My sister's dog is still recovering (but showing solid improvement now...finally, after many months) from an auto-immune disorder which we believe was brought on by a treatment of trifexis.

Today I got an email from her that she met another lady with a dog with an auto-immune disorder that they also believe was caused by trifexis.

There's no way to know for sure, but the circumstantial evidence is strong, so I wanted to warn everyone to be appropriately cautious.

Thanks! Because of your info to my post about this, I only gave my dog the one dose. Hopefully that wasn't enough to do any harm.

Any more info? What happened? And what are the connections?

We used Trifexis uneventfully last year, and I just purchased another 6 months worth. Yeah....

Used Interceptor up until last year, which I believe is the same ingredient.

I think Comfortis is the same AI as the flea preventive portion.

Thanks for the heads up!

Agreed. More info would be great. I'm about to give my first dose of Trifexis. Dog's have been on Comfortis and TriHeart.

Mine are all on Trifexis and we have had no issues. Before that we used Comfortis without incident. Both drugs were recommended by my vet, who's pretty conservative on these things.

I'm not doubting the OP's experience at all. But I'd like to know what the problems were so I'd know what to look for--or do further reading about it.

I had heard of skin issues/auto immune problems with Vectra 3D, but hadn't heard about Trifexis.

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/FOIADrugSummaries/UCM252248.pd

 Quote:

TRIFEXIS Chewable Tablets are indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis). TRIFEXIS Chewable Tablets kill fleas and are indicated for the prevention and treatment of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), and the treatment and control of adult hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), adult roundworm (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) and adult whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) infections in dogs and puppies 8 w

The one thing that pops out at me is that it sounds like overkill to give this monthly; Heartworm, fleas, and roundworm,hookworm and whipworm all in one.

The personal choice is everyone's to make, but I would think twice about it.
Especially when you can give all natural food grade Diatomaceaous earth to rid the intestinal tract, thus eliminating the need for such a heavy toxic load on the dog.

I would think that over time, and especially in smaller breeds, that you might eventually see an immune system changes or a possible weakening of the immune system.

My view is that it is a healthy immune system is what keeps the animal free of parasites. JMHO.

Here is some food for thought on this:

http://www.catscradlecatahoulas.com/html/natural_rearing_vs_survival_of.html

 Quote:

Proper nutrition is nature’s ultimate protection against disease. Protection does not come in the form of “scientifically” formulated kibble dog foods, vaccines, heartworm pesticides, topical flea treatments and wormers. These forms of “protection” are unnatural and have many adverse side-effects often resulting in chronic disease and sometimes death. A healthy immune system, which is fueled by the food that nature intended for it – in the case of your carnivore dog, a raw meat and bone diet - is well equipped to deal with these outside
threats. It is the same concept as a plant - when grown in nutritionally deficient soil, the plant itself is deficient. It then has a problem with pests and fungi. Our plants and crops are then sprayed with pesticides and fungicides, instead of enriching the soils that they are grown in to restore nature's balance. This becomes a constant battle that only accelerates as the years progress.

Proper nutrition can't stop fleas or prevent heartworms.

Having a dog with a flea allergy, I want something in place that will kill the fleas I don't find.

And in Arkansas, heartworms are not an "if", but a "when" without heartworm prevention.

Thats like saying you don't get sick if you eat good. Just not true.

I know it just isn't just about nutrition Michael, that is merely a starting point for good health. My point is that over time, exposing a dog to more chemicals can potentially weaken an immune system which then can lead to diseases.

To me, they all add up over time. Trifexis, lawn chemicals, etc.

There was just a great article in 'The Whole Dog Journal' this month about a concern with lawn chemicals and a higher incidence of canine maligant lymphoma in dogs. A 70% higher risk from professionally applied lawn pesticides. ( from the Jan.2012 issue of the journal,Environmental Research)
Will there ever be concrete proof of this?
Probably not, but I thought the article was thought provoking.


I can understand you or anyone who has a dog with a flea bite allergy needing to keep fleas off the dog, you need to do whatever you can to keep those off the dog.
But worming a dog unnecessarily, for all these worms monthly seems like overkill to me. JMO.

I am sorry, I don't want to create any arguments.
I am not trying to cast stones on anyone, just offering another point of view.

One of the reasons that my yard is the least beautiful one in the neighborhood. I refuse to use ANY chemicals in my yard. Tons of weeds...but they ARE green.

I won't even use any on the floors in the house for the same reasons.