A heartbroken pet owner has claimed a popular flea medicine has killed her adorable dog.
Ted DeSalvo of Windham, Ohio, suddenly lost his beloved three-year-old boxer, Greta, after she had to be euthanized following severe seizures on June 2, one day after she took the medication Simparica Trio.
The chewable tablet is for dogs and cats to help protect them against ticks, fleas and heartworms.
DeSalvo said Greta had been taking the medication every month for two years and that her veterinarian did not initially warn her about complications related to the pill.
“In my opinion, she was murdered. She was murdered by this product,” DeSalvo said. WOIO.
Greta, a three-year-old boxer, had to be put down after suffering seizures a day after taking Simparica Trio.
The chewable tablet is intended for dogs and cats to help protect them against ticks, fleas and heartworms. DeSalvo said Greta had taken one every month for the past two years.
After giving Greta her monthly dose of Simparica Trio on June 1, DeSalvo quickly realized her dog wasn’t acting like herself.
“Normally he runs out of his cage, but this time he didn’t run out, he hesitated and when we looked inside he was shaking. He was having seizures,” she said.
DeSalvo then rushed Greta to the vet, where the doctor told him she had a “neurological issue.”
“We asked her about the medication at that time, and she admitted to calling my wife and I at that time, and seeing that product do that to other dogs,” DeSalvo recalled.
The young dog did not improve and eventually had to be euthanized.
On the back of the popular pet medication, Zoetis, the company that makes it, has listed the possible complications that could arise in animals taking it.
The drug (pictured) can cause ataxia, tremors and seizures due to the tablet ingredient, Sarolaner.
DeSalvo said Greta, whom he referred to as his “partner,” was not acting like herself the day after he gave her the medication.
The medicine may cause ataxia, tremors and seizures due to the tablet ingredient, Sarolaner. Owners of dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders are advised to use Simparica Trio with caution.
DeSalvo questioned: ‘Why are there those warnings on the box if it’s safe?’
He said Greta had no previous health problems and was never aware of any risks associated with the medication.
“They didn’t explain it to us. It can’t be explained that it’s a neurological problem and not a product problem,” he said.
The Food and Drug Administration published a fact sheet on adverse events associated with isoxazoline-based flea and tick products, including Simparica Trio, in 2023.
“In my opinion, she was murdered. She was murdered by this product,” DeSalvo (pictured) said.
The agency said that although these products have been used safely in dogs and cats, pet owners should be cautious and get a veterinarian’s opinion on whether it is best for their animal.
In 2022, Zoetis released a statement after another dog owner took to social media and blamed the Simparica Trio.
“We are confident that Simparica Trio, which has been prescribed to protect more than 10 million dogs since it came onto the U.S. market in 2020, remains an effective and safe parasite preventative option for most dogs,” the company said.
Zoetis added that it is “very rare” for animals to experience neurological symptoms, vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.
DeSalvo posted a photo of Greta and her other dog, Emma, on Facebook as loved ones sent their deepest condolences.
“Greta passed away today. Please never use Simparica Trio, it’s a killer. It contains insecticide,” he said.
DailyMail.com has contacted Zoetis for comment.
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