Topic: Has anyone known of bad reaction to advocate RIP Spike (Read 63948 times)

nicter · « **Reply #92 on:** August 25, 2009, 19:47:42 PM »

Found this link to various causes of allergies and symptoms... may be helpful x
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1330+1338&aid=195

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #91 on:** August 25, 2009, 18:57:34 PM »

whatever is causing Spike's hair loss, it would seem to be a rare condition or reaction

which means, it seems to me, essential that specialist advice is sought asap - I'm sorry but I think your vets have phaffed around long enough

nicter · « **Reply #90 on:** August 25, 2009, 18:39:45 PM »

Ive had 2 cats in the past with allergies and neither of them looked like this. Both of them scratched like crazy and pulled the fur out .. the one who had a corn mite allergy had small ulcerated areas and the flea allergy caused a roughness of the skin ( felt a bit like sugar on the skin ) Treatment by injections of anti-immflamatories cleared them up in a very short time so I dont think this is whats causing this. Do hope the vets soon get to the bottom of this

Pinkbear (Julie) · « **Reply #89 on:** August 25, 2009, 18:18:43 PM »

Yes, it is very Mange like in appearance BUT for it to be going on this long they would certainly find mites if they've taken the sking scrapes correctly. It would certainly have infected your other cats as well.

I do also have to say sweetheart, although it must be very, very distressing to live with it also doesn't look fatal at this stage.

I don't see any massive sores that would allow bacteria into the body.

My advise would be to have another chat with Bayer. They must be as keen as you are to find an answer and they'd love to prove it is not Advocate that caused this, so maybe it's time for their own vets to take over investigations.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #88 on:** August 25, 2009, 18:10:22 PM »

Aw bless, that does look very sore indeed!

Janeyk · « **Reply #87 on:** August 25, 2009, 18:06:06 PM »

Poor Spike it is so sad to see him like that

I have just phoned my sister to ask about her feral cat which lost fur. She said that it lost a fair bit before the Advocate and quite a few chunks after but soon it grew back.

I really think that the only thing seems to be to see a specialist, I was reading your posts out to my sister over the phone and she said that a lady at work took her dog to Liverpool - the one you mentioned and they sorted out his problem, it wasn't a skin problem though.

I so hope that someone can help Spike to get well again

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #86 on:** August 25, 2009, 18:02:56 PM »

Oh I'm sorry your'e still not getting any answers

From what I've read sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and usually causes lots of itching, Demodectic mange not so contagious and generally no itching - but also, both are supposed to be pretty rare in cats. This all started very soon after you applied the Advocate right? I know we shouldnt speculate, but it seems too much of a coincidence for it not to be the Advocate.

To be honest I'd phone or email FAB now - they have an 'advice shop' where you can put a query to them, they do ask for a small donation, but you never know someone may have come across this before and be able to help you http://fabcats.org/advice_shop/index.php

Yvonne · « **Reply #85 on:** August 25, 2009, 17:48:19 PM »

OMG poor Spike and poor you - he does indeed look to be in a lot of pain

I cannot think what else to suggest - just sending over some healing vibes for him

get well soon Spike

Poisonivy · « **Reply #84 on:** August 25, 2009, 16:54:56 PM »

Quote from: Angie (covcats) on August 23, 2009, 11:00:52 AM

in the meantime - have you changed anything else in the house?

washing powder, furniture spray, air freshener?

Thanks to all for your good vibes.

Angie, I havent changed anything in the house for years, my daughter had sensitive skin and my son is allergic to many things so I keep things as they are, I even got rid of most of my carpets 8 years ago when my son was 1.

I phoned the vets today as I feel he is getting worse and wanted to know if they had any more results back. Their skin test was clear for mites for a second time, but they have sent a sample to a lab too to get a second opinion, the other results are not yet back and they said they will chase it up. I told the vet that he was getting worse and I was asked "worse in what way" I stated he has lost more fur and looks sore, ( I now question myself if its because he isnt getting better that I think he is getting worse???) I have been told to up his dose on his tablets and they will contact me when the results are in. He also stated that he does not think it is the advocate.... He thinks he has a pollen, dust, flea or mite allergy, I have now searched the net for these for the symptoms (ie... ulcers, temperature, fur loss etc) the only one would be mange??? but the vet was supposed to have tested for this in the beginning and treated it (just in case) If it was mange why is my other cat and dog not affected???? It also says on a couple of sites that mange can kill? - its been 3 months now I think???

Gizmo is as healthy as Spike used to be!!! as you will see on the picture of his telling me off because I wont open the window

I have put todays pic on of spike... If anyone who has encountered Mange or mite, pollen. flea allergy please can you let me know if this is how it looks and that the ulcers, high temperature etc are usual too. - Sorry if the pic is upsetting. I just need someone elses views too now.

pappilon · « **Reply #83 on:** August 24, 2009, 01:04:44 AM »

I am so sorry about Spike and do hope he starts to get better. I haven't been around for few weeks and just seen this, it was in February that my cat Phoebe was given advocate for the first time by my new vet she always had stronghold and was fine but the new vet didn't have that and used advocate on her and few days later she started shedding her fur it wasn't like she was molting it was really bad and i went back to my vet and told him about my concern but he said he thinks its stress

Phoebe wasn't a healthy cat she had ht and was diagnosed with crf so i couldnt really say if it was the reaction to advocate or not being well but she also had this bold patch where the advocate was applied and i could see a small red spot in there, since february her coat started getting really dull and matted to the point that i had to have her shaved in March but the vet insisted the reaction from advocate is very rare! She used to have the shiniest and softest coat. I still think it was a reaction to advocate, of course it wasn't as bad as spike but the way she was loosing her fur was not normal as i said she had health problems and its hard to say what caused what, if it make sense.
I do hope they can treat Spike, poor little boy.

nicter · « **Reply #82 on:** August 23, 2009, 21:19:44 PM »

Poor little man. Do hope you get some answers and Spike starts to feel better soon

xx

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #81 on:** August 23, 2009, 20:56:59 PM »

Poor baby, hope he starts to turn the corner soon

sheryl · « **Reply #80 on:** August 23, 2009, 20:31:13 PM »

Poor Spike, I really hope you can get some answers from the vets soon

Sending love and healing vibes for Spike xxx

Angiew · « **Reply #79 on:** August 23, 2009, 11:00:52 AM »

in the meantime - have you changed anything else in the house?

washing powder, furniture spray, air freshener?

Yvonne · « **Reply #78 on:** August 23, 2009, 10:00:25 AM »

Positive vibes coming this way

Come on Spike

Janeyk · « **Reply #77 on:** August 23, 2009, 06:54:31 AM »

Poor Spike, I'd be back on to them if you don't hear anything tomorrow

Pinkbear (Julie) · « **Reply #76 on:** August 23, 2009, 02:11:32 AM »

Oh, God! Only just seen this.

Sending healing vibes for Spike.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #75 on:** August 23, 2009, 02:03:47 AM »

Sending positive healing vibes to darling Spike~~~~~Best of luck they can find out what is going on!

Poisonivy · « **Reply #74 on:** August 23, 2009, 01:02:49 AM »

Sorry not replied. Spike not doin too good these past couple of days.

Unfortunately most of his fur has not come out and his back has started to bleed so we are unable to stroke him or pick him up.
He is still eating and drinking well, but he not happy at the moment. Hoping the vets will come back to me a.s.a.p.

Will keep you posted.

Janeyk · « **Reply #73 on:** August 21, 2009, 19:11:04 PM »

How is Spike today?

clarenmax · « **Reply #72 on:** August 21, 2009, 08:38:54 AM »

This does sound positive

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #71 on:** August 21, 2009, 08:32:38 AM »

Fingers crossed for him

Millys Mum · « **Reply #70 on:** August 20, 2009, 19:36:34 PM »

Fingers crossed this is the start of his recovery

Janeyk · « **Reply #69 on:** August 20, 2009, 10:33:55 AM »

Quote from: Poisonivy on August 19, 2009, 21:06:02 PM

Today he has his eyes open more and sitting on the window sill wanting to go out. (No way is he going wondering in the garden yet) - Think this is a good sign.

it does sound more positive, I do hope that spike is starting to improve now

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #68 on:** August 20, 2009, 00:06:42 AM »

That's good that Bayer are being reasonable and paying for the tests, from the details given I really don't see how it could be anything other than a reaction to the Advantage so hopefully they'll eventually cover all the costs and you can concentrate on getting Spike fighting fit and furry again

Quote from: Gillian (Ambercat) on August 19, 2009, 22:25:12 PM

Quote from: trigger on August 19, 2009, 21:46:32 PM

I am so looking forward to seeing him one day restored to his former glory

I'll second that!

Thirded

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #67 on:** August 19, 2009, 22:25:12 PM »

Quote from: trigger on August 19, 2009, 21:46:32 PM

I am so looking forward to seeing him one day restored to his former glory

I'll second that!

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #66 on:** August 19, 2009, 21:46:32 PM »

ah bless him

I am so looking forward to seeing him one day restored to his former glory

Poisonivy · « **Reply #65 on:** August 19, 2009, 21:06:02 PM »

Bayer said they will cover the costs of the tests, and any treatment if it is due to the Advocate. Untill we can be 100% I think they are being careful what they agree to pay for.

Aparently both lots of tests have ruled out the 'usual' fur loss in cats. Unfortunately the nurse I saw today has not dealt with Spike (the vet had left) so the nurse could only go by notes. I am waitin to see the Partner again next week to get a full list of tests and results. Just so I am aware the avenue they are going down. So I am not sure on the Alopecia, I will ask them that. (but would he have had the swelling and ulcers?)

I have tonight received an email from Bayer asking if things were going quickly and that they will be in contact daily with the vet.

Today he has his eyes open more and sitting on the window sill wanting to go out. (No way is he going wondering in the garden yet) - Think this is a good sign.

Stuart · « **Reply #64 on:** August 19, 2009, 19:38:55 PM »

I know this might be a long shot, you say apart from His Appearance Spike is Being normal ??

what about Alopecia ??

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2141&aid=195

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #63 on:** August 19, 2009, 19:13:18 PM »

if the current tests reveal no cause, and Bayer decide to get specialist advice themselves, they surely will pick up the bill even if Advocate gets the all clear at the end of the day

they would be so relieved should that be the case they would not care about the cost - it isn't as if Spike's owner is trying to con them, and I'm sure they won't think she is

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #62 on:** August 19, 2009, 18:54:22 PM »

Glad nothing untoward came out today

Quote from: Poisonivy on August 19, 2009, 18:38:52 PM

But yes the next step is a specialist and the people at Bayer are keen to get this sorted quickly now, they sugested if no answers then one of their guys would like to see him.

Have Bayer said anything about contributing towards your previous vets bills? I know they'd be unlikely to admit liability but you'd hope as a goodwill gesture at the very least that they would make sure you weren't at a loss financially. I know the main thing is getting Spike back to his old self and recovering but it must be a strain worrying about the vets bills side of things too

Poisonivy · « **Reply #61 on:** August 19, 2009, 18:38:52 PM »

Quote from: Gillian (Ambercat) on August 19, 2009, 15:15:42 PM

what then? will they then refer to specialist?

Hi Gillian

Apparently these tests should show more? what more? I dont know. But yes the next step is a specialist and the people at Bayer are keen to get this sorted quickly now, they sugested if no answers then one of their guys would like to see him.

My aunty saw him for the first time today in over 3 weeks and burst in to tears. Its like I said to her, he is still purring, meowing, giving kisses, eating and drinking. Other than the loko of him you wouldn't think there was anything wrong. I am quite hopeful, just frustrated it a slow process.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #60 on:** August 19, 2009, 15:15:42 PM »

Glad he's home and good to hear no tumours.

So if there are still no answers from the latest blood tests and samples, what then? will they then refer to specialist? Hope you will get some answers from these tests though. So frustrating to have to wait yet another week though, I know its par for the course, but its never easy waiting for these things.

Janeyk · « **Reply #59 on:** August 19, 2009, 15:05:14 PM »

Glad he is home and comfortable and hopefully they will be able to sort it now

Poisonivy · « **Reply #58 on:** August 19, 2009, 14:56:54 PM »

Quote from: Mark on August 19, 2009, 14:53:21 PM

Did they give a steroid jab to make him more comfortable? (sorry if I missed it in an earlier post)

He has had a few over the past few weeks but they are reluctant to give him anything else as they are still unsure what they are dealing with.

They have now reduced his tablets too which I think are a steroid. - I know I sound vague its just they were changing his treatment so much before this week.

Dawn F · « **Reply #57 on:** August 19, 2009, 14:53:57 PM »

glad the tests are clear

Mark · « **Reply #56 on:** August 19, 2009, 14:53:21 PM »

Did they give a steroid jab to make him more comfortable? (sorry if I missed it in an earlier post)

Poisonivy · « **Reply #55 on:** August 19, 2009, 14:51:23 PM »

Hi all

Just thought id give a quick update. Picked him up (bit groggy) The x-rays are clear - i.e. no growths etc.
They have done another skin sample for mites - all clear.
More blood tests and other samples which have been sent away and should receive results in a week.

He now snuggled up happily with his brother on my sons bed.

Stuart · « **Reply #54 on:** August 19, 2009, 12:27:02 PM »

Have no advice Sorry

Just want to wish Poor Spike a speedy return to good Health

Poor wee Mannie

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #53 on:** August 19, 2009, 10:52:24 AM »

fingers crossed for Spike today

I think this sad case shows the importance of insurance - Spike would have been referred on to a specialist long ago if he had been insured

I have always thought that more important than having the bills covered, insurance secures the best treatment

Author Topic: Has anyone known of bad reaction to advocate RIP Spike (Read 63948 times)