Convenia is poison

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jon in vermont

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Though Jack was a very healthy 5 year old with no issue prior in his life, he developed a Urinary Tract Infection, which is very common.  I waited 2 days before taking him to the vet.  He was eating and drinking the whole time, so it wasn’t severe and he was not in pain.  During the vet appointment, the Dr. instructed me that he would be given an antibiotic and then I would have some things for him to take at home.  No big deal really.  He took the injection in the office and when we got home he lasted about 15 minutes before falling to the ground and passing away.  It was pretty jarring and violent, but it WAS quick.  He went to his hiding spot and that is where it happened.  I am thankful that he was home and at least in his safe little spot right behind the leather chair, instead of in a cage in the office.

I immediately took him back to the vet where i was met with apologies and an honest statement in that it wasn’t me waiting too long to take him for the UTI symptoms, but it was adverse effect (deadly allergic reaction) to the antibiotic he was given.  I have a lot of questions for the vet and want to ensure the drug is flagged for an adverse drug event (ADE) as I discovered it has happened before after doing the research.  I am asking him to ensure, as is law, to report the death to the FDA and I was prompted by other vet friends to do the same to the drug manufacturer.  This way other families wouldn’t lose their pet for no reason.  I am also addressing the vet because there may have been other oral options which were less dangerous, possibly available, and never explained to me.

Point of the story guys..know your options.  This sucks.  I killed my cat by trying to take care of him.
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jon in vermont

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Also know that Jack had no prior health issues at 5.  He had a tooth pulled because the vet recommended it.  That's it.  Finally, I believe, oral antibiotics were also an option.  I knew none of this when going to the vet.  ASK QUESTIONS!
 
stephanietx

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I am so very sorry for your loss.  Convenia has been a hot topic in this forum the past couple of days.  It's a controversial drug, but many aren't aware of the negative side effects. 
 
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jon in vermont

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Thank you for your note.  I wrote the first messages with a bit of anger.  While I know drugs are not designed to kill, and are not really poison, my biggest point of contention is that VETS may be offering this drug without explaining the terminal short term / long term side effects.  Furthermore, as I mentioned there are other forms of treatment that aren't nearly as deadly.  I believe that since he was eating and drinking, it would be relatively easy to administer oral medication.  I knew none of this during the appointment and really should have been told.  I believe that the injection MAY hold merit in the situation that it the sickness is very serious and death may already be imminent, that is to say, it's worth the risk and nothing else can be done.  I will be having a discussion with my vet soon.  If I learn of anything new and useful, I will certainly mention it in my forum.  At the end of  day, I tell myself that vets become doctors because they want to work with animals and they care about them deeply.  Much like humans however, often times drugs are offered and the Dr.'s may not have all of the information (even though they should).
 
theperseph

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I am so sorry for your loss. My vet has given my cat Convenia at least 3 times in the past year and a half because of an allergy, and has never once mentioned the side-effects except last time he said he "didn't want to shorten her life if we don't have to," as he was talking about going an alternate route... I've been reading a lot of catinfo.org lately and it has been very helpful. I hope the best to you and that Jack is resting peacefully.
 
stephanietx

stephanietx

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I have written on all my cats' charts "NO CONVENIA and NO METACAM".  I know the vet well enough and have talked with her at length that neither of these drugs is never to be administered to any of my cats unless I specifically give permission.
 
mollyblue

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I am not familliar with Metacam, however, Convenia helped Snowy when several other antibiotics failed. 

It is a difficult position to be in.  I mean we go to vet because we don't know what to do for our fur babies... or else need a prescription to get it.  Same thing with our children born in skin.. if the doctor says we need to give them immunizations to keep them healthy, and then we learn that the immuniziations we forced on our children have potentially put them in high risk for ADD or ADHD, and look at all the other medicines for humas that have class action lawsuits out...and that is after the FDA deemed them safe, and probably through animal testing... do we do human testing on our animals medications?

It is just so FRUSTRATING to want to do the right thing for your cats, your kids, your families, yourself, but you just can't trust any of the professionals... and I am sure the professionals are just as upset that they can't trust the pharmeceutical corporations, etc.  Always someone to blame...  I am sorry for your loss, and for the death of your young cat... May you both find peace.
 
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