Self trauma after Spinosad (Comfortis) in dogs

The FDA has received 129 reports of self trauma in dogs after Spinosad. That is 0.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

129Reports
20%Marked serious
53%Recovered
0.8%Died or euthanised
24 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
23 25%
1–2 days
10 11%
3–7 days
3 3.3%
1–4 weeks
15 16%
Over a month
41 45%

How the animals did

Recovered
16 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
53 41%
Still unwell when reported
16 12%
Euthanised
1 0.8%
Not known
43 33%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
7
1–3 years
30
4–7 years
45
8–11 years
29
12+ years
9

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 self trauma in dogs?
129 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 24 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).

Self trauma with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Spinosad in dogs · Medicines most reported with self trauma