Betty went to kitty heaven yesterday. I figured out what was wrong with her all this time. The topical flea treatment was the culprit -
Frontline Plus. Butter, (died earlier this year caught by a coyote), didn't have a reaction to the medication. Butter was 20 pounds; Betty was only 10 pounds. At the time I didn't realize her onset of problems came from the treatment. Apparently many pets, both dogs and cats, can suffer permanent damage or succumb to this and other topical flea treatments. Why aren't these pet meds taken off the market? They aren't meds, they are pesticides, that's why the EPA regulates them and not the FDA.
Previously the
EPA advised manufacturers to change the products to be more weight specific but even with that there are still lots of pets who die from this treatment which is essentially a poison. The veterinarian also knew about the dangers of this product. I don't recommend using any topical flea treatments; it isn't worth the risk. It can cause severe skin irritation, liver and kidney failure, neurological problems, seizures, strokes, convulsions, and death. Sweet dreams Betty.
I am so very sorry. And angry too. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, thanks, yes I am angry too but at least Betty lived a good long life.
Deleteoh Linda that is terrible. I had no idea it could affect animals in that way.. I'm so sorry - our pets are so special..
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, thanks, I had no idea either so I decided to post in case someone else didn't know.
DeleteSo very sorry to hear about Betty.
ReplyDeleteWe have to be so very careful with them. There so many dangers out there for them.
Sending you ((hugs))
Hi Cass, thanks so much, so many danger's for sure.
DeleteSo very sorry that Betty is gone. One of the first things I did upon finding your blog was to read the kitty bios. Each obviously held a very special place in your heart.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzi, thanks, they are all special friends aren't they.
DeleteGood bye to dear Betty. Sending my virtual hug to you Linda.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb, thanks so much.
DeleteSo sorry, Linda, to hear of Betty. It is so hard to know what is going on with our pets when they are ill. Indeed, sweet kitty dreams, Betty.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlene, thanks, it doesn't help that I gave her the flea treatment either.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Betty. And yes a little angry about the circumstance, that there is something out there to rid us of one thing, yet cause harm to the pets we love so much. I know how much your kitties have meant to you, this must be so hard.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, hope someone else's pet is saved from reading my blog.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Betty -- I understand and know that it can happen. A topical flea poison killed my border collie Merlin 3 years ago - 2 days after treatment (a new formula from the same company I'd been using) he had total kidney failure. A completely healthy dog dead from vet prescribed flea treatment.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, thanks, I remember Merlin dying but I didn't remember that it was from a flea treatment, wish I had remembered. I like to say I remember everything but I guess these days I don't
DeleteThat's too bad about the flea treatment. I am sorry for your loss, Linda.
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi, thanks, I hope one more pet is saved from reading this. I don't like using these types of treatments but at the time she was scratching so much.
DeleteI am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI have used a topical flea med in the past when I had a dog. Fleas are difficult to deal with and along with fleas come skin irritation and worms. Since my cat Sophie doesn't go out I don't have to use anything on her.
Hi Michele, thanks, apparently smaller and older cats are more susceptible but Judy's dog wasn't small or old he died. I think the powders may be less toxic the liquid is absorbed right into the body and hence the damages to brain and organs. Catmint is supposed to be ten times more potent than deet, I am looking into getting some for us to use as the mosquitos are plentiful this year.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am so sorry about the loss of Betty. I just came across your post. I "hate" using those products on our cats... they are poison. Our inside cats never go out, but on occasion we have found fleas. We can only guess that DH brings them inside on his clothes when he works in the yard? And we even use diatomaceous earth outside to help the ferals...
ReplyDeleteHi Rian, thanks, I have been so surprised at how many animals have been killed by these products, even young ones. Still the companies keep selling it and for a large sum of money too.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear....I'm so, so sorry, Linda...this is very sad. I've running late catching up with your blog...and I've now only just read your post about the loss of beautiful Betty. It's Monday afternoon here as I type.
ReplyDeleteI'm saddened by your loss. I empathise...I know how you must feel...I really do.
Hugs from me and smooches from Remy and Shama.
Hi Lee, thanks, Betty was old but her body was young and she shouldn't have had to die so soon. At least we have little Barney the outdoor cat to keep us company when we're out of doors. He's too independent to bring in.
ReplyDelete