Drontal side effects

M
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Hi there, I gave my cat a Drontal wormer on Saturday, so 3 days ago now. He was fine with it last time, but this time he’s off his food, hardly eating anything, and has been sick. He's sleeping a lot even though he usually spends his days out hunting. He’s a young cat, only 1 year old. I managed to get him to eat some small bits of chicken earlier and he’s kept them down so far. But he seems exhausted, just sleeps all the time, and it’s starting to worry me. Has anyone else had this kind of problem with Drontal? I feel like it’s lasting a bit too long for just a side effect. I’d applied his Frontline two days before that (so 6 days ago), maybe he licked some of it off... Anyway, thanks for any advice!!

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    Fletanisole1047 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there. I’m not familiar with Drontal. However, I know the flea treatment Frontline all too well, unfortunately. I don’t understand why this product is still on the market. It contains Roundup, that American pesticide!! Firstly, it reeks, and cats can smell it even more than we can. I gave it to one cat who immediately started drooling heavily and acted like she’d gone mad, running all over the place and meowing. I gave it to another cat (she struggled because she didn’t want me to put it on her); I should have listened to her. She lost her fur in that spot and, shortly after, she fell ill. The vet’s verdict: hyperthyroidism! The poor thing died because of it. I did some research online and not only did I find out it contains that pesticide rubbish, but a risk of hyperthyroidism is also listed as a side effect. Since then, I’ve been using flea tablets called 'Credelio' based on weight, and I’ve had no issues. My only advice: stay well away from Frontline!!!!
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for the update and for your conclusion.

    I think as a general rule, it's best to avoid self-medicating your pet.

    Fleas and worms are very rarely dangerous (it does happen), and I've never seen a thread titled "my cat is ill because of fleas". On the other hand, I often see posts about cats being unwell because of their treatment.

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    M
    Miaou2020 Icon representing the flag French
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    An update on my cat for anyone who might be dealing with the same problem: he's stopped being sick, he's starting to eat small amounts again, and he's beginning to get some of his vigour back. This is 4 days after taking Drontal! I won't be giving it to him again and I'll be asking my vet for advice.
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    M
    Miaou2020 Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks so much for your reply. I gave him one tablet for an 8.8lb pet, even though he weighs 11lbs, so there's definitely no overdose on that front. He hasn't had any diarrhoea, he’s just off his food and is vomiting up the tiny bit he manages to eat. Anyway, if there's no change by tomorrow, I'm going to take him to the vet. Hopefully I can find one easily! Thanks again.
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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    Vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhoea are indeed rare but possible side effects of Drontal. In this case, it might clear up on its own, but if your cat continues to seem generally unwell, I’d recommend seeing your vet. I would also avoid giving them any more piperazine-based wormers like Drontal in the future.

    What surprises me is that your cat didn't have this reaction the first time they took it. Are you sure you gave the correct dose?

    It’s also possible they managed to lick the Frontline if it wasn’t applied properly between the shoulder blades. However, in that situation, you’d usually see temporary neurological symptoms alongside the vomiting.

    Hope this helps,

    Cyanne – Veterinary student, representing a student-led veterinary consultancy

    Translated from French

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