at Merial and once they receive my 4 page letter, they will be opening up a case. She wanted details over the phone, but I was too emotional to talk about it and told her I had it all in writing. We are waiting for one last document from the last hospital where Harley was treated, then we will have all the information to send. They were actually receptive to me and did not try to tell me that Frontline had nothing to do with my dog's death. I was very surprised. Let's see how they react when they receive my certified letter.
Like I mentioned earlier, my vet thinks we have a serious EPA issue (12 year old house - no lead anywhere) and is in complete denial. I spoke with a doctor from the last hospital Harley was at and she said it was possible that Frontline caused this, but she had never seen a case this severe.
This had been very theraputic for me and I hope I can make even the slightest difference. I'm telling pet owners I know about these products and giving them your website. They are shocked.
Thanks for all your help and I'll keep you advised.
Julie 6/6/05
For natural flea & tick control, our breeder has recommended a product called Neem. We were going to try this on Harley if he had pulled through.
Julie 6/7/05
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We used Sergeants Gold on our three year old cat and within twelve hours he was having problems. Biting at himself, scratching, licking and unsteady gait. We gave him a bath to wash this off and he slowly was better. It was only then that I started to research this stuff and found this website. After three days he's a lot better but he apparently lost some of his memory. He doesn't know some of the things he used to or act the way he did. Had we known that this could happen we never would have given him anything. If you go to Sergeants website they tell you that problems are caused by not going according to directions. WE went by exactly what they said!!! Our cat may never be the same again. DO NOT GIVE YOUR PET THIS CHEMICAL!!!
Bill 5/31/05
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I come on this site looking to see if there might be a connection between frontline plus and osteosarcoma. I applied frontline plus to my three dogs for about three years and although they seemed to find it unpleasant when applied it did keep off the fleas and ticks pretty well if applied
regularly. But recently my largest dog, a mixed breed who has mostly irish setter body type, has developed osteosarcoma which the vet says will kill him. It is right under the part of his neck where
I have always applied frontline. I know that humans always seek to find meanings and causes for
things and that it can be just superstition to think that something I did at that spot caused my dear
dog harm. But I just couldn't keep putting a neurotoxin right on top of where he has cancer. And I
don't want to put my other dogs more at risk if this is really the cause. I asked by vet if there
was any research on this and he said none that he knew of but check the web. That brought me
here and I read all the sad stories of dogs with seizures. Then I found a recent posting of another
setter that has osteosarcoma right under where frontline was applied. Now, that seems worth investigating more. Do setters who aren't given frontline getting osteosarcoma in the neck area
as something they are just prone to? or is it setters who are somewhat susceptible and frontline
sets it off? or is this happening to other kindsof dogs who have frontline used on them too? or is it
just a coincidence? I don't know. I do know that in the future I will find other approaches to flea control. Fleas are more than a nuisance. My parents elderly dog needed a blood transfusion from anemia
due to flea bites! That is how much blood a dog can lose to fleas. It is so hard to know how to balance the risks. I do think it is shocking that more testing is not done on these products.
Copper 5/31/05
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We had just adopted two 3 year old Mastiff/Lab Mix that were in perfect health. They had just been checked by a vet. We purchased Bio Spot from the local pet store and applied it on Saturday May 28, 2005. The next night we noticed that Shilo had become ill. If not for stumbling on to your website we
probably would have never thought that the Flea Medication we put on her would be the culprit to her coughing and throwing up. If not for finding your website I'm not sure what we would have done. I will keep you up to date on her progress we just got done bathing her and I will bathe her again tomorrow.
Just a question - has anyone considered a class action lawsuit against Farnam?
Keith & Brigette 6/1/05
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As I read the message board I got that sick sad feeling again. Our dog had a reaction to frontline and of course the vet said it was something else. So we no longer go to that vet .. Our dog after a couple of days got better and we learned a lesson if it's to good to be true it probably isn't safe. Anyway, we use kiss my face mosquito/tick spray... it works okay but it's safe.
Deb 6/3/05
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I have 5 pomeranians and was using Revolution for a while. I started noticing that one of them would be lethargic for a couple of days after application. I stopped using this and it has never happened again. I do believe this was the cause. I use Frontline to control fleas and only at 2 to 3 month intervals. Also for people with small breeds, if the dosage on Frontline is up to 20 lbs, and you have a 5 lb dog, only use no more than a half of a dose. I usually split these between 2 or 3 poms.
Anonymous 6/5/05
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Thank goodness for your web site. My Boston Terrier 3 years old was taking to the Vet this past Friday to get her ready for her new home with a great lady. We went to go get her a clean health certificate, (She passed with flying colors )....then as I was leaving the vet . (Though myself do not
like the Flea Protections because of a previous puppy dying from another well known flea prevention)
I thought about her new owner who believed in Frontline Plus. So, being she was going to a great home, I went ahead and got this product to send with her and decided to open one up to go ahead
and get the month started for new owner.
This dog Katana has never been remotely sick in the three years with us. Always active, always friendly. I put this product on her Friday the 3rd of 2005. She was to be shipped off the following
day. Due to some unforeseen events my husband was delayed and missed the flight. She was
acting not her self but we just thought it was being nervous. As we well know animals are smarter than we think. But, her breathing became somewhat erratic and she was lying around. Meanwhile, her new owner has made arrangements to catch the Sunday flight out.
I was noticing Our Girl panting a little harder than normal, so I turned up the air. Then she broke out with a fever. Then when she went to get up she wobbled from side to side. This was only a few hours after applying the flea medication.... I thought how could a dog be in a clean bill of health one day and by the next acting like this ... By Sunday she was getting where her breathing was more labored and she did not want to eat or drink. I called my vet. Being we are not in an area for animal emergencies, he quickly told me to get as much down her - mainly fluids, until in the morning. And he instructed me to meet him at the office at 7:00 a.m but, if she gets too erratic to call him.
Her panting is as she was in labor. Her heart rate is getting very erratic. My fear is she will get worse by morning. I came to this web site.. I put "dogs reactions to flea medication" and I found your web site after doing a little more reseach. If I had only known about this web site, maybe I could have made another decision. I will Never apply any kind of flea prevention again to my dogs. I say we should all bond together, print out some of the info and get involved in changing the suffering of these animals.
I will update you on Katana. After reading all of this it sounds like she has had a reaction to the Frontline Plus.... I only pray it has not affected her internally.
Please if you have any suggestions or any advice .. I would love to hear it. Sadly Concerned over Katana. Her new owners are devastated as well. My prayers are with you Mary for having to go through this .... These are great people that We screened to find her a loving home as we are moving to an area where strict covenants apply. We only Hope she makes it.
Concerned and Worried in Mississippi
Leah 6/6/05
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Last year my dog became ill in June. I asked the vet if it could be a reaction to the heartworm medication or the Frontline. She said "No."
This year, I gave my dog Frontline Plus and he became very agitated. He started drooling. He vomited. He had diarehea. He wanted to eat grass. This went on for several days. When he did not get better, I found your website. I immediately washed his back with a detergent. I took him to the vet for medication. He is now starting to get better.
My dog is a scratcher. He apparently was scratching his back, then licking his paws. His tongue looked as though it had been burned.
This stuff should be taken off the market. Who can we call to report this. This year and last year, I have spent well over $1,000 on vet bills because of this.
Phillis 6/6/05
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I have two Cats in the emergency room right now due to this flea prevention. I think more should be done to prevent other people from having the same result.
Abby 6/7/05
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My 8 year old lab mix, Sophie, has been having seizures for the last 3 years. At first, we thought it
was the combination of Heartgard and Frontline Plus, so we started to stagger the dosing. I usually give Sophie Frontline Plus, starting in late March and then continue until October or November, depending on the weather. Her seizures don't happen with the first dose and this time I accidentally waited two months before applying the second dose. Within 24 hours she had a grand mal seizure, followed by another one less than 48 hours later. Neither of the last two Vets she's had can connect
her seizures to Frontline Plus, but they do find it "interesting" that her seizures only happen after we've applied Frontline Plus. Are Vets being paid large amounts of money by these pharmaceutical companies, just like M.D.'s? Is that why they don't want to say anything?
I need to find an alternative, since we live in a Lyme disease infected area. I've already had it once
and I don't want it again, so I've got to keep the ticks off my dog. Also, I have indoor cats and if my dog
isn't treated in some way, then the cats will get the fleas too! Please help!!
Thanks for your wonderful site.
Wanda 6/7/05
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I just want to let you know that I have just found your web site. Here is what my family is going through due to Bio Spot.
After apply the Bio Spot to my dog, several hours later my dog got sick. He threw up, and had labored
breathing. I gave him Benadryl. At the time I didn't think that Bio Spot was the culprit. My cat Noodle is now at the vet's- and is trying to just live. They have him sedated, so the seizures are not raking his poor body.
This product was recommended by a pet store employee and we had been told that she had used
this on her cat. So we used the product on just our dog and now my cat may die. Monday night he
had massive spasms, and seizures. He was panting and had labored breathing. Before that he had acted some what lethargic. I called the ASPCA, and was told that he would need to go to the vet. We stayed up all night trying to hold my cat while the seizures took their toll on his poor body. We bathed him twice in dawn, to try and neutralize the effect. We tried to comfort him as much as possible before we could get him to the vet, due to not having an emergency hospital in our area. By the time the vet
opened, my poor cat was in one continuous seizure. When we got him in, his temp was 107. They rushed him into a cold bath to get it down. He was given shots of Valium and something that was suppose to break the chemicals down in his system. He had seizures all day yesterday when he
wasn't heavily sedated. We went to see him today, he is still have shaking spells, and they are
keeping him sedated. The vet is worried about his kidneys, and said that he is not sure as of yet
about how much nerve damage Noodle will have if he lives. The vet said that this is one of the worst
cases he has ever seen.
My daughter had to go to my mothers due to the fact that she has asthma, She complained of a headache and an upset stomach. Once I found out how toxic this was, I was not going to take a chance with her.
With my exposure to the product, I had a numb tongue all night Monday night and it lasted until late
Tuesday night. I took a Benadryl and it helped some. Today I'm feeling very sick and not sure if it's from
the Bio Spot or not, but when I spoke with Bio Spot they said that the product does cause numbness and tingling. I have had a very upset stomach and have been shaky all day. My knees hurt and ache along with them shaking. I will be going to the doctor tomorrow if I don't feel any better.
I have called the pet store who sold me the product. I'm waiting on a call back in the morning. I have called the makers of Bio Spot(yesterday). I also called them today, I finally got a call back. The woman told me that the case that my family is having is one in a million, with not just my animals being affected. She also stated that it would take 48-72 hrs before my cat would pull out of it.? So they know how long this will affect the animal!? Why does something not sound right? Also I was asked that if I was sure that it was Bio Spot that caused this. Or that I may have failed to follow the directions on the package, Duh! I always follow directions. With my daughter I watch what is brought in to my house. My vet said that he has no doubt it was the bio spot. When I called the EPA, they stated that no possible way the Bio spot is responsible for my tongue being numb, although the Bio Spot rep stated that it was
probably the cause for it. That the product would cause this.
As I said my daughter has Asthma, this was her cat. This was the only animal that my daughter ever wanted and this has been the only cat that hasn't triggered her asthma. My daughter is beside her self over her cat. To make it worse she is the one who found him when he was acting real funny, just before the seizures started. Something needs to be done to protect our loved ones and family members! I do auctions on several different sites and will be posting an auction to let people know about this product. I'm not sure how the auction will go, any suggestions on what should be included? My vet is a really great guy, and will be working with me on the bill. But we are a one income family and didn't expect
one of our animals life to be on the line, from using a product on our dog for flea's. I'm going to try and raise money to help pay for the vet bill, and to start a fund to help pay for other animals that have been exposed to this toxic problem. I will also be starting a petition to have this product removed from shelves.
How many people are affected by this product and don't know it's the product?
Jennifer 6/9/05
Well we got Noodle home yesterday. He is still having small tremors. The vet has him on a narcotic that he will have to take morning and night for the rest of his life, to keep him from having seizures. He is also taking antibiotics. We will be taking him back on Monday.
When we brought him home he wasn't able to stand to well or do anything that he was use to doing with out falling. We are hoping that this will improve with time.
The vet is still worried about kidney failure. But at least what ever the out come is with Noodle, he
is now at home being pampered, loved, and watched like a hawk. I hope no one has to go through something like this again.
Jennifer 6/10/05
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My husband just called, from a radio commercial he heard, telling me about BioSpot; however, when I read your readers' comments I am appalled.
We also have a 2-year-old Jack Russell and an Australian Shepherd, and are avid lovers of animals. That being said, I would like to share a few of our remedies for ticks, fleas and mosquitoes:
I bought cloth collars for our dogs, and put about 6 drops of the following essential oils on them: :
Pennyroyal, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Clove and Lavender. I apply re-apply about once a week. After bathing, in tearless shampoo [to which you can also add the oils], I put a few drops on their brushes and comb it through. In the summer, I put a couple of drops of the oils on their backs between their shoulders. They smell divine to us, but the fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are repulsed.
We have two acres and many trees and, therefore, a lot of our neighbors' fleas and ticks flow over. We treat twice a year with beneficial nematodes [www.Kunafin.com and/or www.DirtDoctor.com] Since we also have grandchildren, and don't use chemicals on our lawns, we opt for the safest non-invasive methods to use. Harsh chemicals can be absorbed through human and pets' feet, so we are constantly educating ourselves as to sensible alternatives.
Since using the beneficial nematodes on our lawn, the tick and flea infestation is minimal. We live in South Texas and, therefore, fight an annual problem. Since we also have several water features, mosquitoes can pose a problem as well. We found "mosquito dunk" for the ponds, water fountains and bird baths; it is also organic and comes in liquid, or in a solid "donut" shaped form. It is non-toxic to pets.
Also of note, diatomaceous earth "DE" [not the kind used in swimming pools] is so safe that it can be used on carpets. More on DE can also be found at DirtDoctor.com or by simply searching information on it through the Internet.
I hope this helped; my heart goes out to the sincere people who have experienced bad consequences with their conventional flea treatments. As for me, we probably will never have to find out what can happen to our beloved pets.
Cathy 6/9/05
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How do I report an adverse reaction to a flea control product?
Please contact the U.S. EPA by telephoning the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at
1-800-858-7378, seven days a week excluding holidays, from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM Pacific Time - or fax them on (514) 737-0761 - or email them at npic@ace.orst.edu. Also report the adverse reaction
to the manufacturer of the product by calling the phone number listed on their packaging.
If you would prefer to report it directly to the U.S. EPA, please contact:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Pesticide Programs (Mail Code 7509C)
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20460
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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.
