Two Groups Stick Up for Spot-Ons
The Companion Animal Parasite Council and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have joined the chatter about the potential dangers of spot-on flea/tick treatments—and they contend that the products are generally safe when used according to labeling instructions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Washington) announced in April that it would evaluate safety issues related to all registered spot-on flea and tick control products due to an increase in “adverse events” in pets treated with such products. (For background details, see “News Beat” in July 2009, “Legislation” in June 2009 and “Health” in May 2009 PET AGE.)
Dr. Mike Paul, executive director of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (Bel Air, Md.), said the phrase “adverse event” is too broad. “An adverse event that is reported may be anything from disappointing results, unacceptable odors or temporary changes to the hair coat, to more significant events such as gastrointestinal upsets, respiratory signs like coughing or sneezing, or skin irritations at the point of application. On rare occasions, serious and life-threatening symptoms and even death may occur,” said Paul, a veterinarian who leads the independent council of veterinary practitioners, parasitologists, physicians and legal experts.
No adverse event is desirable, he said, but the vast majority of cases are of lesser significance. Furthermore, he said, the EPA doesn’t do enough to clarify the nature or frequency of adverse events. “The range of products used is amazingly broad,” Paul said. “Not only are these products specifically labeled for indication by species, they are also clearly labeled for frequency of application and dosage. There is no reference in the EPA report to adherence to these labeled restrictions.”
At the same time, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (New York) released new data showing that cats are more susceptible to illness and death as a result of the misuse of spot-on flea and tick control products.
Most illnesses associated with the proper use of spot-on flea and tick control products are mild, according to data from the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. However, severe reactions are more common when pet owners don’t follow label instructions.
“Products labeled for dogs must never be used on cats—doing so can result in serious illness and even death,” said Dr. Louise Murray, medical director for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (New York). “A veterinarian must always be consulted before using spot-on flea and tick treatments on very young, old, sick or pregnant pets.”
Both organizations agree that flea/tick prevention and treatment are important to ensure the health and comfort of companion animals.
“The important take-home message is that, although adverse reactions can occur with all flea and tick products, most effects are relatively mild and include skin irritation and stomach upset,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of Animal Health Services. “Pet parents should not discontinue using products as directed by the product label when faced with a flea infestation.”
Cats More Susceptible to Spot-on Misuse
Each year, the ASPCA receives more than 150,000 reports of animal illness involving medications, insecticides, plants and foods. When epidemiologist Dr. Margaret Slater analyzed data regarding flea/tick products, she noticed a dramatic difference between animals that were treated appropriately versus those that weren’t. |
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Cats and Dogs Treated Properly With Flea/Tick Products |
Cats Treated Improperly With Flea/Tick Products |
No illness |
7% |
18% |
Mild illness |
69% |
17% |
Moderate illness |
22% |
45% |
Major illness |
2% |
19% |
Death |
0.1% |
2% |
Source: ASPCA [August 2009 PET AGE]
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