I'm still reeling as I type this, but felt so strongly about getting the word out that I couldn't wait to type this. It's going to be a little long, but please read this, as you can avoid the day I've just had.
I have two bengals, my male Sampson (6) and my new female Mia (13 mos.). Today, my wife picked up some fresh food, litter, and flea treatment. Both of our cats spend about 1 hour out in our yard every couple of days, under supervision, and we have fleas commonly in the South (Memphis, TN).
Sampson got the advantage, but my wife saw another box for cats under 10 lbs. (Mia is 7 3/4, Sam is a BIG boy). She bought the Hartz Advanced Care flea & tick drops plus+. The normal dose was applied in the directed manner at 11:00am today.
I arrived home from work at 5:10pm (my wife worked 12-7, and wasn't home). Both of my cats greet me at the door every time, by hearing the garage door open. Sam was there, but Mia was under a love seat in the Kitchen sitting room, and didn't look "herself".
As I got closer, I noticed she was shaking all over, and kicking her legs like a cat that had stepped on adhesive tape. Her breathing was labored, fast, and shallow.
My wife had told me on the phone about the flea treatment, and this became my almost immediate suspect.
Not one minute since I had walked in, Mia threw up twice. I instantly picked up the phone and dialed the vet.
I told them about the medicine, and they asked me, "Was it the Hartz?"
I said yes, and was told to immediately bring her in (3 minutes away) and they would be waiting. Mia began to shake worse at this time, possibly sensing my own fear along with hers.
Arrived at the vet in minutes (thank goodness for my 400hp Mustang!), and was rushed into a waiting exam area. The head vet and three assistants immediately gave her an IV Valium injection for the tremors, and then bathed her thoroughly with dish soap and water.
Anther injection of something (I'll tell later, but can't recall now) was administered to counteract the Hartz. I was told this was not an antedote, but helped in this type of case.
Within 30 minutes, they had an Emergency specialist hospital on standby for Mia's arrival. They wrapped in a heavy towel and placed her in her carrier. She was literally at full seizure at this point, and I really wondered if she was coming home again. The doctors showed genuine concern on their faces and in their voices, and I was scared.
I took her to the emergency vet at 6:00. They were waiting and immediately put Mia on a catheter IV of the same above-mentioned medicine. Glucose and Dextrose were added to the drip for her strength, so much of which was expended in the violent tremors.
It is 9:45 as I type this, and Mia's condition has greatly improved. She now has a slight head tremor, but the body shakes have subsided. It looks like she is going to live, and hopefully recover in fair time. I'm told this could exit her system in only a few days (at the longest), 12-24 hours estimated. We're hopeful, and while still stressed to the max, we are relieved we will keep our girl.
I'm not going to bash a product in this post, but will tell you that both vets informed me of how common this reaction is to the Hartz. Please make your own purchase decisions, however, my own has been made for life. What I saw today I sincerely pray none of you fine Bengal owners experience.
Thanks for letting me vent on this nice message board, and please keep your babies safe!
Alan
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