Man claims dog died after taking common medication

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A Florida man claims that a common medication, prescribed to prevent fleas and heartworms in dogs, killed his beloved companion. According to Thursday’s THV 11 News, Eamonn Kneeshaw’s 12-year-old dog, “Harry,” died one month after taking Trifexis, which is prescribed to kill (and prevent) fleas, ticks and heartworms.

Trifexis is an FDA approved medication, but Kneeshaw is convinced that the drug killed his pet. Though the medication has been proven safe for many dogs, Kneeshaw commented on the impact of the odds if the unthinkable happens to your pet, “It’s not a small few if you’re that one.”

On Facebook, there is an entire page created about the Trifexis medication – there are over 10,000 people who follow the “Does Trifexis Kill Dogs,” page. The page is filled with stories from pet owners who have dogs suffering side-effects, or worse, from the medication.

Dr. Mark Brown of Central Animal Hospital has seen patients react adversely to Trifexis and though he believes that heartworm preventative is absolutely necessary, he admits that there are other medications that seem to be better tolerated that Trifexis.

Elanco, the maker of Trifexis, released a statement about Harry’s death:

“there is nor certainty that the reported drug caused the adverse event. The adverse event may have been related to an underlying disease, using other drugs at the same time, or other non-drug related causes.”

The Trifexis website lists known side effects:

Serious adverse reactions have been reported following concomitant extra-label use of ivermectin with spinosad alone, one of the components of Trifexis chewable tablets.

Treatment with fewer than three monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. Prior to administration of Trifexis, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection. Use with caution in breeding females. The safe use of Trifexis in breeding males has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with pre-existing epilepsy.

The most common adverse reactions reported are vomiting, depression/lethargy, itching, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. To ensure heartworm prevention, observe your dog for one hour after administration. If vomiting occurs within an hour of administration, redose with another full dose. Puppies less than 14 weeks of age may experience a higher rate of vomiting. Like all medications, keep Trifexis out of reach of children.


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8 COMMENTS

  1. This isn’t the first death from Trifexis that I’ve heard about…of course, the manufacturer isn’t going to accept blame. RIP Harry. My condolences to Eamonn Kneeshaw.

  2. This isn’t the first time I have heard of a dog dying or getting sick from Trifexis. I don’t think I would be willing to give it to my dogs because of this. I believe that heartworm medication is necessary also but Interceptor or heartguard have never given my dogs any “adverse” effects and I will stick with them!. So sorry for Mr Kneeshaw’a loss of Harry, I can’t imagine the heartbreak when you think you are taking good care of your pet and something like this happens.

  3. I have used trifexis for years with my two dogs and have had no issues what so ever. I always give it to them right after feeding and they are fine. I do know that every dog is different, just like every person and a small portion of dogs may be sensitive to any drug that is taken. I am sorry for Mr. Kneeshaw’s loss.

  4. I do believe Trifexis was the cause of his death.My baby girl which is a chihuahua was taking Trifexis for a few years.One day she started having seizures and drinking a lot so we took her to her doctor they did blood work and he called us back that night with the news her liver enzymes were too high.The doctor couldn’t pin point the cause but we did our own research found a few site with cases like ours linking it to the drug we took her off it changed to a different pill and it has been over a year now since and we haven’t had a problem with her being sick we have her blood work done every 6 months to check her liver enzymes and they have been normal.So because of our quick actions and the doctors my little girl is still with us today.I have just recently met a woman who has just put her dog to sleep because he suffered the same symptoms as my dog but they didn’t know what it was and he got worse.But now she knows

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