07/25/2022
Have you seen the viral post about the boxer who died after seizures? Well, here is the real scoop:
The story goes that an older boxer dog was on Nexgard for years with no issue, but started seizures after getting Simparica. The owners took the dog back to their regular vet, who treated the dog and it improved. Then it started getting worse again and the owners waited to be seen because they wanted their regular vet and regrettably, the dog died without seeing the vet the second time. To be sure, this story is a sad one and our hearts go out to the family who lost a beloved pet. Unfortunately, the owner decided to take to the internet and make a post of half-truths that has everyone up in arms (as only a viral post can do!)
The TRUTH: All the Isoxazoline products (Bravecto, Nexgard , Credelio, and Simparica) can lower the seizure threshold, making seizures, tremors and other nerve reactions happen more easily in DOGS THAT ARE PRONE TO THEM. This is NOT new information and veterinarians take this into consideration when prescribing these medications. Millions of dogs get these medications regularly and do perfectly fine. In fact, these medicines have helped a lot of pets with mange and flea infestations without ANY side effects.
So let's look at this viral post again: The dog is on Nexgard (an Isoxazoline medicine) without any seizures. It is switched to Simparica (an isoxazoline medicine) and starts seizures. The dog then gets some spotty veterinary care and passes away. Is it the Simparica that killed the dog? This dog probably was tending toward seizures when it took the medication. Boxers are known for seizure syndromes and certain cancers. We do not know if this dog had either. Again, it is a sad story.
THE MORAL: Please don't stop your good flea medications because of a viral post on facebook. If you have concerns, educate yourself. If you still have questions, call us!
One last caveat: there are people who start FB pages just to make controversy. "XX killed my pet", "YY killed my pet". Many of these sites actually funnel you to either their "all natural" product or their anti-medicine dog care magazine. Don't be duped!