Pet Medication Side Effects & Drug Detox

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Kenalog
Posted by Bob (Brea, Ca) on 10/13/2016
★★★★★

Yup. Sadie was having the chewing and itching problems. She was also pawing at her left ear. Vet gave her a Kenalog shot and saw an infection in her ear. Usual lethargy, drinking a lot of water and peeing a lot ensued.After 9 days of cream treatment for the ear, I took her for a follow up. Vet said infection was getting better but gave her an anti-biotic shot as well. When I got home I looked at the bill and saw it was another kenalog shot. I had a cow! Friend of ours just passed the boards to be a veterinarian. Called her.I called the vet and reported the side effects and the receptionist noted them for her records. Receptionist said a second one wouldn't hurt. Another week and no return call or follow up. Last night she strained for over ten minutes to poop. No more Kanalog for my dog!


Metronidozole
Posted by Janni (New York) on 09/12/2016

Great letter! I may use some of your points to write to my vet. My Sammy, an 11 year old German Shepherd suffered a toxic reaction also to this drug and my vet also says she doubts it was this drug. I know it was. My poor boy is still recuperating, I stopped the drug on day 5 when he had seizures, was panting, confused, lost back legs, wobbly. I also was not warned about neurological possibilities- and I did read reviews before I gave it to him but he was only going to be on it 5 days so I didn't think he'd be in danger. I never imagined what bad effects could come from a drug. He started urinating in the house, which now I learned is a side effect. We always said he had kidneys like no other- but this is not his fault. I did my own research and insisted on the Valium drip. This morning he is showing signs of being more alert. He won't eat still, can't stand on his own, and is still very weak and lethargic. I am so angry.


Metronidozole
Posted by Elouise (Brisbane) on 11/26/2018

My 8 yo mini schnauzer was recently a day patient at the local ‘holistic' vet having IV fluids as she was stage 3 CKD and also had an ultrasound to confirm if any other organ damage. Following the ultrasound at 3pm she was given IV Metronidozole (without neither my consent or any diagnostic test to confirm bacterial infection) “in case she has an infection”.

At 4.15 the vet called me to say that my bubba had to be monitored for BP and fluids overnight by a specialist emergency vet and to pick her up straight away.

I didn't know about the IV antibiotic until I picked her up, it was only when I later read the invoice that I saw Metronidazole and when I looked it up was horrified to read that it is contraindicated in renal deficiency as it is high in sodium, causes hypertension and acute kidney injury which leads to azotemia. The invoice also had an amount for another item I was unfamiliar with - cystocentisis ( needle into bladder to extract urine). I was not informed of this either or had given consent for any treatment other than fluids and the ultrasound.

Things went from bad to worse at the emergency vet, my bubba was there for 3 days and when I finally found out the exact drugs she was being pumped with I brought her home. She died in my arms at home on 07/10/18 from severe toxic and fluid overload that caused pulmonary edema, brain hemorrhage and heart failure.

After extensive research into every drug she was given I have determined that the vet punctured her bladder during the cystocentisis so gave her IV metronidazole “in case of infection” without consideration of kidneys but it caused BP to significantly elevate and and acute kidney failure hence the urgency for “overnight monitoring of BP and fluids by specialist”.

The toxic side effects from Metronidazole in renal deficiency caused severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, gastric pain and lack of appetite. The emergency vet did not take this into consideration and did not do any diagnostics prior to pumping IV PPI's (esomeprazole & omeprazole) and giving her other highly potent nephrotoxic drugs to stimulate appetite/anti nausea (Mirtazapine - anti depressant used in humans for major depressive disorder & Ondansetron - used for chemo related symptoms in humans).
She didn't stand a chance 😭


Steroids
Posted by Gerrie (Plymouth Ma) on 08/02/2016

On two separate occasions we had depro med shot for our cat and both times she peed excessively while sleeping!! Although this is a miracle drug for allergies we now use steroid pills in low dose.


Metronidazole
Posted by Janice (New York) on 09/12/2016

Ayre, I am so sorry for your loss! I am just finding this information about reactions to Metronidazole. I am currently experiencing the same frightening thing to my dog, a German Shepherd, except for blindness. He had diarrhea and the vet prescribed this Metro, 500 mg 2 x day. On day 5 he collapsed, had a convulsive seizure, couldn't use his back legs, was confused, starting urinating in the house which he never has done. I stopped the drug immediately, had them do that valium IV drip - the antidote. I am so angry and afraid I may lose him. Worst thing, my vet says she is sure it is not this med. What upsets me is it can be toxic even if given recommended dose. The vets prescribe this drug like it was candy.


Baytril
Posted by Kelli (Pa) on 04/17/2018

I am extremely thankful to come across this post, my cat was just prescribed this medicine along with others after having a suspected respiratory infection. He wouldn't take this drug regardless of my many efforts and the vet told me to stop administering. I can't tell you how GRATEFUL I am to know this, I had never heard of the drug before and in my research came across so much information it's hard to know what to listen to esp when your cat is seriously ill. Thank you so much for letting others know. I am however deeply saddened that it was learned by the loss of your cats, my heart goes out to you and I am truly sorry for your loss.


Vibramycin / Doxycyclin
Posted by Cielle (Athens, Greece) on 03/06/2015
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I saved a cat that I found out in the snow a few weeks ago... she was fine and strong apart from one blocked nostril ( on and off ) due to upper respiratory disease... I took her to the vet as she got worse and got all blocked up and would not eat. He prescribed Vibramycin / Doxycyclin and she has just gotten way way worse.. the blocked nose has cleared up but she makes noise like she is in pain whenever I pick her up to move her and was just basically looking very unwell and down...

I just thought that she was ill due to the respiratory thing and since I don't usually give cats any conventional meds, thought that perhaps it just takes some time for them to kick in... But today she is really tilting her head to the side, she was not able to keep her balance and actually fell to the side... I looked at the side-effects and saw that it said something about "pressure in the head" (translating from Greek medication notes... ) and that if one feels it to immediately stop... I have stopped it and hope she gets better... I called the vet and he said he had never heard of this happening with this medication and that she could have already had something underlying causing this... I just don't believe it, she was absolutely fine with her head and balance etc... I know it is the antibiotic and feel very sorry that I gave it to her... I mean it says "don't give to pregnant women" and "don't give to children under 8" in the medication notes!! What on earth would make anyone think it is ok to give to small animals!!! ???

Vibramycin / Doxycyclin
Posted by Cielle (Greece) on 03/18/2015

ok, so it turns out the the Vibramycin somehow caused an inner ear thing to get going in my cat... So perhaps it wasn't a "side-effect" as such, but didn't cover what was causing the ear infection and let it get out of control...

She is now on baytril and cortisone for ear infection - seems to have cleared up a great deal - but yesterday started collecting fluid under her skin at the base of her OTHER ear... And who knows what has caused all of this and whether she would have been better off on no medication in the first place...

I am going to wean her off cortisone and stop antibiotic soon... I just hope the ear infection won't come back and that the fluid will go away... and try to never ever put her on meds again - I have managed to avoid them for all of my other cats and dogs...


Steroids
Posted by Cathy (Ortonville, Michigan) on 02/08/2015

Hello,

I saw your site while I was doing research on diabetes in animals. If possible I would like to get more information from you. This is why.

I have a 10 year old Huskidoodle, he has always been super healthy. He got an ear infection that was annoying him and home remedies were not working so I decided to bring him to the vet. Besides this ear infection he has not had any other health issues whatsoever and I have had him since he was a puppy, so I brought him to the vet and the recommendation of treatment for his ear infection was an ear cream and a steroid shot. I allowed them to give him the shot and I applied the cream for a week and his ear cleared up and he was back to normal for about a month. Then he started drinking a lot, became extremely tired, not eating like normal and lost 4 pounds and also started having accidents in the house. Which he never has before except in his first 2 weeks of being potty trained. I did not bring him to vet until the second week of this because now I was scared and it was not getting better.

We went to the same vet and he had a urine test and full blood work done. I was told it is diabetes and he was put on insulin 2 times a day. The insulin is Novolin N and for now it is 20 ml twice a day and in 10 days he goes in for a check-up to see if his dosage needs to be adjusted.

I need other peoples opinions about all of this, he was so healthy and happy and active and now he is sick and miserable. Was it or could it have been the steroids shot? It was so quick, from healthy to I thought I was gonna lose my poor boy. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerly, Cathy

Steroids
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 02/09/2015

Hey Cathy!

I am sorry to hear about the complications your huskydoodle has experienced.

There is such a thing as steroid/prednisone induced diabetes in dogs; this normally resolves when the steroid wears off [give or take 6 weeks].

However in some dogs that are pre-diabetic, the steroid shot will make the hidden condition obvious; since poodles are a breed that have a predisposed risk of this genetic condition, it makes it that much harder to really know if the shot is to blame, or if this is simply your senior dog's genetic history coming to the surface.

I think the follow up appointment to check the med dosage is a good idea, and I would certainly ask your vet if this might be reversible when the shot is fully worn off. It would also be a good idea to review diet to that if your dog's diabetes cannot be reversed that you do not add to complications by feeding the wrong diet or treats.

I know folks who have had diabetes appear in their 10 or 11 year old seniors in many breeds, and the biggest hurdle was finding the correct insulin dosage; once that was worked out their dogs health and happiness was restored and they lived with great quality of life for many years.

Good luck and please keep us posted!


Steroids
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc, Canada) on 02/11/2015

This is not the first time I hear this. I have diabetes myself and after doing research dumped insulin and am well just by watching the diet. You can find out by visiting GreenMedInfo online about diabetes medicines.

See also online about Transferfactor . It has quite a reputation for healing pets and people I believe.

Vet dog diets sold in the clinics is the worst. For diabetes they sell wood dust. I saw that and was taken aback. But I have never considered that specific diet as anything but profiteering at the cost of an innocent animal that can't talk back. A well thought out diet as well as your pet can thrive on it . Exercise is vital and keeps the blood sugar down. In my case, I would have a word with the vet, I can tell you. All the best.

Namaste, Om


Clavamox
Posted by Rita (Miami, FL) on 12/17/2014

My cat was killed by Clavamox. My cat seemed to have a hairball he could not expel. On Friday he doesn't eat most of his food but does drink water and can walk and sit up fine. Saturday morning he doesn't want to eat and he feels very warm as if he had a fever. From symptoms I thought he might have a stomach infection from hairball; he could still walk and sit up fine.

His vet gives me Clavamox. I force feed him some food and 1 hour later I give him 1 ml of Clavamox. Soon after he ingests the antibiotic, he vomits the food I had given him and the hairball came out, his temperature goes down, but he seems to become weak, lethargic, and not able to walk well or sit up well. I just thought he had not eaten well and this is why he was like this. He still doesn't want to eat so I force feed him again water, food and Nutrical to keep him from dehydrating every 4 hrs. 12 hours later I give him another 1 ml of antibiotic.

Sunday morning he feels extremely cold to the touch, he doesn't want to eat or drink water, he is severely weak, almost unable to walk and unable to sit up. I don't give him the antibiotic and I start force feeding him food, water, Pedialite, and Nutrical every 2 hrs, and heating up towels and putting them on him to bring up his temperature, but he just gets worse as time passes. He has severely shrunk in size by now, seems to be very dehydrated no matter how much I gave him. I rush him to the emergency vet clinic where he dies.

I later find out in the internet that an allergic reaction to Clavamox makes them vomit and drowsy which were symptoms my cat presented, and Clavamox can also make their muscles weak which my cat also developed. My cat seemed to have had a severe allergic reaction to Clavamox.Be very careful in feeding this antibiotic and if you see any of these symptoms don't wait and rush him to the hospital immediately, it can mean the difference between life and death.

Clavamox
Posted by Kelli (Pa) on 04/17/2018

I am truly sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to anyone losing a pet having been there myself, I am deeply saddened to know this happened to you.
I am grateful for the information as my cat recently was rushed to the vet with a high fever which resulted in 4 days in the hospital. He was given Clavamox and Baytril. He would not take the Baytril and I continued him on Clavamox for 12 days as directed. I discontinued at day 12 because he vomited but made a full recovery. It's so hard to know what the symptoms will be if there is a reaction, sites like this are incredibly helpfulin that regard. I am grateful for this knowledge as I have another cat and I know what to look for.

Thank you for sharing. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss.


PetArmor
Posted by Debbiehd (Dayton, Ohio) on 07/06/2014

I applied PetArmor to my Lab about a week ago. He started scratching violently and I thought it would wear off. He did not even have any fleas--I was using this as a preventative. What should I give him? He is miserable and also has developed a lump under his leg, one of the places he is itching severely. I just started researching PetArmor and there are some lawsuits because their pets died. What can I do to help him? This is such stupidity that you can't even trust what you buy at the store for $40 or $50 dollars. Can anyone help me with this? Should I give him Benadryl? How much? He weighs 115 lb. Thank you.

PetArmor
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 07/06/2014

Hey Debbiehd!

Sorry to hear about the side effects your lab is experiencing.

If this were my dog I would bathe him immediately to remove as much of the substances as possible from his skin and coat. Use cheap human shampoo and follow it up with an apple cider vinegar rinse to neutralize any soap residue.

Next, I would have him ingest an internal cleanser such as bentonite clay or activated charcoal; these should be available at your local health food store or whole foods co-op. Mix a teaspoon or so into canned wet food and do this am and pm for 3 days.

Benadryl would not hurt, I would go for it were it my dog, and also I would consider using OTC anti-itch creams with cortisone. This is not for long term use, but just to nip the reaction he is having in the bud.

It wasn't clear if you used the regular Pet Armor or the Plus - the plus has fipronil and S-methoprene. The S-methoprene leaves the body in about 5 days, while the fipronil stays longer. Support your boy by making sure he is taking in plenty of liquids - this may mean giving him wet food for the next week or so to ensure he is taking additional liquid in besides water.


Depo-Medrol
Posted by Redragtop (Pocomoke City, Maryland) on 06/30/2014

My beloved 10 year old Siamese cat was in distress from fleas, so I called our local vet for some help. Our Vet was not in, but his nice young associate helped us. He agreed that my baby showed signs of an allergy to fleas, and gave him two Depo-Medrol shots to make him "feel better in a couple of days", and sold me a topical flea medication for "instant relief". This was on Friday afternoon.

On Saturday, my cat stuck to me like glue. I couldn't leave his sight. He wouldn't eat, but I could get him to drink water. At bedtime, I put him in my bed. After several hours, my baby woke me up with a terrible cry, and started with a seizure. He had seizures all night long, and passed at 4:45 Sunday morning.

Now, I find out that Depo can cause kidney failure .... the vet didn't warn me ...... it was supposed to make him feel better .....

Depo-Medrol
Posted by Diamond (Ma, US) on 06/30/2014

To Redragtop, owner; I am so sorry for your loss, I know how it feels to lose your loving pets. I hope in time your sorrow and pain will go away. I guess like most of us learn the hard way, there are no real answers, right or wrong, but we do learn from mistakes made. She is still with you in spirit and will let you know he is still there with you. God Bless.


Depo-Medrol
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 07/01/2014

Hey Redragtop!

I am very sorry for your loss.

Please report the death of your dear Siamese to your vet. At the very least, blood work should have been performed prior to giving your cat this injection to ensure your cat's organs were able to process this synthetic steroid properly.

http://www.vetstreet.com/depo-medrol

What a senseless loss - I am so sorry.

{{{{{{{{{{{{Redragtop}}}}}}}}}}}


Metronidozole
Posted by Sharon (Phx.,az) on 04/20/2014

All these horrific reports about medication side effects have me really spooked. My Heinz 57/GSD/staffordshire terrior female dog had to go on a two-week course of Mitronidozole for a bad gastritis attack. Before that, she was in great health, the original happy, lovable 'chow-hound' who could eat anything (even the neighbor's damn cat's poop because said neighbor will not keep it inside) Anyways, I digress....

So the Metronidozole cured the gastritis - and it it also cleared up some ghastly Dog Breath- Unfortunately, now my poor dog is itching and scratching herself to pieces. She is so miserable....We immediately put her on a homemade diet of: Ground turkey, rice, green beans & pumpkin. She's been two weeks on that. No change. We've done the Oatmeal shampoo bath; that helped about 24 hours. I tried a half of 50mg. generic Benedryl tablet; didn't make a dent in the itching.....

I really don't want to take her to the $$ Vet $$ for more $$ medication$ $$ with more side effects, but I am at my wits end. When you all send in your stories, please be sure and add any treatment that may have helped too or if anyone has dealt with itching after Metronidozole (flagyl) treatment please write in.

Ketoconazole
Posted by Mskuhl (E Patchogue, NY) on 07/16/2013

My dog Bailey just died today. He was on Ketoconazole, and developed pancreatitis and diabetes. We took him back to the Vet to put him on fluids and insulin. He was at the Vet overnight, when they called in the morning to say he develope a fever of 109 and to come in because he would die soon. He was only 9yrs old and was a great companion. We should put a class action suit against the drug company that makes Ketconazole.

Ketoconazole
Posted by Laws (Maywest, Fl) on 07/17/2013

Find a lawyer that could show that ketoconazole was the cause of death and you could have a good case.


Metacam
Posted by Heather (Fayetteville, Ga) on 06/18/2013

My cat Limpy was given one Metacam injection after having a few bad teeth pulled. She came home and was eating and feeling good but with in a week she stopped eating. The vets found Fuild all in her chest but no signs of cancer. Sadly she passed a few days later. I had no idea there were so many reports about the side effects of Metacam. There is a web site called Metacam kills.com. I will always believe this drug killed my cat. The vets are so misguided by the drug companies and seem to be more interested in padding their wallets. I lost the best cat I have ever known because of the vets and this drug Metacam.


Metacam
Posted by Palhuc (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 04/19/2013

I took my 5.5 month old ragdoll kitten for spaying this week. After 2 of the 4 doses of metacam given to her for pain I noticed she was so hyper, jumping up walls and nonstop climbing. She also appeared to be watching the ceiling and I could not get her attention (possibly hallucinating). She responded very well after surgery, ate , drank and went to bathroom almost immediately after coming home from surgery.

She did not appear to be in pain but I did not want to take a chance so that is why I gave her the pain meds. Today did not give pain meds but she is very calm and not hyper like on metacam. I believe this was not a good med for her. I will continue to monitor for any changes in behavior and changes.

Metacam
Posted by Andrea (Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) on 05/04/2013

My cat Sam-Panda has a serious heart condition, and has lately developed a throat irritation. He was prescribed Metacam for the irritation, but just as I was about to give him his first dose I read that it is contra-indicated in animals with cardiac disease. Reading about other animals experiences with this drug, I have no doubt my precious boy would be dead now if I had followed the ve'ts careless advice.


Cortisone
Posted by Patrice (Melbourne, Australia) on 01/21/2013

I took my 14yr Border Collie to the Vet for a back problem requiring acupuncture, whilst there the Vet convinced me to try a short five day course of cortisone for her. Within a couple of days she was panting hard and had excessive thirst and hunger, followed by a complete collapse. The Vet diagnosed it as Distibula (an inner ear problem) but my brilliant Natural Therapist, Kinesiologist, Energy worker said it was a stroke, neurological (not an inner ear problem) caused by the cortisone, which had blocked Sally's immune system from working correctly when she had eaten some broccoli that wasn't organic and had been sprayed with pesticides. Her system couldn't cope.

Thanks to the Natural Therapist and Homeopathy Sally made a pretty good recovery.

That's what Cortisone does: blocks one's own immune response to dis-eases, which can then run rampant. and is like fertilizer to cancer.

Cortisone
Posted by Ingrid (Daytona Beach, Florida) on 06/06/2014

10 y/o chihuahua with CHF. Vet gave cortisone injection, dog went lethargic. She walked like a drunk and kept falling down.

297 sugar, liver GGT 44, BUN 144, I brought her home with IV electrolytes and insulin. I don't know how she made it through the night. NEVER give your pet a cortisone shot. They stopped giving them to COPD patients as it compromises the immune system. I will let you know if she makes it a week.


Ketaconazole
Posted by Roxane (Rocklin, California) on 12/19/2012

My six-year old Silky-Yorkie mix was put on Ketoconazole for a fungal infection in his ears. A few days later I woke up to vomit all over the house! Took him back to vet, where he spent the day having tests, including an ultra sound for his organs.

Here is what they found: Inflamed, swollen liver, pancreatitis, extremely high blood glucose levels. And other, more minor things. Now he must have insulin injections twice a day for diabetes caused by the pancreatitis. He was overweight but in good health otherwise. He is tolerating the insulin well, but I was beside myself the day he stayed in the pet hospital, as they told me I had a very, very sick dog. His name is Harry.

I thank God he made it through, but am so sorry I ever gave him that Ketoconazole. Antifungals are rather dangerous for humans, so what was I thinking when I gave it to my dog? I have good vets and don't blame them, although I wish they had told me about the liver side effects. I think that if a drug can harm the liver, it can surely harm the pancreas. Could not be a rare coincidence, come on! And now he is a diabetic for the rest of his life. It's quite a chore making sure he gets his shots twice a day, but my Harry is worth it! You all know what I mean! -- Roxane

Trifexis
Posted by April (Oak Grove, Mo) on 11/06/2012

My 10 month old chow chow had reaction to Trifexis. He had it for 3 doses and I finally called Elanco and reported it. They sent a refund to the vet I bought it from. My dog was lathargic and had no appetite for 1-2 days after each dose and after the 3rd month he had strange body movements. They said they would report to ???? doggy FDA or something like that but I don't know if they did.


Ketoconazole
Posted by Bruce (Cumming, Ga) on 07/27/2012

My 4 yr old 72 lb Golden Retriever Scout died today. I believe his death may have been caused by ketoconazole. My vet prescribed ketoconazole 300 mg twice a day for a yeast infection in his ears. Scout also received his annual vaccinations for rabies and bordetella the same day the prescription began.

Scout died on the 11th day after beginning this treatment. The only symptom he exhibited over this time period was a decrease in energy and on his last day, a lack of appetite.

I will never allow my dogs to take this drug in the future. I would appreciate any information about ketoconazole and others experiences with this drug.

Ketoconazole
Posted by Poes4me (Belle Center, Oh) on 07/31/2012

Bruce, from Cumming, GA, I'm sorry to hear about your friend Scout. Because I've heard some good things about Ketoconazole I didn't hesitate to give it to my yeasty, 12-yr-old peke when my vet prescribed it. However, by the 3rd day of taking it my peke started showing signs of ataxia, and by day 5 he could barely lift his head, and could barely walk, so I discontinued the med. I don't know if the combo of it along with his phenobarbital and potassium bromide (for his seizures) caused the toxicity, but Ketoconazole will never be given to my boy again.


Ketoconazole
Posted by Daveyo (Nakhon Sawan, Thailand) on 08/30/2012

Sorry to read about the death of your dog. 300mg of that stuff is definitely a killer. A huge overdose. Sue the VET or find another VET or report that VET to the VETERINARY BOARD and have its license be revoked. You have some options to think about.

My God, seems the VETS are getting worse.

Daveyo



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