I just received this update in my email and wanted to pass it on.
Judy
From Dog Crazy Newsletter, written by Dr. Jon
"It's Dr. Jon again. Just when we thought this food recall ordeal
was nearly over...twelve more brands have been recalled. There is
a lot of information out there and some of it is confusing to
interpret. I've been spending a lot of time sorting through the
information so I can share with you a summary of the facts. I know
many of you are scared.
As you know, late in March there was a dog and cat food recall of
60 million containers packaged under 95 brands of food. Two
additional brands - Alpo and Hills were added to the list two weeks
ago and now 12 more brands.
All of the food recalls have been for canned and moist foods except
for one dry food.
Initially, the Agriculture Commissioner of New York State Patrick
Hooker released information that Aminopterin, a form of rat poison,
was found in some cat foods. Since then, it is believed that
Aminopterin did not contribute to the deaths.
On March 30th, the FDA announced that melamine, a chemical used as
a fertilizer and in the production of plastics, was found in tested
samples of recalled pet food from Menu Foods. The substance was
also identified in urine and tissue samples taken from sickened
cats and from the kidney of one cat that had eaten the recalled
food. According to the FDA, "Melamine is primarily used in Asia as
a fertilizer but is not approved for that use in the United States.
It is used in plastic kitchenware in this country." They believe
melamine was contaminated in the wheat gluten which was distributed
to both the U.S. and Canada.
As I mentioned last week, it is not possible to test pets for
melamine at this time. No one seems to know as to how much or if
any other compounds were found. They also are not certain if
melamine is linked to the illness in deaths of the pets eating the
recalled foods. As you can tell, there are many unanswered
questions. Reports are continuously being updated and there is
still a lot that we don't know.
The preliminary reports indicated that the affected foods caused
over 16 deaths and may have caused illness in hundreds of others.
They do know that the compound involved is causing kidney failure
and it seems to affect cats worse than dogs. The most common signs
of kidney failure are: vomiting, not eating, drinking more,
urinating more and/or lethargy.
If your pet is eating or was eating one of the recalled foods and
is experiencing any symptoms, please call your veterinarian
immediately. We recommend testing and treating all affected pets!
If caught early, kidney failure can be treated successfully in some
pets. For more information read about
:
Kidney Failure in Cats:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?t1A6q7wAdx9XzHBXb5PXYg
Kidney Failure in dogs
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?NM5lsJpVp6N.oB3ohK2_pw
The food recall covers several different foods - primarily those
with gravy components. The recall does not affect all varieties of
the different food - but is now thought to affect both canned and
dry formulas.
If you suspect your pet has been affected by the food - please read
these steps to help your veterinarian with your pet's diagnosis.
Go to Advice to Pet Food Owner After National Recall:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?gRMX1OqDnWnfekwOkhAd9w
This article gives recommendations and resources for veterinarians.
If your pet has been affected, please print both articles and take
them with you when you see your vet.
Here is also an update for veterinarians Pet Food Recall Updated
Information for Veterinarians:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?bQ9fN_F0SW8Cmf1iaU3_oA
For information or an updated list, call 1-866-895-2708."