Very bad reaction to an herbal supplement.

the3rdname

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Not sure if we need to go to the vet today or if things will get better soon.  Hoping for some insight on why this is happening!  I gave my felv+ guy Rumi a Chinese herbal supplement called Yunnan Baiyao for his anemia and low platelet count (it's supposed to be a blood builder) for a few days in a row, everything was fine, then started on a once every other day for three days regimen (recommended for maximum effectiveness).  The first day of our every-other-day schedule, Rumi vomited several times about an hour after taking the supplement.  I'd given him a meal immediately after giving him the supplement, so I blamed it on a full stomach.  

The second day of our every-other-day schedule (yesterday evening) I gave him the supplement and he, again, vomited several times about an hour later and had mild diarrhea.  Ok, obviously it's the supplement so here I am apologizing to him for having to go through this when all I wanted to do was help him.

Several hours after this vomiting spell he eats and vomits immediately.  I pick up his food thinking his stomach will settle down by morning.  A few hours later I hear him lapping at the water bowl and he vomits AGAIN, bile and water.  

He seems fine aside from this vomiting problem, but now I'm wondering if I've got a full-blown emergency on my hands or if he's going to recover soon.  Has anyone ever had this type of reaction happen in their cat??  Why would he have such a violent reaction?  

Edit: Is there anything I could give him to help calm his tummy?
 
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denice

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My kitty had a very similar reaction which was an allergic reaction to a vaccine.  He also had a fever.  The vet gave him a steroid shot, fluids and kept him a few hours to make sure he was going to come out of it okay.  I would get him to the vet as soon as possible.  A kitty like people can have an allergic reaction to anything.
 
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the3rdname

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Thanks Denice.  I hope it is an allergic reaction rather than poisoning.  I just did a little research on the supplement and apparently it contains trace amounts of monkshood (!).  Cats have been taking it safely for a long time but now I'm panicked.  At any rate, we're off to the vet.  
 
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the3rdname

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Ok, it was deemed an allergic reaction because he's fine aside from the G.I. issues.  He had sub-q fluids and cerenia and famotidine injections, and we're to try a little food soon (fingers crossed that it stays down!).  

Just feeling grateful that he wasn't poisoned!  Sheesh, let this be a cautionary tale for anyone who wants to try Chinese herbal remedies.  Not saying they don't work great for some cats, because I know they do, but it is worrisome that there are ingredients in there not listed on the label.  And without regulation or standardization, who really knows what the content of each capsule is.  
 
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