4 replies to this topic

[Allison]

I haven't checked this out, totally yet, but I did receive it twice, and I want everyone to know, that the symptoms they describe are the same symptoms that Coyo and I had, from the nerve poisoning from Hartz--an Organo-phosphate poison.

The symptom they do not mention, is visual distortions. You will know it when you see it--like looking through the bottom of a bottle. Coyo was shaking. I noticed him before I noticed me. If you have recently used either of these products, wash your dog thoroughly with soap and water, and call your Physician.

I'll check into it further, ASAP, but on the chance that someone may be affected, I thought I'd better post it.



----- Original Message -----
>> Subject: [cfa-list] Re: WARNING...DO NOT USE PROMERIS ON YOUR PETS
>> !!!!
>>
>>
>>
>> These are 2 of many similar posts, crossposted here w/ permission. My
>> vet was considering carry this product, till he read the posts.
>> Promeris is available for both dogs & cats. Please share the enclosed
>> info. Elva
>>
>> << Dear List,
>> I would like to advise you of the problem I had last week with the
>> new ProMeris Flea and Tick treatment, put out by Fort Dodge. I am
>> sharing this story, with the hope of saving someone else's beloved
>> pet. I stopped by my Vet to purchase Frontline for Fleas and Ticks,
>> as I had began to notice a few on my 2 Great Pyr dogs, since the
>> warmer weather has arrived. She suggested a new product, that she
>> thought I should try, so I agreed. The next day I applied the
>> treatment to both my dogs, and almost immediately, one began to act
>> kind of strange. Later that evening, she became desperately ill. Her
>> entire body was jerking all over and she was breathing rapidly. She
>> was also having some gastric distress, like she had eaten something
>> that had made her ill, or at worst had possibly been poisoned. Then I
>> remembered applying the ProMeris, earlier, and her acting odd. When I
>> called my Vet, she knew immediately what it was and by the time I got
>> there, she had called Fort Dodge, and they had agreed to pay the
>> Vet's bills. An IV was started ASAP, and I was told that there was an
>> antedote for ProMeris. It had apparently attacked her nervous system,
>> and it could not be reversed. She died the next day.........they had
>> her shipped immediately to a facility for a complete necropsy. I
>> asked my Vet why, and was told that they needed it done for their
>> "research." Could this product still be in the testing stage??? I am
>> so angry, and so hurt over this, and I can never replace my sweet
>> girl. I suppose that I am fortunate that my other female, didn't have
>> the same reaction, and appears to be okay. Sincerely,
>> Betty
>> ---------------------------------
>> This is the second warning I received regarding this product. The first
>> one
>> had not only hospitalized all four dogs but the owner as well. Ft. Dodge
>> is
>> paying for the dog's med bills but she never specified if they were
>> paying
>> for
>> hers too. She reported symptoms of nausea, dizziness, her nose and eyes
>> swelled along with feeling itchy and irritated. She was so bad she could
>> not
>>
>> drive. She also stated the smell from this rx. lasted for three days
>> and
>> was
>> just
>> starting to dissipate.
>> Nicole >>

[Shannon/Kevin]

Allison, on Apr 15 2008, 02:43 PM, said:

I haven't checked this out, totally yet, but I did receive it twice, and I want everyone to know, that the symptoms they describe are the same symptoms that Coyo and I had, from the nerve poisoning from Hartz--an Organo-phosphate poison.

The symptom they do not mention, is visual distortions. You will know it when you see it--like looking through the bottom of a bottle. Coyo was shaking. I noticed him before I noticed me. If you have recently used either of these products, wash your dog thoroughly with soap and water, and call your Physician.

I'll check into it further, ASAP, but on the chance that someone may be affected, I thought I'd better post it.



----- Original Message -----
>> Subject: [cfa-list] Re: WARNING...DO NOT USE PROMERIS ON YOUR PETS
>> !!!!
>>
>>
>>
>> These are 2 of many similar posts, crossposted here w/ permission. My
>> vet was considering carry this product, till he read the posts.
>> Promeris is available for both dogs & cats. Please share the enclosed
>> info. Elva
>>
>> << Dear List,
>> I would like to advise you of the problem I had last week with the
>> new ProMeris Flea and Tick treatment, put out by Fort Dodge. I am
>> sharing this story, with the hope of saving someone else's beloved
>> pet. I stopped by my Vet to purchase Frontline for Fleas and Ticks,
>> as I had began to notice a few on my 2 Great Pyr dogs, since the
>> warmer weather has arrived. She suggested a new product, that she
>> thought I should try, so I agreed. The next day I applied the
>> treatment to both my dogs, and almost immediately, one began to act
>> kind of strange. Later that evening, she became desperately ill. Her
>> entire body was jerking all over and she was breathing rapidly. She
>> was also having some gastric distress, like she had eaten something
>> that had made her ill, or at worst had possibly been poisoned. Then I
>> remembered applying the ProMeris, earlier, and her acting odd. When I
>> called my Vet, she knew immediately what it was and by the time I got
>> there, she had called Fort Dodge, and they had agreed to pay the
>> Vet's bills. An IV was started ASAP, and I was told that there was an
>> antedote for ProMeris. It had apparently attacked her nervous system,
>> and it could not be reversed. She died the next day.........they had
>> her shipped immediately to a facility for a complete necropsy. I
>> asked my Vet why, and was told that they needed it done for their
>> "research." Could this product still be in the testing stage??? I am
>> so angry, and so hurt over this, and I can never replace my sweet
>> girl. I suppose that I am fortunate that my other female, didn't have
>> the same reaction, and appears to be okay. Sincerely,
>> Betty
>> ---------------------------------
>> This is the second warning I received regarding this product. The first
>> one
>> had not only hospitalized all four dogs but the owner as well. Ft. Dodge
>> is
>> paying for the dog's med bills but she never specified if they were
>> paying
>> for
>> hers too. She reported symptoms of nausea, dizziness, her nose and eyes
>> swelled along with feeling itchy and irritated. She was so bad she could
>> not
>>
>> drive. She also stated the smell from this rx. lasted for three days
>> and
>> was
>> just
>> starting to dissipate.
>> Nicole >>

There was something on our local news about this the other night. This is the story that was on their web site
A product that promises to keep your pet healthy may have the opposite effect.

Now, area vets are facing the issue head on.
"We have chosen to go with a different product for the very reasons you're mentioning" said Dr. Paul Jaco who operates a practice in Marshall County, Kentucky.

A relatively new medicine for your pets may be doing more harm than good.

ProMeris aims to prevent your dog or cat from getting ticks and fleas, but there is growing concern that the product may be putting an animal's health in jeopardy.

The side effects can be potentially serious if not treated and include excessive vomiting, disorientation and depression.

Talk of *promeris* and concerns about the product are picking up locally among veterinarians, pet owners...and even on the internet.

"ProMeris! Ticks and fleas have never seen anything like this!"
The commercial promises a great product and for millions of pet owners it does the trick; helping to eliminate ticks and flees.
But area vets like Dr. Paul Jaco are seeing a fair share of adverse side effects because of the product too.
He quickly spots the warning signs.

"Lethargic for a day up to 3 days, 24 to 72 hours, just a little bit lethargic, and they can have nervous twitching and hyper salivation associated with ProMeris."

Pet owners have been hitting the internet blogs warning others to stay away from the topical.

Writing about "problems with ProMeris" and their animals "throwing up" as well as having "diarrhea and so on."

Dr. Jaco says regardless of the medicine you chose to treat your animal be on the lookout for two key side effects. The first, is your dog or cat feeling lethargic? And secondly, are they twitching?

The company that sells ProMeris has had reports of some problems and deals with them on a case by case basis.

ProMeris' representative veterinarian Dr. Tom Linz explains, "We have a group of veterinarians in the company that handle these adverse events when people call in and we investigate them thoroughly to make sure it is the product and it's not a concurrent product or something else going on."

And Dr. Jaco agrees: "These are going to be in odd-ball cases in dogs that are overdosed, the product is safe and it is effective and I would continue to use it if you've already bought the product from your veterinarian."

But ProMeris is one product this veterinarian is staying away from.

"It's not one that I recommend but there are, like I said three new products this year, and we're going to step up to that challenge" said Jaco.

There are key side effects you want to keep an eye on and the simple acronym SLUD will help you remember.
Look for excessive Salivation, Lacrimation (or tearing), Urination and Defecation.

If you see your dog or cat having those symptoms for one or more days it is time to see a vet.

People probably won't have severe reactions, but may find the smell to be too much to handle.

[Allison]

In my 7 year experience, there are basically two types of anti flea concoctions: One is a chemical aimed at interrupting the fleas life cycle, and the other is just plain poison spread over your pet.

I made the mistake of thinking that the FDA would watch our for me and my pet. But such is not the case. Organo-phosphate poisons are legally given out as flea and tick remedies.

If you are at all concerned, ask us. Write out the name and the chemical, and let us lead you to the correct answers. Don't let yourselves and your children live in a potentially dangerous situation.

You will know soon enough...shaking, visual distortions.... If you are an adult, that is one thing, there is nothing to do but work it out of your system. However, if your nervous system is still developing---if you are a child....

How can they still sell it? This is the same question we have been asking for several years.

[Allison]

Quote

There are key side effects you want to keep an eye on and the simple acronym SLUD will help you remember.
Look for excessive Salivation, Lacrimation (or tearing), Urination and Defecation.

Thanks for that post, Shannon.

[Allison]

From Promeris:

* Effectively stops and controls existing flea infestations for up to seven weeks in cats and six weeks in dogs
* Prevents re-infestation of fleas
* Monthly application is generally recommended for optimal flea control
* May be used as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis
* ProMeris is the only product available from a veterinarian that contains the active flea control ingredient, metaflumizone
* Metaflumizone has never before been used to control fleas and research shows they are readily susceptible
* Metaflumizone's new mode of action attacks fleas’ nervous system by blocking voltage dependent sodium channels, which results in paralysis and death of the flea

Here's from the company FAQ page:

What is the risk to people exposed to dogs recently treated with ProMeris for dogs or ProMeris for cats?
ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats have been designed to disperse quickly at the skin's surface, which makes accidental exposure to people less likely. Pet owners should follow all label directions and refrain from direct contact with the product and the application site until the treatment site has dried. If a person is exposed to product liquid while treating or petting dogs, he/she should follow the first aid advice on the package (e.g., washing hands). If the product is accidentally consumed, that person is advised to follow all first aid directions on the package, including informing a poison control center and following all of its instructions.
More here

From the Pesticide Project:

Metaflumizone (also known as BAS 320 I)
(E- and Z-Isomer)
CAS No. 139968-49-3


ACTIVITY: Insecticide (unclassified)

CAS Name: 2-[2-(4-cyanophenyl)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylidine]-N-[4-
(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]hydrazinecarboxamide

US EPA tolerances: mixture comprising E- and Z-Isomer:
4-(2E)-2-([4-(trifluoromethoxy) anilino]carbonylhydrazono)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylbenzonitrile and 4-(2Z)-2-([4-(trifluoromethoxy)anilino]carbonyl hydrazono)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylbenzonitrile

IUPAC Name:
(EZ)-2'-[2-(4-cyanophenyl)-1-(a,a,a-trifluoro-m-tolyl)ethylidene]-4-(trifluoromethoxy)carbanilohydrazide

EPA lists the chemical name for BAS 320 I as:
4-{(2E)-2-({[4-(trifluoromethoxy)anilino]carbonyl{time} hydrazono)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl{time}
benzonitrile - CAS No. 139968-49-3
and
4-{(2Z)-2-({[4-(trifluoromethoxy)anilino]carbonyl{time} hydrazono)-2-
[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethyl{time} benzonitrile - CAS No. 139968-49-3

Structure for CAS Name:




Adverse Effects:
Ataxia
Blood
Body Weight Decrease
Bone
Clastogenic
Liver
Reproductive
Regulatory Information
(only comprehensive for the US)
US EPA Registered: Pending
Other Information
Molecular Formula: C24H16F6N4O2
Entry Year: October 2004
Other Name(s): BAS 320 I
Manufacturer: BASF
Of special interest:
2006. Summary of toxicology data. California EPA.
The public first heard of this pesticide in October 2004 when it was announced at the website of the Compendium of Pesticide Common Names. Soon after, on Oct. 27, BASF petitioned US EPA for pesticide tolerances on food.

US Federal Register
Date Published Docket Identification Number Details
May 2, 2007 EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0305 Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment.
EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Georgia Department of Agriculture to use the pesticide metaflumizone to treat up to 31,000 acres of Brassica leafy vegetables to control the diamondback moth. The Applicant proposes the use of a new chemical which has not been registered by EPA. Therefore, EPA is soliciting public comment, on or before June 1, 2007, before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemption. As part of this request, the Applicant asserts that the available alternative controls are no longer providing adequate control, and states that resistance to some of them may be developing. The Applicant claims that another control chemical is needed to use in rotation with registered materials, to maintain season long control of the diamondback moth in these crops, and that without adequate control, significant economic losses will be suffered. The Applicant proposes to make no more than 4 applications of metaflumizone, at a rate of 0.25 lb. active ingredient per acre (no more than 1.0 lbs. a.i. total), on up to 31,000 acres of Brassica leafy vegetables (including but not limited to cabbage, collard greens, mustard greens, kale) and turnip greens, in Georgia, for use year round, resulting in use of up to a total of 31,000 lbs. a.i. total.
Jan 23, 2006 EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0302

BASF. Notice of Filing of a Pesticide Petition for the Establishment of Regulations for the Residues of the Insecticide Metaflumizone in or on Food and Feed Commodities.
New Tolerance. PP 5F6944. BASF Corporation, P.O. Box 13528, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, proposes to establish tolerances for residues of the insecticide (mixture comprising (E- and Z-Isomer) 4-(2E)-2-([4-(trifluoromethoxy) anilino]carbonylhydrazono)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylbenzonitrile and 4-(2Z)-2-([4-(trifluoromethoxy)anilino]carbonyl hydrazono)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylbenzonitrile) in or on
Commodity
PPM
cotton, seed
0.05
cotton, gin trash
35.0
cattle and poultry, meat
0.05
cattle and poultry, fat
0.5
kidney and liver, meat byproducts
0.05
milk
0.05
eggs
0.1


More here, including rather awful studies on animals.