Abnormal menace reflex test after Spinosad (Comfortis) in dogs

41 reports to the FDA describe abnormal menace reflex test in dogs given Spinosad. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines.

41Reports

100%Marked serious

56%Recovered

22%Died or euthanised

14 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

10 29%

1–2 days

3 8.6%

3–7 days

3 8.6%

1–4 weeks

5 14%

Over a month

14 40%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 17%

Recovered with lasting effects

16 39%

Still unwell when reported

3 7.3%

Died

5 12%

Euthanised

4 9.8%

Not known

6 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Eye or vision problems

33 80%

Behaviour change

13 32%

Abnormal pupil light reflex

13 32%

Eye disorder (for photophobia see 'neurological')

13 32%

13 32%

12 29%

9 22%

9 22%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Spinosad kills fleas; monthly chewable.

Products with this ingredient include Comfortis. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Spinosad cause abnormal menace reflex test in dogs?: 41 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 14 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

All reported side effects of Spinosad in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal menace reflex test