Veterinary Practice News reported tonight that Pfizer is pulling its flea and tick preventive, ProMeris for Dogs, from production after it was linked to cases of a serious canine skin infection known as Pemphigus foliaceus (PF).
The findings arose out of a study published in the March issue of Veterinary Dermatology. The study’s lead author, Thierry Olivry, DrVet, PhD, Dipl. ACVD, along with resident Ursula Oberkirchner and pathologist Keith Linder, DVM, PhD, all of North Carolina State University, reported on a Labrador retriever diagnosed with ProMeris-caused PF. From the article in Veterinary Practice News:
“Dogs (in the study) developed lesions in a draping pattern or along the dorsal side after having ProMeris Duo applied,” Olivry says. “Some dogs showed systemic signs that included lethargy, generalized pain and anorexia. In the case of a 7-year-old (spayed) female Labrador, a two-week history of skin lesions and lameness was presented.
“Ten months prior to referral, the dog’s monthly flea and tick prevention was changed from Frontline to PD. The patient received a total of three PD applications, three and five months separating them. One month after the third application of PD, the owner noticed extensive crusting on the application site between the shoulder blades as well as lameness in the left front leg. The dog was examined by the primary care veterinarian, who suspected a tick-borne disease as the cause of this dog’s lameness. Doxycycline was then prescribed.”
Olivry expressed concern that many general practice veterinarians might similarly misdiagnose the patient.
“The patient’s health worsened dramatically over the following days. The dog appeared in pain, she showed lameness of the left front paw and skin lesions had progressed. The veterinarian prescribed prednisone (1 mg/kg twice daily) and tramadol, while a fentanyl patch was applied and doxycycline was continued.
“Only minimal improvement of the lameness and skin lesions was seen with this regimen, and the patient was referred to North Carolina State University.
[....]
Olivry and his team concluded this case with a diagnosis of PTPF.
“The dog returned for a re-evaluation visit the following week,” Olivry says. “At that time, skin lesions had improved, as there was only minor crusting left in the interscapular region and pinnae. The dog no longer exhibited signs of lameness, and tramadol was discontinued. The dose of prednisolone was tapered progressively over the following 11 days. The disease has remained in remission without any relapse for more than two years.”
For more information, including signs of PF and what to do if you used ProMeris on your dog and she is showing any of them, read the complete story here.
Note: Pfizer is a Pet Connection sponsor.
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