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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

927.0. "FLEAS/THE PAW COMPANY" by VAXWRK::LESHIN () Tue Dec 01 1987 14:53

    My cat Baby had fleas so we decided to take him to the local groomer
    (The Paw Company) in Hudson, MA.  They also sold me a can of 120
    Day Carpet Spray so that I could clean the rug where Baby sleeps.
    The next day we noticed that Baby's third eyelid was up (it took
    the vet to tell us this) and he looked just terrible.  He had something
    similar to conjunctivitis and needed a couple of shots and some
    ointment to be put on his eye in the mornings and evenings.
    
    We called the vet a couple of days later and brought Baby back -
    the vet said he looked a lot better but needed another two shots
    and some more medicine.  Today, over a week later, I will take Baby
    to the vet again.
    
    The problem is THE PAW COMPANY told me that the carpet spray would
    not be harmful to my cat.  The vet told me that the combination
    of the flea bath and the spray are the cause of the illness.  When
    I tried to return the can of spray to THE PAW COMPANY, they said
    there was nothing wrong with it and if the cat is sick, it has nothing
    to do with them.  They also said the warnings are on the can and
    they would not give me a refund.  My concern was not for the money
    but merely that my cat had to go through all this for no good reason.
    
    I did request that they tell their future clients of the danger
    the cat might face if this spray and bath are used.  Bill (the owner
    of THE PAW COMPANY) seemed to not care at all that my cat was sick
    and that was what really bothered me.
    
    Please - if your cat has fleas - take him to the vet, not a groomer.
    The groomers do not know enough - they just bathe the animals. And
    please, DO NOT GO TO THE PAW COMPANY IN HUDSON, MA.
    
    Sandi
    
    
    
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927.1Are you sure.......FIDDLE::GERRYGo ahead, make me PURRR...Tue Dec 01 1987 16:1120
    Do you know what The Paw Company used to bathe Baby, and what they
    sold you for the carpet???  
    
    I find it difficult to believe that they would sell you a product
    to use on the carpet that would be reactionary with what they were
    bathing the cat with.  
    
    How did the vet know that the problem was a reaction to the flea
    products???  Have you used flea products on Baby before??  
    
    It is possible that "your" cat may have had a reaction to the flea
    products, but that does not mean that "all" groomers do not know
    what their doing.  Please be aware that many vets do not provide
    a grooming service or a way of getting rid of fleas other than
    providing powders and sprays.
    
    Please provide us with more information if possible.
    
    purrs
    cin
927.2combining ingredientsCIRCUS::KOLLINGKaren, Sweetie, Holly; in Calif.Tue Dec 01 1987 16:495
    If I remember correctly from the 20/20 report on Hartz Blockade,
    Blockade contains two primary ingredients, each of which had been
    used alone with relative safety.  It is the combo that is deadly.
    Another reason to be very wary when using stuff to treat fleas.
    
927.3What's in the Stuff?TOXMAN::MECLERFRANKTue Dec 01 1987 19:179
    If you still have the can of carpet spray either enter the list
    of ingredients in this note or send them to me via VAXmail at my
    node.  The EPA requires manufacturers to list their ingredients
    on all pesticides.  When I've had a chance to review the ingredients
    I'll get back to you.  BTW, I'm a Board certified General Toxicologist
    and know many vets (and MDs) who do not have a strong background
    in drug action.  Groomers know less.
    
    Frank
927.4120 Day Carpet SprayVAXWRK::LESHINThu Dec 03 1987 14:559
    I am sorry but I have thrown away the spray.  It is called 120 Carpet
    Spray and is made by ZODIAC.  
    
    Maybe it was the combination of the two things that hurt Baby -
    my major concern with the Paw Company was that the owner didn't
    seem to care at all about the cat.  
    
    If your vet does not have a grooming service, they may be able to
    recommend one.
927.5ZODIAC, VET-KEM, and reactionsLAIDBK::SHERRICKMolly :^)Fri Dec 04 1987 16:4033
    The ZODIAC 120 day carpet spray is made by ZOECON corp. - the same
    outfit that makes the VET-KEM flea products.  The ZODIAC product
    is EXACTLY the same formula as the VET-KEM SIPHOTROL PLUS PREMISE
    SPARY (only less expensive!) and contains PRECOR, and CARBARYL.
    These are safe and effective.  HOWEVER, when you spray your house,
    remove the kitty from the treated area for an hour or so - remove
    yourself too.  The spray has the same stuff in it that the flea
    "bombs" have.  As far as the "combination" of products goes - I
    doubt that that was the problem, unless Baby was exposed to the
    carpet spray directly.  If Baby was just flea bathed and not dipped,
    there should not be much in the way of residue on the coat.  Dipping
    means emmersing the cat in a dip solution (with insecticide) and
    NOT rinsing it off.  Most reactions happen when a cat has been dipped,
    and then flea powdered, or flea collared afterwards.  The problem
    stems from exposure to too much insecticide, not from the combination
    of chemicals.  
    	Sounds to me like Baby is just very sensitive to these products.
    As far as common practice goes the Paw Company did O.K. HOWEVER
    it is OUTRAGEOUS that they should take that attitude with you! 
    I would send them a complaint letter, and let them know that their
    business practices are in danger of putting them out of business!
    I hope you can find a way of controlling the fleas that Baby can
    live with.  Talk to your vet about other products - it may be that
    Baby is sensitive to either CARBARYL (methyl carbamate or something)
    or to PRECOR (that's the stuff that prevents the larvae from maturing).
    
    One other thought.  Do you know what kind of shampoo was used? 
    A cat can have SEVERE reactions to being bathed in a product formulated
    for dogs - they are WAY too strong.  
    
    Best of luck!
    
    Molly
927.6AKOV11::FRETTSyou are a shining star...Tue Dec 08 1987 11:5817
    
    
    I have used both the Zodiac carpet spray and have taken one of my
    cats to the Paw Company in Hudson for grooming.  My personal feeling
    about your situation is a) always read the directions on the product
    you are going to use - this product is a good one and the directions
    are quite clear, and b) the Paw Company did quite a nice job grooming
    Pistachio - I do find that the man that runs the store is personable
    and friendly and also a little bit self-conscious (I can't think
    of a better word).  If you were upset when you spoke to him (and
    I don't blame you), I could see where he might have become very defensive
    and perhaps take things personally.
    
    Hope your kitty is better now.
    
    Carole