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Heartbroken pet owner says popular flea medication Simparica Trio killed his adorable dog
A heartbroken pet owner has claimed a popular flea medication killed his adorable dog.
Ted DeSalvo, from Windham, Ohio, suddenly lost his beloved three-year-old boxer Greta after she had to be euthanized following intense seizures on June 2 - a day after she took Simparica Trio medication.
The chewable tablet is for dogs and cats to help protect against ticks, fleas and heartworm disease.
DeSalvo said Greta was taking the medication every month for two years, and that his veterinarian didn't initially warn him about the complications connected to the pill.
'She was murdered in my view. She was murdered by this product,' DeSalvo told WOIO.
Greta, a three-year-old boxer, had to be euthanized after having seizures one day after taking Simparica Trio
The chewable tablet is for dogs and cats to help protect against ticks, fleas and heartworm disease. DeSalvo said Greta had taken one every month for the last two years
After giving Greta her monthly dose of Simparica Trio on June 1, DeSalvo quickly realized his dog wasn't acting like herself.
'Usually she runs out of her crate, but this time she didn't run out, she hesitated and we looked inside and she was shaking. She was having seizures,' he said.
DeSalvo then rushed Greta to the vet where the doctor told him that she had a 'neurological issue.'
'We asked about the medication then, and that time she did admit to calling my wife and I, at that time, that she’s seen that product do that to other dogs,' DeSalvo recalled.
The young dog didn't improve and eventually had to be put down.
On the back of the well-known pet medication, Zoetis, the company that makes it, has listed possible complications that could arise in animals who take it.
The medication (pictured) can cause ataxia, tremors, and seizures from the ingredient in the tablet, Sarolaner
DeSalvo said Greta, who he referred to as his 'companion,' was not acting like herself the day after he gave her the medication
The medication can cause ataxia, tremors, and seizures from the ingredient in the tablet, Sarolaner. Owners that have dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders are told to use Simparica Trio with caution.
DeSalvo questioned: 'Why are those warnings on the box if it’s safe?'
He said that Greta didn't have any previous health conditions and that he never knew there were risks linked to the medication.
'This was not explained to us. This is not explainable that it was neurological and it wasn’t the product,' he said.
The Food and Drug Administration released a fact sheet about the adverse effects associated with isoxazoline flea and tick products, including Simparica Trio, in 2023.
'She was murdered in my view. She was murdered by this product,' DeSalvo (pictured) said
The agency said that although these products have been safely used in dogs and cats, pet owners should still be cautious and get a vet's opinion on whether its best for their animal.
In 2022, Zoetis released a statement after an owner of another dog took to social media and blamed Simparica Trio.
'We are confident that Simparica Trio, which has been prescribed to protect over 10 million dogs since coming to 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 picture of Greta and his other dog Emma on Facebook as loved ones sent them their deepest condolences.
'Greta passed away today. Please don't ever use Simparica Trio it's a killer. It has insecticide in it,' he said.
DailyMail.com contacted Zoetis for comment.