Thanks again to all my supporters! Without you we would not have been this far. I would like to stress the importance of reporting each and every side effect and adverse reaction experienced by our precious furkids to MSD and relevant authorities in each country. Due to the fact that, according to the FDA, approximately 99% of all reactions are not being reported, a loophole is created whereby the manufacturer of a drug feels safe in reporting that the incidence of side effects is low, but conveniently omitting at the same time the fact that a great many the reported cases are serious enough to cause global concern. This is what is currently the case with Bravecto: there are many reports of severe pancreatic issues including bloody vomit and diarrhoea. Additionally, reports of seizures, skin issues, and kidney failure are reported worldwide, and even while testing the drug at the very beginning, some of the tested females presented with birth defects in their offspring. But MSD did not mention this in their package inserts. In fact, they've stated that the drug is safe to use on pregnant and lactating females. And now, two years later we are learning of more and more females giving birth to abnormal pups... that is IF they even conceive... Many of the other side effects have been very serious indeed, and needed veterinary treatment sometimes costing the owners thousands for vets to treat their dogs to try and save their lives. As of at the end of June 2016, the European Medicine Agency reports include, besides multiple general short lived side effects, also approximately 2000 serious cases of adverse reactions from Bravecto such as seizures, renal failure, liver damage, etc. These cases included 470 deaths. In spite of all those serious reports MSD continues to negate these facts, stating that the number of side effects are ignoble compared to the amount of units of Bravecto sold globally. But if all people should report side effects, no matter how light, I am convinced that a completely different picture would be created. It is my opinion that the tables could then be turned, forcing MSD to look at the evidence as real evidence and not merely anecdotal. Also in my opinion, reasons for this tendency usually include the fact that not many people know that they can report the reactions and if they do know, they do not know how to go about it. Some people may also feel that their one report will not make a difference, but believe me, it WILL make a difference. Every report is one report closer to success. Some people may not have linked the reactions to Bravecto at the time of incidence, and may only have realized a few weeks (or months) later that the drug may have been the cause. It is NOT to late to report. Every report HAS to be taken into consideration, and MSD is legally bound to report all side effects to all local authorities. You can report it yourself, or you can ask your vet to report. If your vet does not understand reason in this regard you can bypass him and ask another vet to do it. In this update, I would like to focus on South Africans. I am a South African, and I know how we can idolize our vet, or doctor, or Reverend or any else in a position of power. I would like to encourage you, for just this once, to put you r dog before your vet. He/she depends on you, and so do all other dogs. If your vet tells you that the side effect(s) in question cannot possibly be as a result of ingesting Bravecto, then tell him/her that you will consult your dog and his/her new vet about that, and then do just that. Speak to a vet that know about Holistic treatment regarding a detox for your dog, and report the case to MSD. To report the side effect in South Africa: In order to monitor the safety of MSD Animal Health products, should any of your comments mention an adverse reaction, product-related problem or human exposure to a MSD Animal Health product, please report this to MSD Animal Health at 011 923 9300 or go to www.msd-animal-health.com to find the relevant phone number/contact information. MSD may want to contact you for further information, so leave a contact number. You may also report any adverse event directly to your veterinary professional. Non-South African residents: While this site is intended for South African residents only, countries outside of South Africa may have specific procedures in place to address reports of adverse events. Please ask your veterinarian for more information, or contact your local MSD Animal Health organisation. Please also report to the following people, as they are the controlling agency in our country: Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Centre C/O Department of Paraclinical Sciences Section of Pharmacology Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Private Bag x 04 Onderstepoort. 0110 Tel.: (012) 529-8353 Fax: (012) 529-8304 Until next time, take care Antoinette THE PHOTO FEATURES MY RISKA. IN HEAVEN BECAUSE OF A CHEMICAL: