[107barney]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Thank God, the universe, the stars, the air....whatever, all of it! Just very, very scary.

Do you think there is a particular reason he was sensitive to it, or do you think it's likely just random kiddos will be sensitive?

I must say, I'm very grateful we don't really deal w/ ticks and fleas here...I really feel for those who have to deal with this.

Yes, I think he was particularly sensitive. The other dogs had no issue, and I would still be using the collars on them but for the fact that they all share bedding and such. Here is what the discharge summary said, in part, which I think summarizes it pretty well.

Barney presented to (the emergency clinic) for evaluation of an acute onset of weakness and collapsing behavior. Barney had an amitraz collar placed within an hour before his signs began.....On physical exam, Barney was quiet but alert. He was in respiratory distress and very weak. His lung sounds were increased and a heart murmur was heard. ....Point of care blood work showed changes associated with decreased oxygenation in the body. Barney was admitted to the hospital for emergency treatment. He was placed in oxygen. Per the advice of Poison Control, an antidote medication was administered. Chest x-rays were taken due to concerns of prolonged difficulty breathing and poor oxygenation - these confirmed enlargement of the heart and a collapsing trachea. Barney was given a mild sedative to allow him to calm. His respiration improved. As discussed, due to the exposure to amitraz and the signs demonstrated, we suspect Barney had a toxic reaction to this. We suspect that his ability to breathe became compromised due to his underlying heart disease and collapsing trachea which will predispose him to more dramatic respiratory effort in times of stress...Because of his severe reaction, we also recommend no longer using amitraz products for Barney.