Skin Cancer Cream Is Deadly: 5 Dogs Died After Ingesting It, FDA Warns
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Five dogs get killed after ingesting a skin cancer cream. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning to veterinarians and pet owners against the deadly effect of this topical cream.
According to Fox News, the FDA elaborates that the dogs died following an exposure to the human medication Fluorouracil Cream USP 5% (5-FU). The agency revealed that even little amount of the cream can be life threatening to pets. It is sold under the brands Carac, Effudex and Fluoroplex.
Two dogs started playing with a tube of fluorouracil. One dog pierced the tube before its owner draws it away. The dog starts vomiting and experiencing seizures within two hours. It eventually passed away after twelve hours from taking in the cream.
In a separate incident; another dog consumed the product and was hurried to the veterinarian. However, the animal's condition simply got worse after few days of treatment. According to the FDA, the dog was euthanized in the end.
The FDA recommended pet owners to keep medicines in their proper places. The medicines must be ensured it is not within the reach of pets. Throw away or washed any textiles that may keep remnants of the medication.
Pet owners must ask a health care provider, whether it is proper to cover the treated location. If a pet is exposed, owners should refer to a veterinarian right away. Animals start displaying symptoms of exposure should have a quick veterinary attention.
As per CNN report, fluorouracil is considered as a necessary medication by the World Health Organization. Roche originally improved it.
Physicians prescribe the drug to treat squamous-cell and basal cell carcinoma Dr. Jill Waibel, owner of the Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute said. It can be used as either injection or a topical cream. Moreover, the medicine is "a very safe, very effective medication that prevents skin cancer" Dr. Tom Rohrer, a dermatologic surgeon and board member of national organizations added.
