Has anyone known of bad reaction to advocate RIP Spike

[clarenmax]

Best of luck for today xxxx

[Dawn F]

I'm sure now bayer are involved they will want it sorted tdq and will keep on to your vet - good luck to spike

[Janeyk]

They are having him at 9 in the morning and want to keep him there for the day.  He has started to bleed down his back today but it hasn't stopped him purring and eating.  Hes still a babe, and his brother is looking after him, cleaning him and cuddlin up in bed together.

Got my fingers crossed for tomorrow now.
Thanks all again for your support.  Cant quite have this chat with my kids. 

I am glad to hear this  I think they need him in there to get to the bottom of it, I am sure that he'll be a priority.

I just hope and pray that your poor cat is soon well again xx

[Tiggy's Mum]

Lets hope tomorrow will bring some answers and hopefully a way forward with regards the treatment needed to get him better 

[Poisonivy]

Not sure Gillian.

They mentioned x-ray, tumours, but just found a print-out from last test:- Blood sample obtained & processed to assess pets internal organs.

So looks like they tested for some internal problems last time too.

Think I need print out of all results so I know exactley what they tested for.

Think they recommend advocate because it is a multi one and not just for fleas.  Was going to get more for my other cat but because they are so close and sleep together I dont think that is an option till I know what it actually is.

[Gillian Harvey]

I honestly don't know why they recommend Advocate anyway, and why there is this push to put stronger and stronger chemicals on our cats. Isnt Advocate supposed to protect against heartworm? - we don't even have heartworm in this country, its a problem in parts of Europe, but not here.

Do you know exactly what tests they are going to be doing tomorrow? Hope you get some answers soon.

[Poisonivy]

Hi all and thanks for your replies.

I did spray the house and furniture (I have done since I had my first cat 12 years ago - my son reacts to bites) I only treated him with the Advocate on advised, we went to the vet for both cats to be snipped and they asked what flea treatment I use as they had no record and I said Frontline.  They were nearly due for another and they sugested the Advocate as it is more powerful and they did a 'deal' on 2 lots for each cat and my dog.  He has been thoroughly checked today for fleas, the vet said there was no sign of any or specks.

Last week they did blood tests, scrapes, biopsies etc and they were all clear.  They did the check for mites and other things and they were all clear, I cant remember all they did just that I was shocked it cost £170


NOTE TO NUTZY - I am not offended in any way (no need to say sorry) They mentioned that mites can cause reactions and this was one of the first tests they did.

In the last month he has had:-
Duphamox - Injection
Metacam - Injection
Metacam - Oral
Convenia - Injection
Dexadreson - Injection
Ketaset - Injection

These are only the ones I have on 1 statement for a 3 weeks period.  He has had more and I havent a clue what they all are.

They are having him at 9 in the morning and want to keep him there for the day.  He has started to bleed down his back today but it hasn't stopped him purring and eating.  Hes still a babe, and his brother is looking after him, cleaning him and cuddlin up in bed together.

Got my fingers crossed for tomorrow now.
Thanks all again for your support.  Cant quite have this chat with my kids. 

[ginge66]

Hi I'm sure your vet is very nice but how long do you have to wait before they send you to see a specialist after all this has been going on since June. It could be a severe reaction to fleas or it could be mites as nutzy said, have they done a skin scrapping and looked at it under the microscope, if so maybe they need to do another one. Also have they checked his bloods to make sure he is not anaemic. I feel sure there is nothing sinister going on I think he has  an allergy and he needs to see a specialist to find out what it is

[Mark]

If he has an allergy to the chemical in Advocate, the chances of him having an allergy to Frontline as well are very slim. Personally I would do it in case there is a (very slim) chance it was a flea allergy - naturally well away from the sore areas.

[Janeyk]

I was actually going to ask if he had fleas prior to the treatment because the feral cat which my sister treated was quite bald although, the treatment caused the fur to grow back eventually.  I don't know how bald he was etc because I never saw him until he'd had the treatment.  I can certainly understand your concerns about re-treating now.  It must be awful for you, such a worry    I keep everything crossed you can to the bottom of this, poor Spike if he has a temperature he can't feel too good either 

[Gillian Harvey]

They are still not sure if the Advocate is the cause. 

He wanted to continue flea treatment to prevent him getting any, I am not happy with this and pointed out that unless they can gaurantee he wont get worse then that is not an option at the moment. (Do you agree with this?)

So IS HE like this due to fleas?????

I agree with Nutzy, the fact that this started just after you'd used the Advocate AND that your other cat suffered a rash as well,  all points to the Advocate being the cause. It is however possible that there are still fleas in the environment, carpets, skirting baords, bedding etc which could cause him to be reinfested - did you spray the house at all ? I can't see it being that really, especially as you are not seeing any signs of fleas on Spike, but just thought I'd mention it. I would not want to put any more flea treatment on him though.

Is Spike ok in himself, apart from the high temp?I know you said he was sleepy,  is he still eating and drinking ok? 

[Kay and Penny]

as Spike is only 3, and should have many happy healthy years ahead of him, I don't think you should give up on him yet, especially when there is no proper diagnosis

who knows, once the vets have found the cause, the cure may be quite simple - here's hoping

[nutzy]

They also said this could be caused by flea alergy, but they have checked him for fleas and there is none, they also said he didnt have them on the visit for his snip which was back in March.  So IS HE like this due to fleas?????

???????  More confused today.    Is this all fair on Spike?  I bet he really hates me for putting him through this.

I'm sorry, but I have never seen a flea allergy look like this or to this extent in such a short space of time.  I think that it was ridiculous of them even to have suggested it.  Also flea allergies don't bring on a high temperature either to the best of my knowledge and I have had plenty of animals with flea allergies over the years.  Have they done a skin scrape to see if perhaps he has mites or something under his skin?  I am no expert - far from - and please don't be offended, but it wouldn't be a type of mange or something like that?

As far as this being fair on Spike - maybe not, but I don't believe for a minute he hates you for putting him through anything.  You have his very best interests at heart and are doing your level best to make him feel better.  And who knows, he may come out of this with flying colours even though it looks grim now. 

This story has really made me feel so desperately sad - both for you and your gorgeous kitty.  I am really praying hard for a happy outcome. 

[Poisonivy]

  for your support

The vet was really nice, think he just as confused about this too. (Was worried about nothing I think)

Just wish could get this sorted, after looking back on notes he started this round the begining of June.

[Dawn F]

flea allergy can be unpleasant and I believe it does only take one flea to bite for it to come out but until the reaction has been ruled out I wouldn't worry about all the other things mentioned - hope they get to the bottom of it quickly - I hope he dealt with you nicely as well

[sheryl]

Oh Sweetie, it must be so frustrating for you and so upsetting to see your baby suffering like this.  I have always used Advocate on my 6 cats and have luckily never had a reaction - I really hope that the tests shed some light on what treatment is needed for Spike. 

Thinking of you and sending healing vibes for Spike xxx

[Poisonivy]

UPDATE........

Been to see the vets today.  They are still not sure if the Advocate is the cause.  They are having him for the day tomorrow for more tests, they said they need to rule out Tumours etc. Bayer have stated they will cover costs of the tests, the next step would be for him to go to liverpool to see a specialist (if they still dont know what is wrong with him)

Again I have stated today that Spike was a very healthy cat prior to this, and they have put accross they will try every step but to prepare for the fact that if we cant help him then we will have to say goodbye.

I have pointed out that I cant afford thousands on this but I will not give up either.  Still none the wiser today but hope tomorrow I will again know a little more.  The vet agrees it has spread down to his tail and one of his eyes is really bad, this will be looked at tomorrow too. He has a very high temperature still too. He wanted to continue flea treatment to prevent him getting any, I am not happy with this and pointed out that unless they can gaurantee he wont get worse then that is not an option at the moment. (Do you agree with this?)

They also said this could be caused by flea alergy, but they have checked him for fleas and there is none, they also said he didnt have them on the visit for his snip which was back in March.  So IS HE like this due to fleas?????

???????  More confused today.    Is this all fair on Spike?  I bet he really hates me for putting him through this.

[ginge66]

Oh my goodness Ive only just caught up with this thread I do hope you get some answers today from your vet, he may benefit seeing a vet with a specialist interest in allergies and skin conditions. Your vet has a professional duty to report adverse reactions such as this as do Doctors when patients react badly to prescribed drugs, as the others have said I do not think you should have to incur costs nor should you have had to be the one to report it to the manufactures.

Good luck at the vets and I'm sure once he has the right treatment he will be fine

[Yvonne]

Good luck at the Vet today   

Please keep us posted.

[Mark]

You wouldn't have had to do it if they had been doing their job properly. Bayer should have been contacted on day one and that isn't your fault. We aren't talking about a little rash here 

[clarenmax]

don't worry hun, they work for you remember that

Absolutely, you pay their wages, and don't let them forget that 

[Dawn F]

don't worry hun, they work for you remember that

[Kay and Penny]

sounds promising to me - I reckon Spike is soon going to be getting better treatment, and not at your expense either

good luck tomorrow - remember you are the customer here

[Poisonivy]

Poor little thing  had you used it before or was it a first time? Mister Magoo reacted on the second time with stronghold, hes all white, and got a sore red patch but nothing like that.
I hope Bayer can help you

 
It was the first time I used it, the partner at the vets has since telephoned and wants to see me tomorrow instead of the usual vet.  Getting little scared I in trouble for going behind there back, but at the end of the day I just want spike better.

[Millys Mum]

Poor little thing  had you used it before or was it a first time? Mister Magoo reacted on the second time with stronghold, hes all white, and got a sore red patch but nothing like that.
I hope Bayer can help you

[Janeyk]

I'm glad you've had a positive response from Bayer and am sure they'll do their best - it's not in their interests to do otherwise - if they are going to advise your vet they may have had other cases like this.  Best of luck 

[nutzy]

This is such a sad story.  I hope and pray it has a happy outcome for both of you!  He is such a gorgeous cat!  However, this is why I love forums.  The advice and support are limitless as so many people have so much experience.  I didn't even know there was such a place as Feline Advisory Bureau.  Good Luck with your boy and with Bayer!

[Dawn F]

I'm sure bayer will do everything to help you, experiences like Helen had with the chip can only reflect well on them

[Corporal Smokey]

Chin up hun. We have a real old trooper(22ish) at South Normanton Cat Rescue who's the kind of cat with all sorts wrong (hyper-t, kidneys/brain damage etc...) and nothing bothers him, he's the chirpiest cat in town.

The other week I really thought it was over for him. He's allergic to Frontline and no-one told us. He looked like he was crashing big time and I never expected to see him again.

The next week he was there, purring away to himself as always, right as rain.

What I'm saying is keep brave for Spike and as long as he's eating/drinking/comfortable as poss we can hope and pray he'll be back to normal in no time.

All the best  

[clarenmax]

Poor baby, so sorry you're having to deal with such a horrible reaction to Advocate 

Hopefully now that Bayer are going to contact your vets, you might get some more action out of them 

Give Spike a little cuddle from me 

[Tiggy's Mum]

At least that's a step in the right direction, hope his vet visit goes well tomorrow   Definitely speak to the partner to get some answers as to why they weren't pushing this with Bayer  

[Poisonivy]

Yes I have seen that earlier and have that up on my computer.  They will be my next step if I get no luck tomorrow.

 

[Gillian Harvey]

would the Feline Advisory Bureau be able to offer any advice? your vet should I think contact them immediately

they might well know of any other cases and what treatment was successful

Exactly what I put in my earlier post 

[Poisonivy]

I have just telephoned Bayer and they are contacting my vets regarding all the tests they have done.  They also said they would help advise the vets on the best way forward, I have an appointment at 2o'clock tomorrow so I am hoping that tomorrow night I will know more.

Thank you all so much I am really grateful for your support

Will keep you informed 

[Tiggy's Mum]

I've just noticed in Mark's post that it's Bayer who manufacturer it.  I've had a positive experienece with them regarding a problem with one of their products - a microchip that migrated and not only did they send my vet a free second chip to insert but they also said in the letter that they sent to the vets if the migrated chip causes him any discomfort they will cover the cost of the operation to remove it which I think is very good seeing as it's just one of those things.  I only rang them up to ask whether it was OK to have two chips as the receptionist at my vets was saying No so their offer was completely unprompted.

[Kay and Penny]

would the Feline Advisory Bureau be able to offer any advice? your vet should I think contact them immediately

they might well know of any other cases and what treatment was successful

[Tiggy's Mum]

Poor baby It's hard to say as the pics are taken from different angles but do you think his skin looks less 'angry' in todays pic?

I think if your vets have suggested that this is due to the advocate they have been quite neglectful in not contacting the manufacturers.  Do you have many more pics demonstrating how the fur loss/irritation has developed which you could show to the maufacturer if need be? Obviously the main priority is getting Spike well again but if the manufacturers are at fault and would be willing to cover the vets bills or offer specialist treatment then I'm sure that would be most welcome!

[Poisonivy]

  all for your support and advice from Spike and his family

I feel a little over my head at the moment with all this but will continue to fight for him, I will be wanting some answers soon.

He has had numerous different injections, tablets and creams so I dont actually think they know exactly how to treat him but this will be my main question tomorrow.

the original picture on this thread was taken last week.  I have added todays pic.  Im not sure if its me but I dont actually feel he is getting better.  He is eating and drinking but he is very sleepy too.

I have spoken to other local vets who say they would have wrote to Bayer in the first instance as this is the likely cause, but my vets dont seem to want to do this, I will be speaking to the Partner tomorrow hopefully. - I agree he needs specialist treatment now. And I have stressed I am worried about the inside of him aswell.

[Gillian Harvey]

So sorry to hear about poor Spike  I agree with the others that it should be your vet pushing for answers from the manufacturers of Advocate if they believe that is what is causiing this terrible reaction.

I wonder if it might be worth contacting the Feline Advisory Bureau http://fabcats.org/ they have specialist vets affliated to them and they may be able to put you in touch with a skin specialist who's come across this before.

[Dawn F]

haven't read the whole thread but have the vets reported it as an adverse reaction?  when one of mine got sick after a vaccination the vet said they had to report it to the manufacturer even though they weren't 100% it was the cause of his illness