Has your dog reacted badly to 'Cytopoint' injection (new anti-itch shot)

[Alpha1]

@PattyCake, good to hear your Miley is doing well on the injections. Hoping she continues to stay healthy and happy and it's very good that you're aware and proceeding with caution. Thanks for posting your experience and have a happy holiday season....welcome!

 

[CatMom1994]

Hi PattyCake, welcome to the forum.

My last cat's name was Patricia. I gave her the nickanme Pattycakes. She responded to both names.

 

[PattyCake]

Hi PattyCake, welcome to the forum.

My last cat's name was Patricia. I gave her the nickanme Pattycakes. She responded to both names.

Me too!!

 

[repjep1]

My Dog just got a Cytopoint shot yesterday. About an hour after he had similar reactions as many have documented here, lethargy, poor appetite, pain an whining.

I'm about to take him to the ER. For those of you who had a poor reaction, was there anything that seemed to really help? blood transfusion etc?

 

[Alpha1]

My Dog just got a Cytopoint shot yesterday. About an hour after he had similar reactions as many have documented here, lethargy, poor appetite, pain an whining.

I'm about to take him to the ER. For those of you who had a poor reaction, was there anything that seemed to really help? blood transfusion etc?

Welcome to the forum. Very sorry to hear about your dog, I hope he pulls through this and is okay. Did you take him to the ER? How is he doing now?

 

[repjep1]

Welcome to the forum. Very sorry to hear about your dog, I hope he pulls through this and is okay. Did you take him to the ER? How is he doing now?

Thanks!
We went to the pet ER early this morning, a very large facility in Houston (Gulf Coast Animal Hospital). They ran some blood tests and found everything to be in the normal ranges. They gave him some medication for pain, and prescribed a steroid to start tomorrow. The ER vet said she checked with their dermatology department and they use Cytopoint dozens of times per day and said they haven't ever had an issue. I referenced this forum/some reddit posts where people had similar symptoms and she assured me that those symptoms are simply symptoms of pain, not anything unique to this medicine and it was highly unlikely it had anything to do with the injection.

My dog is a miniature dachshund (10lbs, 3.5 years old), he has some anxiety issues especially when going to the vet. They suspect he injured his back as they did find a part of it that was tender (I was surprised since he had just had an exam and they said he didn't seem to react at all)... and it seemed like a crazy coincidence that he'd get a back injury so close to when he got the injection. However, dachshunds can injure their backs just getting up in the morning. Maybe he was stiff from all the stress and pulled something or maybe he has an injured disk? I just can't get over the timing...

He's back home and groggy from the meds but starting to seem a little like his old self again. Although it's possible his problems could be a coincidence, I think I will avoid getting him another injection.

 

[Alpha1]

He's back home and groggy from the meds but starting to seem a little like his old self again. Although it's possible his problems could be a coincidence, I think I will avoid getting him another injection.

I'm glad he's back home and I really hope he gets back to normal again. I think you're smart not to play with fate and give him another one of those injections ever. You know, doctors cannot speak against any of the pharmaceutical drugs or vaccines they give, they'd be out of a job if they did. Even if they had doubts, they'd keep quiet about it. That's why we have to research things on our own and decide for ourselves when it comes to our health care or that of our pets. Wishing the best for him, kudos to you for bringing him in so quickly, please let us know how he's getting along.

 

[strout_1977]

My Maltese, Bella, received the cytopoint shot on December 26th and exactly 2 weeks later on Jan 10th, I noticed she seemed weak and walking very slowly. Took her to the ER and they diagnosed her with IMHA. Red blood cells were attacking each other which caused her to be severely anemic. The vet asked if she had any vaccines lately and we told them about the cytopoint. She got a blood transfusion and stayed in the hospital for 3 days. We took her home with steroids, anti-clotting med, antibiotics and stomach med. We went in every evening for 4 days to have her anemia checked. It remained low but they said she may be stabilizing and the meds needed time to kick in. In the middle of the night on Jan 17, my Bella woke up to go to the bathroom and collapsed. She took her final breath in my arms on the car ride to the ER. They said that she had probably died of a blood clot which happens often with IMHA. I know for a fact that Cytopoint caused this nightmare and I hope Bella’s story will keep someone else from getting this shot and going through this.

 

[Alpha1]

My Maltese, Bella, received the cytopoint shot on December 26th and exactly 2 weeks later on Jan 10th, I noticed she seemed weak and walking very slowly. Took her to the ER and they diagnosed her with IMHA. Red blood cells were attacking each other which caused her to be severely anemic. The vet asked if she had any vaccines lately and we told them about the cytopoint. She got a blood transfusion and stayed in the hospital for 3 days. We took her home with steroids, anti-clotting med, antibiotics and stomach med. We went in every evening for 4 days to have her anemia checked. It remained low but they said she may be stabilizing and the meds needed time to kick in. In the middle of the night on Jan 17, my Bella woke up to go to the bathroom and collapsed. She took her final breath in my arms on the car ride to the ER. They said that she had probably died of a blood clot which happens often with IMHA. I know for a fact that Cytopoint caused this nightmare and I hope Bella’s story will keep someone else from getting this shot and going through this.

So sad, my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear Bella. I had an older dog who died from IMHA because he couldn't handle going under anesthesia for a complete blood transfusion. But in my case, the condition was not related to the cytopoint injection. I can't imagine how you're feeling right now. Thanks for sharing your story, it will help others to think twice before getting this injection for their pets. Welcome to the forum.

 

[strout_1977]

Thank you so much Alpha1. I am still in the “completely devastated and shocked” phase of grieving and just putting my story out there and talking about it has already made me feel a little better! Your kind words are very appreciated!

 

[Alpha1]

Thank you so much Alpha1. I am still in the “completely devastated and shocked” phase of grieving and just putting my story out there and talking about it has already made me feel a little better! Your kind words are very appreciated!

You're very welcome. My dog has some seasonal itching problems that I've been dealing with in a more natural way. I could have easily been convinced by my vet to get that shot. If they ever suggest it in the future, I will be sure to let them know, under no circumstances, are they to give my dog that injection. I'm thinking of you, may your Bella rest peacefully, she was blessed to have you.

 

[CatMom1994]

Thank you so much Alpha1. I am still in the “completely devastated and shocked” phase of grieving and just putting my story out there and talking about it has already made me feel a little better! Your kind words are very appreciated!

Reading other horror stories about people losing dogs to Cytpoint on this forum should reduce the shock part. But that is always what comes first (along with denial).

Getting your story out there is very important. Too many people assume vets know everything about dogs. The truth is vets are being pushed by a drug company to sell a product that never should have been approved by the FDA.

 

[Tfairchild75]

My dog took her 6th injection a couple of weeks ago. She had to be put down Wednesday due to end stage kidney failure. I had no clue she had this serious of an issue going on. The vet said that it probably developed several months ago. I believe the injections caused it.

 

[Pawpower]

My dog took her 6th injection a couple of weeks ago. She had to be put down Wednesday due to end stage kidney failure. I had no clue she had this serious of an issue going on. The vet said that it probably developed several months ago. I believe the injections caused it.

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. Was she exhibiting any symptoms of kidney issues?

 

[Alpha1]

My dog took her 6th injection a couple of weeks ago. She had to be put down Wednesday due to end stage kidney failure. I had no clue she had this serious of an issue going on. The vet said that it probably developed several months ago. I believe the injections caused it.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, my sympathy to you and your family. From all I've heard you're probably right, it was the result of the injections. The vet will never admit that and keep his job. Welcome to the forum.

 

[CatMom1994]

My dog took her 6th injection a couple of weeks ago. She had to be put down Wednesday due to end stage kidney failure. I had no clue she had this serious of an issue going on. The vet said that it probably developed several months ago. I believe the injections caused it.

I am so sorry that happened to your dog. She will always be in your heart and still loves you from the Rainboe Bridge.

If you can get copies of your dog's medical records and prove Cytopoint was the cause of acute kidney failure in her case, I would file a complaint against the manufacturer when you are ready to do something like that. Chances are most people have no idea Cytopoint can cause organ failure.

 

[BullDog Mom]

Our Bull Dog has never had severe itching or allergy issues. On 2/25 I took him into vet for checkup and mentioned he had been scratching a bit at night and had a little cough when he overdid it outside (I assumed Oak allergy, Oak was really high) and the vet recommended Cytopoint.

I was hesitant because I don't like to give him meds and am against event he flu shot. She explained that it had NO side effects at all - NONE. Handed me a brochure. I neglected to see the word biologic. She explained it does not effect the liver at all. I allowed the shot. The itching continued and became worse.

On 3/2 he had a seizure (we were not aware at the time that is what it was)I can't remember if we went to vet or not for ears & skin issues in between, he always would become bright red, at some point he got a shot of antibiotic but on 3/10 we returned to vet and he had hot spots all over his skin, itching terrible and a bad one under his neck - she took a culture and sent to lab. He also had a double ear infection and we were given ear medication.

Vet said he was fine heart and lungs and etc... took him home and he had another seizure a few hours later. Took him to the ER right then where we were told he also had pneumonia and that what had happened was more than likely a seizure (stood up/did gagging lunging movements/went stiff and fell over).

They kept him over night and he saw a neurologist the next am and was put on anti seizure meds, oral antibiotics for pneumonia and skin & ears that were not improving. Then on Friday our regular vet called and told us the results of the culture on Tuesday - he had MRSA and was put on 1 of the only 3 antibiotics that appeared to work on it. He lost patches of fur, itched like crazy, also got an eye infection, lethargic, etc... started getting better around the 43rd day after the Cytopoint shot and just over 3 weeks on the antibiotic - had more energy and wanted to eat and go out for a walk.

Suddenly a few days ago (Mon 4/13) he started getting the red patches again, vet re-tested Tuesday 4/14 and sent to lab. Told last night that his MRSA had now become resistant to that antibiotic and we are driving out of town to a CVS that has the next antibiotic. If my dog survives this Cytopoint and if we don't contract MRSA it will be a miracle... my husband is already being treated for possible MRSA on his wrist. This has been a true living nightmare.

I am sure I left out some details but for sure my Vet states she does not think it was the Cytopoint. The Neurologist at the ER said it is very possible considering he never had any issue until right after receiving the injection and the multitude of infections he contracted. Please do not take a chance, be better informed than I was - My dog is now a petri dish of biological soup and we have no idea how this is going to end.

The FDA needs to pull this dangerous drug and NOW. Supposedly this was reported to the manufacturer who told my vet to have us give him Benedryl. 1st photo is the day he got the shot and the 2nd photo is what part of his skin and he looks like today. My poor guy....

 

[linda2147]

\your best chance for a full recovery is to take him to a tteaching school or teaching hospital. They have the most updated equipment and all specialists you'll ever need. If anyone can help you its them.

 

[Alpha1]

@BullDog Mom , welcome to the forum. So sorry to hear about your dog, you must be very upset and worried. The vets will never admit that it could be the injection, they would probably lose their jobs if they did. My dog started having seasonal itching for several years now, but I don't want him on drugs and would definitely not give him those shots. I have no experience with MRSA, that is horrible.

I have him on Dinovite daily, use Zymox shampoo and conditioner when I give him a bath, not too often, only when he needs one. What kind of food are you feeding? I also started to switch out his sources of protein, they say that may cause itching in dogs.

I feed Fromm Adult dry food (NOT grain-free), and Wellness canned 95% Beef Dinner, or 95% Lamb Dinner, both of those are grain free. Each year he does better and better with the scratching, initially he was scratching himself raw and I was having to put a shirt on him even though it was summer, but now things are much better.

Good luck with your boy, he looks very sweet.

 

[ILovepetBlaire]

I'm literally afraid of bringing my first ever puppy to any vets now. I'll add that Cytopoint to my Banned list now and will make sure mom will be aware of that killer drug.

 

[BullDog Mom]

@BullDog Mom , welcome to the forum. So sorry to hear about your dog, you must be very upset and worried. The vets will never admit that it could be the injection, they would probably lose their jobs if they did. My dog started having seasonal itching for several years now, but I don't want him on drugs and would definitely not give him those shots. I have no experience with MRSA, that is horrible.

I have him on Dinovite daily, use Zymox shampoo and conditioner when I give him a bath, not too often, only when he needs one. What kind of food are you feeding? I also started to switch out his sources of protein, they say that may cause itching in dogs.

I feed Fromm Adult dry food (NOT grain-free), and Wellness canned 95% Beef Dinner, or 95% Lamb Dinner, both of those are grain free. Each year he does better and better with the scratching, initially he was scratching himself raw and I was having to put a shirt on him even though it was summer, but now things are much better.

Good luck with your boy, he looks very sweet.

@BullDog Mom , welcome to the forum. So sorry to hear about your dog, you must be very upset and worried. The vets will never admit that it could be the injection, they would probably lose their jobs if they did. My dog started having seasonal itching for several years now, but I don't want him on drugs and would definitely not give him those shots. I have no experience with MRSA, that is horrible.

I have him on Dinovite daily, use Zymox shampoo and conditioner when I give him a bath, not too often, only when he needs one. What kind of food are you feeding? I also started to switch out his sources of protein, they say that may cause itching in dogs.

I feed Fromm Adult dry food (NOT grain-free), and Wellness canned 95% Beef Dinner, or 95% Lamb Dinner, both of those are grain free. Each year he does better and better with the scratching, initially he was scratching himself raw and I was having to put a shirt on him even though it was summer, but now things are much better.

Good luck with your boy, he looks very sweet.

We have never changed his food in 11 years - we feed Blue Buffalo large breed - it is not one of the foods on the heart issue list and he never had itching before so I am sure it's not his food. Thank you for your comments - we are using an antibacterial shampoo followed by Zymox as well right now due to the MRSA. Personally I think he always had these hot spots here and there but then Cytopoint came along and messed with it and his ability to fight infection and it became resistant to antibiotics and I believe it is still evolving. Praying we are far enough towards the end of the 60 days of Cytopoint that this antibiotic will work. Thanks again.

 

[Alpha1]

We have never changed his food in 11 years - we feed Blue Buffalo large breed - it is not one of the foods on the heart issue list and he never had itching before so I am sure it's not his food. Thank you for your comments - we are using an antibacterial shampoo followed by Zymox as well right now due to the MRSA. Personally I think he always had these hot spots here and there but then Cytopoint came along and messed with it and his ability to fight infection and it became resistant to antibiotics and I believe it is still evolving. Praying we are far enough towards the end of the 60 days of Cytopoint that this antibiotic will work. Thanks again.

@BullDog Mom , Blue Buffalo is a good brand, been feeding the dry to my cat since he was a kitten. But, he also gets canned foods of different brands. Are you feeding dry only, or is he also given wet food daily? I think wet food daily is a good diet.

A supplement of coconut oil or light olive oil every day is an option. My heart goes out to you, and I also hope that the end of the Cytopoint cycle will help you to help your baby....good luck. Please let us know how he's coming along. It's terrible how this shot has harmed so many dogs.

 

[BullDog Mom]

@BullDog Mom , Blue Buffalo is a good brand, been feeding the dry to my cat since he was a kitten. But, he also gets canned foods of different brands. Are you feeding dry only, or is he also given wet food daily? I think wet food daily is a good diet.

A supplement of coconut oil or light olive oil every day is an option. My heart goes out to you, and I also hope that the end of the Cytopoint cycle will help you to help your baby....good luck. Please let us know how he's coming along.

We give him yogurt daily on his food and he gets a "clean" fish oil capsule and glucosamine as well as Denamarin for liver health. Thank you so much!

 

[Alpha1]

We give him yogurt daily on his food and he gets a "clean" fish oil capsule and glucosamine as well as Denamarin for liver health. Thank you so much!

Sounds good, and you're very welcome! ☮

 

[BentleyFromFL]

I have trusted my vet for years, and that trust ended this month. I brought my 9 year old papillon in for severe itching. He’s us Apoquel before, but I read that it can do a number in your kidneys so I wanted another option. She said “Cytopoint has NO side effects.”

My dog immediately started throwing up the next day- it’s been 3 weeks and he cannot keep anything down without Zofran. Literally $2k in tests later, they say everything looks fine but there’s gas in his stomach and sludge in his gall bladder. My vet assured me it’s not the shot.

I call b-s... my dog has had stomach issues in the past that clear up within a day on Reglan. Now he is eating prescription food bc he can’t even handle his normal food. Do you think once the shot is out of his system he will get better? They are pushing me toward a $1800 stomach scope now to rule out cancer, and I just think it’s really suspect that this all started around the time of the shot.