Just because a vet or company sells a product, does not mean it is safe for your pet.
They will try to tell you, it was not the Nexgard that made your pet sick. Or, that it is very rare for there to be a problem with any dog using Nexgard.
Not TRUE!
Please research and make informed choices for your pet before agreeing to anything. Research and ask questions, do not accept the first answer you are given.
As I am writing this, our beautiful and extremely healthy and vibrant whippet is fighting Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, or better known as simply, autoimmune disease.
I know that people who have used NexGard without a problem so far, will disagree, but these are my personal feelings and experience with it, as well as my family's. And beware, at any time, a dose of this poison could cause serious health risk to your dog, or worse!!
I hope sharing my experience with NexGard will prevent tragedy for someone else's beloved pet.
Go on line and research, you will find how many dogs have had severe reactions, even death, because of this so called 'safe' product. (ditto for all tick meds, vaccines and medications, research and make sure they are right for your pet)
(the following is my own experience, what we learned/ researched and the steps we took to help our dog. Use your own judgement re your own pet.)
Our whippet being the picture of health and happiness.
With tick season upon us, autumn generally being quite severe for ticks where we live and finding a tick on our greyhound's jacket, we decided it was time to make sure both dogs had their tick medicine.
(All of us as sighthound owners, have read about sighthound sensitivity to medication and anesthesia.)
NexGard was recommended for our two dogs. (the vet previously owned a sighthound, so felt I could trust her judgement) We had given NexGard to them prior and did not notice any problems. Now we realize, that there probably had been a negative effect, maybe just not enough for us to really notice, or be concerned, and that one too many doses, was too much for her system!
We gave the whippet and greyhound their NexGard tablets on Saturday afternoon. Monday morning our whippet was lethargic and did not seem to have much enthusiasm for either her food or taking her morning walk.
As the day went on, she seemed more lethargic. We watched her carefully all day. Tuesday morning we knew things were not right. I called the vet for an appt. They told me Tuesday is the day they have surgeries scheduled and the earliest time they could see her was 6:00pm. I of course accepted the appt., as I wanted her seen, regardless. By afternoon, I became very concerned about the whippet and called the office again.
They called me back shortly to say there had been a cancellation and to bring her in at 4:30pm.
Upon examination, her temperature was high, her gums yellow, she was dehydrated and she was now just lying across my son's and my lap, she had no energy at all. Blood work showed that she had autoimmune disease. Talk about being slammed with news that both shocked and floored us. We were just sick to our stomachs at the news.
(We asked, is there a connection to the Nexgard. The response was, ''oh no, there is no clinical evidence Nexgard causes issues. We have used it for many of the dogs who come to our office, without a problem.''
JUST so you know, at the end of the appt., the vet said to us, '' well we won't be using Nexgard on your dog again.'' WHAT??
My son and I both looked at each other, then when we got to the car later, we both said, '' did you hear the same thing I did, that Nexgard didnt cause the problem, but they wont use it again on our dog?""
BEWARE , your pet needs you to advocate for him/ her, do not take anything for granted, or that the vet has your pets best interest at heart, not when it comes to making a sale of a product.)
(I was told by a woman I work with, that her vet recommended the lyme vaccine for her dog. Resulting in autoimmune disease and her dog was on the same meds my dogs is now on.)
At that point the only news that seemed even slightly encouraging was that our vet said it was the earliest stage that she had ever diagnosed and that might be on our dog's side.
We discussed blood transfusion, which would have to be done at another clinic 1 1/2 hours away.
After lengthy discussion and very thoughtful consideration for our dog's best interest, we agreed to take her home and begin steroids. We discussed all steps to be taken. The vet decided not to overload her with an IV at the time and for us to keep careful watch of her for any changes. The vet gave her the first dose of medication before we left the office.
We were also given an emergency clinic number and address, one that is open all night, in case we needed it.
Thankfully, perhaps 3 hours after getting home, our whippet wanted a small amount of food and water and then she slept well during the night. Steroids apparently increase appetite, not a bad thing, as she needed to get nutrition and esp. water.
She had determined on her own, she was sick and not sleeping alone and slept next to me in bed all night. That worked for me, as I was so worried about her and was able to easily check on her during the night. We have never been so scared.
The following morning we took her back to the vet for a follow up exam to see where we were at with her. She again had her temp and blood checked. Her temp was normal and her blood work was encouraging in that it was holding and not any worse. Being a cheeky whippet, she even tried to show interest in the vet's office cat.
Everyday following, it is back to the vet for her to be checked. Additional meds were ordered for our dog.
My advice is, do NOT give your sighthound (or any dog) anything that could have a negative effect on their very sensitive and unique systems. Do not give NexGard!
(Also research vaccines and what is really needed and how often, vaccines once given, should be effective for some time... how often do you get the same vaccine over and over, so why should your dog??)
* see below
It is heartbreaking to see our lively and happy dog, so sick.
--- Wed appt with vet., temp down, blood score holding the same. Thurs morning. Back from the vet. Temp. normal, blood test score down 2 points. Vet said not to panic over 2 points, but it isnt what we wanted to hear, scared and worried beyond belief for our dog.
Another med. has been ordered and we will go back to pick it up this afternoon.
It is a nightmare. Watching our dog battle this and have so little energy.
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Friday, vet appt. Blood work again down slightly. We discussed the new med as it seemed to have really knocked her for a loop,, tired, not eating or drinking, which she at least had been doing. Were given something for her stomach, to be given 1 hour before her other meds. Watching her carefully and keeping her quiet. Beyond worried.
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Weekend. Just going outside to go potty wears her out.
Researching what to supplement her diet with, to help her build and regain her energy and health.
*Bought liver to add to her regular food, as well as the herb, milk thistle ( to help her liver and body process all the toxins) and also adding a little extra plain yogurt to protect her gut health and prevent digestive upset from the strong medications.
Have found sites written by other whippet owners and apparently whippets/ sighthounds are predisposed to autoimmune, as well as other issues- do not expose your dog to anything that may prove to be toxic or upset their system!
-Monday vet appt. Blood level count up slightly.. good news, certainly not out of danger, but after the scary week we have had, that news was welcome.
*If you need to build up your dog's system, research on line, be PROACTIVE. We are supplementing with chicken liver and/ or beef liver. Trust your gut, you know your pet better than anyone else.
When we asked, we were only told we could add chicken to her diet, as added protien. No other advice.
When a dog is in this situation, it needs help to build blood cells and maintain strength and energy.
All organ meats are good for your dog, research and learn more about feeding and portions.
''Food as medicine''
(If your dog is sick and needs help to regain strength, add (preferably organic) chicken or beef liver to their food. Don't over-do, just a small amount each day and keep at it. (Better to feed small portions, than to have upset stomach or diarrhea.) Consider bone broth. Consider a good quality fish oil.
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Thurs. Blood count still low, was disappointed it had gone up only 1 point since Monday. She still tires very easy, not much energy.
Researching herbal supplements or other supplements that we can add to her food to help her build up her red blood cells and fight this. She is quickly losing weight and muscle mass with these medications.
good info here: http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/301482-losing-weight-on-prednisone-how-much-is-okay/
http://www.whippetworld.net/board/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10718
http://petsnacks.com.au/ top-10-reasons-to-feed-your-dog-liver
A good tip, check your dog's gums, are they pale, are they yellow, light pink, healthy pink- good indicator of how your dog is feeling.
Gums should be a healthy pink, and when you lightly press on the gum, it should return to the nice pink color right away.
Purchased Pfizer Animal Pet Tinic, a vitamin and mineral supplement, it has been a great help in building my sick whippet up. Did find that I needed to give less and also mix it with a small amount of water to dilute, otherwise caused diarrhea. Once portion was adjusted to my dog's size and needs, it is very nutritious and helpful in building her up!!
Following Thurs.
Appt,, blood checked, blood work shows improvement. NOT at all sure it is only the meds. working, feel a huge part is improving her diet at this crucial time to build her back up!!
She has lost weight and muscle. But they did not want to reduce dosage at this time. Has little energy. Meds make her anxious and slightly agitated. She doesnt settle down to sleep now,, sleeps, gets up to pace.
Meds will also make you dog need to pee frequently, be ready to take your dog outside A LOT !!
She has lost weight and muscle. But they did not want to reduce dosage at this time. Has little energy. Meds make her anxious and slightly agitated. She doesnt settle down to sleep now,, sleeps, gets up to pace.
Meds will also make you dog need to pee frequently, be ready to take your dog outside A LOT !!
( my son and I have researched the pill they gave her to 'protect' her stomach,, it is basically just Prilosec which has side effects of its own... most sites say not to use more than two weeks,, the vet did not tell us that info either. Two side effects can be nervous disorders and bladder infections.
Look into SLIPPERY ELM, a safe alternative.1 month into this nightmare.. Vet appt., our dog's blood count has gone up.
That is good news and a huge relief. She is still very tired and we watch her carefully every day. We are never at ease now. Vet does not want to reduce the meds at this time.
Liver, Liver, Liver and good foods. Food is medicine!
I am also giving her a small amount of cooked egg yolk each morning. Also still using slippery elm ( portioned for her size) to protect her stomach.
Have found the site, Dogs Naturally. Ordered A+ Augustine's Super Boost. Also Love Bug, for a healthy gut, thus a healthy body.
Will be giving these to my whippet and my greyhound as a supplement.
There is good info on this site.
End of month 2.
Blood checked, up slightly again. Steroid to be reduced by 1/2 pill in morning, remaining on one whole pill in the evening, plus the immune suppressant. Has to stay on the meds and to be checked again in Jan. (unless something changes or happens prior to that and she needs to be seen sooner) The autoimmune and meds have not been easy on our dog. Going to the vet is not a fun experience for her now, as she knows she will be poked with a needle to have blood drawn.
She hides herself under the waiting room chair, as far back as she can scoot.
Build your dog's health and keep it healthy with good foods, organ meats, and supplements that are natural and you can trust. Avoid anything that is potentially toxic. Look into safe alternatives. Consider finding a vet who practices both traditional and alternative care. Find a qualified and trusted herbalist.
Your pets life could very well be at risk with toxic pharmaceuticals and chemicals. ( if it kills ticks and fleas, it has to also have an affect on your pet.) Remember that companies and even vet offices make money off the sale of these items.)
Have begun the process of weaning her very slowly from meds, following 6-7 months of dosing her. Nothing about this has been easy for her, or for us. WE are scared of a relapse.
Our dog became so paranoid about having to go in the car, which meant a trip to the vet., that she began to have panic attacks.. becoming nervous and agitated.
Simply, just do not put your pet or yourself through this. There are safer alternatives.
