Sentinel and head tremors

[BasilStreets]

I'm wondering if anyone has heard of or experienced neurological side effects of Sentinel. One of my dogs started taking Sentinel last summer and soon after developed partial seizures or head tremors. No cause was ever found, however soon after he was taken off Sentinel the seizures stopped. It may have been nothing more than a coincidence, but the timing suggests a possible link. The company lists possible neurological effects in some dogs, but nothing specific and neither I nor the three vets I consulted have ever come across this. If anyone has heard of anything, please let me know.
Thanks, Zoe

 

[LizzysDad]

Zoe- Boxers tend to tremor and have muscle spasms, most always when relaxing or sleeping. This is completely normal. If he stops breathing, or is shaking violently, unconcious or unaware of what is happening, that is a seizure. I am no vet, but I would definately imagine that certain medications could cause your baby to have increased muscle spasms or some mild "tremoring", or I like to call shivering. Watch him closely. But, it is also true that we tend to take closer note of symptoms when they're sick, thereby worring ourselves to death! Are you 100% positive he didn't have tremors anytime before the meds? Good Luck....

 

[BasilStreets]

It was definately a series of partial seizures, this was confirmed by not only two different vets, but a vet specialized in neurology as well. There were no other symptoms of illness in the period of time that this was happening and all blood work came back normal. The only thing that was different was him begining to take Sentinel, which is why I'm looking for any other experiences with this.
That said, Basil and Streets certainly do their share of twitching and such, but this was very different.

 

[gmacleod]

I don't recall having heard of any side effects like that from the use of Sentinel, but you could certainly try a search of this site for any previous posts.

If I were in your position though, I'd certainly be switching to a different heartworm med. Whether others have had a problem with that particular drug or not doesn't actually mean that your dog isn't having a reaction. IMO better to be safe than sorry with reactions of that sort.

 

[LizzysDad]

The best advice is to follow your instinct.... I would definately get him off the Sentinel and seek another option. Remember vets aren't breed specific, so sometimes doing your own research and close observations are the BEST things you can do to help your furchild. You may teach your vet a thing or two! Sounds like your on the right track.....follow your gut. Keep us posted, best of luck!