Saturday, November 30, 2013

From Dogs Naturally Magazine: Trifexis Dangers BE AWARE




Dogs Naturally Magazine

The Heartworm Medication Trifexis Is Causing Dog Deaths

trifexis dog deaths

There have been many reports this week of the heartworm drug Trifexis® being responsible for the deaths of 700 pets this year. That’s 120 more than have died from eating Chinese chicken jerky. And just like the jerky, veterinarians and the FDA are slow to do anything about it.

What Is Trifexis®?

Trifexis is a multipurpose heartworm, flea and parasite prevention medication that’s been on the market for nearly three years. It contains two active ingredients: spinosad and milbemycin oxime. In Trifexis® clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (in order) were vomiting, depression/lethargy, pruritus, anorexia, diarrhea, trembling/shaking, ataxia, seizures, hypersalivation, skin reddening. But pet owners are reporting these reactions with alarming frequency and, so far, 700 deaths have been reported.
Spinosad is a broad insect pest spectrum used as a pesticide on crops since 1997. Insects treated with spinosad show involuntary muscle contractions and tremors resulting from activation of motor neurons, with prolong hyperexcitation resulting in prostration, paralysis and death in fleas – often within minutes of taking the drug.
Spinosad is also the active ingredient in Comfortis® and also Natroba for human head lice. It kills through both contact and ingestion but is much more effective if insects ingest it. Spinosad is not listed on US EPA list or CA Prop 65 list, which suggests it’s not been found to be carcinogenic.
It appears to be well known that spinosad can interact badly with ivermectin (Heartgard®). A study found ivermectin toxicity in dogs when given in conjunction with spinosad (Comfortis®). The findings suggest that spinosad increases the risk of ivermectin neurotoxicity by inhibiting the secretion of ivermectin to increase systemic drug levels and by inhibiting P-gp at the blood-brain barrier. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21321059)
Trifexis® and Comfortis® both carry warnings abut this on their websites. Vomiting, loose stools, bloody diarrhea were the most common adverse reactions during Comfortis® trials. There are also some reports of seizure like symptoms, lethargy, weight loss and respiratory issues.
There are lots of anecdotal reports of dogs suffering severe vomiting, stomach issues, lethargy, lack of appetite, kidney failure, seizure-like symptoms, vestibular symptoms and death after being dosed with Comfortis®. Many of these stories can be found in the comments under this veterinary article advocating Comfortis as a wonder drug.
The second active ingredient in Trifexis®, milbemycin oxime (trade name Interceptor), is also used in Milbemax (with praziquantel), and Sentinel Flavor Tabs (with lufenuron). It  acts by binding to glutamate gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of the parasites. It may also act by disrupting the transmission of invertebrate neurotransmitters.
Adverse effects reported for milbemycin show (in order of frequency) 9,359 instances of it being ineffective against heartworm, vomiting (2453), diarrhea, ineffective against ascarids, depression/lethargy, ineffective against hookworms, whipworms, anorexia and many more.

Adverse Effects

Reporter Jim Strickland from Atlanta has obtained the detailed clinical reports on the adverse events from Trifexis®. In its short life, the drug has resulted in the following reports:
trifexisEmesis: 23,360 number of times reported
Lethargy: 7,366
Lack of Efficacy: 5,707
Vomiting: 4,570
Ineffective, fleas: 2,870
Diarrhea: 2,468
Behavioral disorders: 1,448
Seiaures: 1,363
Pruritis: 1,044
Anorexia: 1,028
Itching: 1,017
Ataxia: 953
Shaking: 930
Ineffective: hookworms: 916
Ineffective: heart worm larvae: 810
This in addition to the 700 reported deaths. However, the FDA said that while it’s heard the complaints and is monitoring the product, there’s no link between Trifexis® and the death of any dogs. The manufacturer of Trifexis®, Elanco, also states they are monitoring the deaths although there’s no indication of this on their website.

Keep Calm And Carry On

In the face of the recent surge of complaints, the AVMA issued the following statement:
“Today, we received an update. A summary of the pathology/necropsy reports from an independent pathologist has determined that the cause of deaths were unrelated to the administration of Trifexis®.  The summary was derived from the individual pathology/necropsy reports which led attending veterinarians to also conclude that Trifexis® was not the cause of death.”
Who was the independent pathologist? Jeffery A Engelhardt, who was employed by the manufacturer of Trifexis®, Eli0Lilly/Elanco, from 1985-2004. It appears that he might not be as independent as the AVMA indicates.
So the veterinary association isn’t yet willing to act on the reports and they’re relying on information that is likely produced by the drug manufacturer. This shouldn’t come as a surprise however – when dogs and cats were getting ill and dying from tainted pet food, the veterinary associations supported the pet food manufacturers and encouraged pet owners to keep feeding kibble – a position that cost many more pets their lives.
Despite the AVMA’s position, the complaints of Trifexis® related deaths and adverse events continue. The Facebook page, TrifexisKillsDogs, contains many stories and updates on the product and accusations.
Beth Timms said her dog, Gizmo, was lethargic, suffered vertigo, seizures and a 106 degree fever after her vet prescribed the dog’s first ever dose of Trifexis®.
“We had to let her go. We had to have her put her to sleep. I killed my dog,” she said.
Much of the media attention began with seven Vizsla puppies that were born in June 2013.
While four of these puppies are thriving and have never had Trifexis®, three puppies each got their one and only dose of Trifexis® in early to mid September. One died within six days while two were dead within three weeks. Each puppy died of heart inflammation.
The cause of death is still being researched, but the only common element is the Trifexis®.
Trifexis is also marketed under the private label Vethical ComboGuard for VCA vet clinics.  Vethical also has a Comfortis® equivalent called Acuguard.

Alas dear Herbert, aka big chicken named after a country

You were DELICIOUS.
We soaked brined you... whatever.
And they say I am high maintenance. Riiiiigth.

We rubbed you. I like massages too.

We baked you! You looked tanned! I must say, this is something I would never want for myself. I rock the pale look.

We killed some time while you took your time in the oven. And you took a long long time!


Wait.... I am smelling something....

Some dogs are just lazy.... [Wendy just left it all up to me....] I am on sniffing duty.

Heyyyyy somebody check on Herbert.  I think it smells ready!

JD does the "ON SIGHT VERIFICATION"

He calls it!   Look at at hat steam! It's Official!  It is DONE!


Yea, yea appetize me  while the Big Chicken named after a country sits...  But I am ready for it to be carved.

No, no pictures please.  It is a family pact. Confidentiality agreements have been signed. No pictures, movies or other evidence is allowed. Belts are off, pants are loose, cuffs are up, napkins are flying and gravy is flowing...Chins are dripping and  there is silence punctuated by the sound of forks and knives...
I waited all year for this.

You do get to see POST dinner  food coma.


It is what it is... Belly up, chilling out. All is right with the world for now.
Somebody pack my leftovers? I do get leftovers, right?  Uncle Phil, I want leftovers.  I will trade you my cranberry sauce for an extra piece of turkey.

Next year we need to make this a bigger bird. 28 lbs is just about enough, but it could stand to be a bit bigger.  Momma, don't worry, Adam can lift it!!!!!

Hey can you make me a samnich?

'vie

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving Happy Hanukkah I give up Happy THANKsAGIVUKKAH!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving  Happy Hanukkah I give up Happy THANKsAGIVUKKAH!!!!


How auspicious. 
a once in 70 million years 
event delicious.

The stars have aligned and 
the message is clear
Eat, eat, eat,  MY dear!

Bring on the food and celebrate...
I am ready
to make merry and partake

Latkes, apples, chopped livahhhh,
lox, sable, sambussa
turkey, stuffing, make me quiver

Mashed potatoes and kugle
hey, I am watching your figure,
more sweet potatoes and noodles?

Gravy me some everything
I want it all...
Keep the cranberry ring

No, no olives, no pickles, no dills
no room for things
that don't give me a thrill.

I wants the smells saved
for days when
comfort is what I crave

I have the jar right here
fill it with the smells and feelings
that make this day so dear

Is that oven on? Crank up the heat...
Now pop that  Big chicken named after a country in
I am on alert, I will announce when it is time to eat!




'vie


{ hey I am a dog!  You want better poetry?  Go read Neruda or Cummings!}


Sunday, November 24, 2013

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE ONE AND ONLY JD!


He is 11 years old today, and tonight he is having his birthday party with his entire fan damily!

He is known as "Gowgeous", "the Boss", the "King", "momma's Boy", "Spots" and "Fluff Monster".

He takes his naps very seriously.




He finds clothing to be offensive, but does rock hats and  anything you put on him, with as much dignity as he can muster.


He is guardian and king of the neighborhood. Always on patrol.


And at 11, he still got it!  See?


We love you JD and every day with you is a gift we cherish.
From all of us HAPPY BIRTHDAY


Friday, November 22, 2013

From Health Canada: Your True Companion Pet Products Recalls True Raw Choice Bulk Dehydrated Natural Pet Treats

Your True Companion Pet Products Recalls True Raw Choice Bulk Dehydrated Natural Pet Treats

Starting date:
November 20, 2013
Posting date:
November 20, 2013
Type of communication:
Consumer Product Recall
Subcategory:
Microbiological - Salmonella
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Poisoning Hazard
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-36815

Affected products

True Raw Choice Bulk Dehydrated Natural Pet Treats

Product description

This recall involves True Raw Choice dehydrated bulk:
Product NameLot Number
Chicken Feet214733
Duck Feet228870
Duck Wings213825
Chicken Breast154339
Lamb Trachea225215
Please note that Your True Companion Pet Products has confirmed that no remaining stock of the affected lots of chicken breast and lamb trachea were found at retail and the chicken feet, duck feet and duck wings have all been removed from the market place as of November 8, 2013.

Hazard identified

The bulk dehydrated True Raw Choice Pet Products were found to be contaminated with Salmonellabacteria. Pets such as dogs and cats, and their food can carry Salmonella bacteria. People can get infected with the bacteria from handling pets, pet food or feces. Symptoms of salmonellosis often include:
  • sudden onset of fever,
  • headache,
  • stomach cramps,
  • diarrhea,
  • vomiting.
For more information on the risks of Salmonella infection, please see the Public Health Agency of Canada's fact sheet.
Health Canada is aware of one case in Canada of illness related to these products.

Number sold

In total, 280 total cases of the affected pet treats were sold in bulk at various pet food stores across Canada.

Time period sold

The affected pet treats were sold from August 2013 to November 7, 2013.

Place of origin

Manufactured in Canada.

Companies

Distributor
Your True Companion Pet Products
Guelph
Ontario
CANADA
Images (select thumbnail to enlarge)
Chicken Feet - Lot Number 214733

Duck Feet - Lot Number 228870


Duck Wings - Lot Number 213825


Chicken Breast Lot Number 154339


Lamb Trachea - Lot Number 225215



What you should do

Consumers should contact Your True Companion Pet Products at 1-855-260-5024 if unsure if the product you have is affected or not. All products affected have been disposed of in the market place as of November 8, 2013.
Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.
Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.

And THEY think I am HIGH maintenance???

au contraire mon frere!  You want to see high maintenance?


Look no further than momma's 28 lb pet chicken named after a country. She has been calling it Herbert.
I have no problem with the name. Others in the household cringe.  Apparently they do not name food.
Whatever.  My primary objection stems from the insane amount of time Herbert has demanded. Time that would otherwise be spend on moi, who deserves it more. 


1. Locate the sizable monster.
I am not going to lie to you.  Momma brought it home and wrestled it out of the car and plopped it on the counter and I was too intimidated to investigate it. I mean... thing was bigger than moi.

2. Nakedize it, wash it, and apparently it required massaging or something. The sink had to be prepped, and then the beastie apparently required some sort of spa soak in seasonings because it got it's own tub, it's own shelf in the fridge outside and it demanded momma and daddy to lift it and put in in what I am told will be a soaking place for a bit. 

3. Here is what I got out of this situation. Even dead this bird is getting more attention than I am.  And that is NOT cool with me.  What? Yes. I eat turkey. My chewies are turkey. Well. of course I am going to partake of big chicken named after a country!  I am an American!  Ohh... I see your point. 

Momma, carry on. Never mind. I can be patient. Did you remember the stuffing cookies and the Adam stuffing? Ohhh ok. BTW  the house smells delicious.  Almost as  if that spa bath you call a brine is where all the yummies of the chicken named after a country is.

I would like to suggest we make some of that baked salami too.

A girl can hope/

'vie

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Looking over my lists



I am a known list maker.  It is a byproduct of living with an OCD momma who is forever making lists. She even has lists of her lists.

I am not as micro management obsessed as she is. I am not NUTS.

I have boiled down my lists to essentials. My two leggeds siblings will be home next week.  I want to make sure that I make the most of my time with them.

So, I have agreed to get "groomed" on Monday. Nothing is more irresistible to a two legged that a fluffy Bichon that has the "new from the store smell". Huh? Well, what else would you call that smell? Fine, "freshly groomed"... Which BTW I love, specially on JD. He just smells yummy.

Anyway, is are my lists:

For the Adam:
Get belly rubs.
Lick head [Tastes delicious BTW]
Get more belly rubs
Get carried all around the place
Tug toy wars
Lick head
Lick face
Get belly rubs
Play where is the nosie
Get more belly rubs
Snuggle in his arms
Get more belly rubs

Remind him I am his baby!


For the Dowi:
Kisses, kisses, kisses,
Get more belly rubs
Snuggle her asleep on the couch
Offer up the belly
Blitz her
Give her THE eyes.
Get more belly rubs
Make sure she knows I am first, always
Let her think I have been neglected.
Get more belly rubs.


What does your list have?


'vie




Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Ok, sit down, hold me and watch this.

I need to hear this and so do you. Chill momma. Listen. 'vie

Big or small...

We NAP them all.


It is part of the job. De-stressing your hooman by NAPPING  them. They are NOT smart enough to know
when to do it on their own.



They think they are NAPPING YOU!





RIGHT? As if... we all know we are napping THEM!


Carry on four leggeds, it's part of your job!  Not a bad gig, if I say so myself.  NAP ON!

'vie

Monday, November 18, 2013

My couch

My rules.

I flop where I want to flop.

I do not have "morning head"...Why do you have to make a hair appointment for me?  I am fine just the way I look.

Boy what a bummer, starting my week off with grooming talk. Momma you are a buzz kill.


'vie

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Not MY fault

So...it's not my fault...it's your fault daddy.Why would you leave me in the car bored with nothing to do?

Of course I found your stash.  Please stop whining about my bite marks I'm your plastic box. I never got any of that candy and I think making the candy not reachable was very rude.

Now look, if momma finds out about this, we are both going to be in trouble, you are going to be in for more trouble than I am.I'm cute and cute goes very far. You can't pull off cute daddy, trust me on this .  For your sake, let's not discuss this with momma. Let's both forget this unfortunate episode, for your sake. I'm just not in the mood to hear words like irresponsible and unfit.

And please stop giving me the face. it is not the end of the world. Get over it , it's you that has the candy addiction not me.

If anything I am the unintended victim of your addiction...nuff said.

'Vie