How Important Are Regular Wellness Exams?

Pets are living longer thanks to advances in veterinary care, diagnostics, and earlier intervention. But the key to enjoying our “senior” pets lies not only in extending their life span, but in helping them enjoy their later years to the fullest.

By:  David G. Beauchamp, DVM

Like people, dogs and cats are prone to debilitating ailments as they age. Kidney failure, heart disease, arthritis, dental disease, cancer, and cognitive dysfunction can occur during the normal aging process.  In the past, because many diseases weren’t diagnosed until advanced stages, veterinarians could do little more than make a pet’s golden years a little more comfortable by treating the symptoms of age-related illness. If the pet was lucky, the problems would progress slowly. Most pet owners just accepted the fact that their four-legged friends were just going to live a relatively short life, get old, and pass on.

But thanks to technical advancements in modern veterinary medicine, surgery, diagnostics and nutrition, not only do pets live longer but their quality of life has increased dramatically as well.

One example follows human medicine in the development and use of the new generation of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.  These drugs help the aches and pains of many senior pets while keeping side effects to a minimum.  

Many age related problems are still seen as inevitable, but the attitudes of both veterinarians and pet owners have changed. The belief now is that “age is not a disease”, and veterinary medicine is putting increased emphasis on senior pet health through preventative wellness programs.

The earlier we can intervene, the better, say the staff veterinarians, Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool at Leland Veterinary Hospital. We now have greater knowledge, improved diagnostics and better therapeutics all of which mean we can effectively prevent or manage many senior health care issues.

At what age is a pet considered a senior? Generally, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats live longer than dogs. Life spans vary with individuals, and pets, like people, age at different rates, some more gracefully than others. Some smaller breeds of dogs, like Bones, are considered geriatric at fifteen. Large and giant breeds like Labrador retrievers and mastiffs are considered seniors as early as seven years old. Cats, especially if they are kept indoors, frequently live to their early twenties and don’t reach their golden years until their teens.

The single most important step a pet owner can take to keep their pet happy and healthy as long as possible is to schedule regular veterinary exams. As pets age, these exams are more important than ever, because as with people, early detection is crucial for disease and problem intervention. Young pets need regular exams once or twice yearly. But as dogs and cats approach middle age, these exams should be more frequent because every year in a pet’s life is equivalent to 5-7 human years.

Keeping pets healthy helps pet owners  stay young, too. Lots of pet owners have arthritis so exercise is important to stay in shape and keep from getting stiff. Years ago, when pets got arthritis, we just accepted it as old age and let them lay around. Now, we go for walks, and there are safer medications for arthritis pain. They even get glucosamine and antioxidants in their senior pet foods!”

Veterinarians recommend regular lab work, electrocardiograms, blood pressure monitoring, and x-rays to look for early problems like thyroid, kidney, heart, and liver disease. With early detection, pets with organ function problems can be treated with medication and special prescription diets that not only extend their life span but the quality of their lives. In some cases, medical problems can even be reversed.

In general, some early warning signs that your pet may be having a problem are:

·        increased thirst and urination

·        loss of bladder control or   breaking house training

·        repeated vomiting

·        bad breath, drooling or changes in appetite

·   excessive panting or exercise intolerance

·   lumps or changes in areas of skin color

·   change in appetite - eating more or less than usual

·   changes in behavior such as “spacing out” or excessive whining

·   unusual bowel habits - diarrhea or constipation.

·   changes in body weight - gaining or losing weight

Watch pets closely and report any unusual behavioral or physical problems to your veterinarian immediately. Work with your veterinarian and develop a specific senior wellness program for your pet’s individual needs so that your special friend can enjoy aging gracefully.

For more information on geriatric health care for your pet, visit

www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh

Dr. David Beauchamp is a veterinarian at Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC, lelandvethosp@gmail.com

Microchips for Your Pet--Don't Leave Home Without Them

One out of every three pets will be lost and away from their family at least once in their lives.   More than five million dogs and cats leave home every year, either walking away or carried off by unscrupulous individuals.  So, if a pet owner finds out that his or her four legged companion is gone, what’s the best steps for reuniting?

Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool of Leland Veterinary Hospital believe prevention, of course is the best option and veterinarians have long advocated the importance of some sort of identification on your pet.  Most people opt for simple ID tags or collars, but these are easily lost or even removed.  Tattoos have been used, but many pet owners, animal shelters or even veterinarians are unsure of where to call if they find a pet with a tattoo.  Microchips are a safe and effective means of permanent identification, but only about 5% of pets in North America have had this device implanted.

Many pet owners have wound up kicking themselves because they rejected the veterinarians offer to microchip their pet and register it with a national registry.

Some pet owners have opted for GPS collars and devices, but results have been mixed.  Complaints about battery life, difficult collar attachments and slow notifications when the pet leaves the designated area have all been reported.

Regardless of whether any identification is available or not, fast action is needed when your pet comes up missing.  Veterinarians recommend that you contact local animal shelters, veterinary offices and even pet stores within a five to ten mile radius of your home to be on the lookout for your lost animal.  Websites like HelpMeFindMyPet.com or PetAmberAlert.com also offer services to registered members.  These might include faxing or calling all pet related businesses within a 50 mile radius or even creating flyers for you to print and post in your community.

Having a current picture of your pet is also vital in your efforts to get the lost animal back home.  In your pet’s case, you can use your pet’s picture to create a new page on Facebook as well as flyers to be sent in the mail.  The outreach in social media can connect you with even more empathetic pet owners who, in turn, will help spread the word.

If your pet is lost, involve your veterinarian in the quest to get the wayward animal back home.  Often, your veterinary team may have ideas and resources that can help quickly spread the word.  At Leland Veterinary Hospital, we use Home Again microchipping.  This device can be registered with a national registry that will send out email to help locate your pet.  These chips can be read by almost any scanner in the United States and then a 1-800 number is called to locate the owner.  Folks who have had to use this service swear by its results.

For more information about microchipping, contact Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC 28451, 910-371-3440.  Or visit our website www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh.

More News on Heartworm Preventative Resistance

More News on Heartworm Preventative Resistance

For many years we have been fighting a battle against heartworms. We have great products on our side to prevent this disease, but recent findings about heartworm resistance have many pet owners and veterinarians concerned.

Is it possible that heartworms are winning the war?


By:  David G. Beauchamp, DVM

Heartworm disease has been known to veterinarians for more than 120 years. The heartworms are transmitted from any of more than 70 known species of mosquito, and the disease attacks the pulmonary arteries and right side of the heart in dogs.  Heartworms are spread directly to the dog from the mosquito, with no dog-to-dog transmission. 

For more than 4 decades, heartworm disease has been effectively prevented in dogs by using available products.  But recent research indicates this might be changing. At a veterinary conference in 2010, information was released detailing a genetic mutation in heartworms that appears to confer slight resistance to current preventives.  Anecdotal reports in the last 4-5 years also point toward an increase in heartworm prevention product failures in the Mississippi delta region of the U.S.

While lack of efficacy (LOE) to heartworm preventives remains geographically limited, research is ongoing to determine the extent of this problem.  Historically, the LOE was attributed to poor owner compliance in the geographic area, the effects of Hurricane Katrina, increased heartworm numbers within the mosquito vector, and/or the increased sensitivity of heartworm testing.

Two prominent veterinary groups, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) and American Heartworm Society (AHS) concluded at a recent council strategy session that most credible reports of LOE are geographically limited at this time.  In addition, the extent of this problem is not truly known.

The lack of conclusive evidence to LOE could also be due to several factors.
·    Poor Owner Compliance.
o    Are pet owners accurately following the veterinarian recommendations?
o    Is the pet given the preventive medication consistently without missing or delaying any treatment?
o    Is the pet ingesting the medication? (vomiting, pets spitting out or hiding the medications, swimming or bathing immediately following application can cause a missed treatment).
·    Imperfect Clinical Testing & Education
o    Dogs with inconsistent heartworm testing are at greater risk and must be tested more often.
o    Delayed maturity of heartworms can potentially indicate a “negative” antigen test.  This may lead to a false sense of security with dog owners and reluctance to retest.
o    Heartworm tests may also have become more sensitive (i.e. more accurate), than older generation tests.  

Whether there is indeed resistance to heartworm, this same study group (CAPC and AHS) concludes: “The potential for lack of efficacy of traditional control products is not a reason to abandon their use.  ” They place additional emphasis on the importance of annual heartworm testing.

Although research into heartworm resistance is on-going, the veterinary industry does recognize the dire consequences if resistance is confirmed.  The American Heartworm Society will continue to support and monitor research in this area.  And if resistance is confirmed, changes to preventive and therapeutic strategies may need to be implemented in the future.

Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool at Leland Veterinary Hospital recommend:
·    Proper use of current heartworm preventives remains effective in the vast majority of dogs.
·    Prevention strategies should not be abandoned.
·    In the case of confirmed heartworm disease, stage-specific medical management should be implemented.
·    CAPC and AHS guidelines should be followed in the “face of reports of lack of efficacy”.
Key recommendations for dog owners include:
·    Annual testing for heartworm disease; more often if preventives are missed or high risk. 
·    Don’t vary from label directions on the dose and frequency.
·    Make sure the dog ingests the medication.
·    Reduce exposure to mosquitoes
·    Get examined by our staff veterinarians immediately if symptoms appear in your dog…i.e. persistent cough, exercise intolerance, body wasting.
·    Follow veterinary recommended treatment if dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease.

Heartworm disease is a complex issue.  Until more is known about the extent of the issue, pet owners should trust that current heartworm products are still the best choice for prevention in the vast majority of dogs.

In Leland, NC, and other surrounding areas, follow the recommendations of the doctors at Leland Veterinary Hospital and give heartworm prevention every month, year-round as well as annual testing to give you the peace of mind that you are protecting your pets.  If you are not able to medicate your dog, we also have Proheart, an injection that is given every 6 months.  Call our office at 910-371-3440 for more information or visit our website:  www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh.

Dr. Beauchamp is owner of Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC.  Email address is lelandvethosp@gmail.com.

Beware of Tricks or Treats

The upcoming holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas provide great joy, family reunions, a lot of celebration and plenty of gifts and candy.  .  Here are some tips on how to avoid a trip to the animal ER!


By:  David G. Beauchamp, DVM


Drs. Beauchamp, Brazik, and Claypool can all recount cases where pets eat too much of the wrong type of food and develop a severe condition called pancreatitis.  We will treat more pancreatitis cases during this time of year than any other season.

Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas.  When pets consume foods that are extremely fatty (like the skin of turkey or chicken), this can lead to inflammation.  Enzymes normally released by the pancreas can cause both local and systemic effects.  Although some cases are mild, all of our staff can recall far too many situations where the pet died from this condition.  The sad thing is, many of these deaths could be prevented by taking simple precautions.  This includes immediate examination by our veterinarians!

Pets with pancreatitis can quickly become painful in their abdomen and often have persistent vomiting. Certain breeds of dogs, dogs on specific medications and pets with immune problems are more prone to this condition.  This is especially true with cats. Veterinarians will recommend blood work and several days of hospitalization and treatments for pets with pancreatitis.

But, it’s not only the skin of the turkey or any excessively fatty foods that can cause problems.  Obstructions and perforations of the intestines from eating the bones of the bird are very common.  

Of course, the holiday bird is not the only food issue at this time of year.  With an abundance of chocolates and even sweet foods containing Xylitol, these wonderful holiday treats can cause serious problems.  Chocolates can cause heart issues or seizures and xylitol treats can set off potentially fatal blood sugar crashes or liver failure in dogs.

Other holiday favorites, like rum balls, eggnog or even fruitcakes might contain alcohol.  Intoxicated pets can experience seizures and respiratory failure.

Grapes, raisins, currents, macadamia nuts, extremely salty foods or foods prepared with a lot of onions and/or garlic are all potentially dangerous as well. 

Use pet friendly treats like green beans, carrots or even a handful of dog kibble if you want to share your holiday feast.  Let your guests know the family rules about sharing from the table so that friends don’t unknowingly cause a problem.

If you can’t trust your pet, or maybe your dinner guests, it might be best to let your pet have his own room during mealtime.  When dinner is over, be sure to remove all temptations from tables or counters and place all trash behind a secure door. Far too many pets are drawn to the smell and raid the trash can when the owner is not watching.

During the Halloween season, some pet owners like to dress their pets in "scary costumes".  It is best to remember that pets can scare as easy as people so in many cases it is best to let the pet wear his/her "birthday suit".  As the pet owner, you are legally responsible to prevent your pet from endangering any neighborhood guests.  Having your pet updated for rabies vaccination can prevent many a legal problem during the holidays.

As many cat owners can attest, cats are very attracted to hanging decorations.  Unfortunately, cats can swallow these decorations leading to an intestinal obstruction and expensive surgery.

Remember, our veterinary staff is the best source of information if a holiday emergency occurs.  So have our phone number handy (910-371-3440). Don’t be afraid to call and ask questions if you are concerned.  However, be warned, using online “pet forums” for advice could end up costing you valuable time. 

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Dr. David Beauchamp owns Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC 28451.  You can visit our practice on the web www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh.  Like Us on Facebook.

 

How Frustrating Can A Pet's Allergy Be?

From springtime through the late fall, many people are subject to seasonal allergies.  But people are not the only ones suffering.   For our dogs and cats, these same seasons can bring intense itching and discomfort.   Yes, it seems our pets can get their own “hay fever”.

By:  David G. Beauchamp, DVM

It’s a very frustrating and somewhat common situation.   Pet owners by the millions flock to their veterinarians in the hope of relieving their pet’s itchiness.   For many people, the constant chewing, licking, and scratching can test their love for their pets.  

Current estimates show that about 20 million pets suffer from some sort of skin condition and many of these are allergies.   Allergies are an over-reaction of the body’s immune system to a foreign substance, such as pollen or flea saliva.  For people with allergies, we sneeze and sniffle as our bodies respond to histamine released by immune cells.  These symptoms are due to the reaction of histamine with receptors in our nose and upper airways. 

Our pets, however, react somewhat differently.   Dogs and cats have many more histamine receptors in the skin and fewer in the nose.   As histamine is released, the receptors cause an itchy feeling and the pet reacts by scratching at that site.  Scratching can generate more histamine release, thereby causing more scratching.  The constant assault on the skin by the pet’s claws can actually damage the skin, leading to bacterial infections.  Areas of hair loss and oozing sores known as “hot spots” are very common with allergies.

Fleas are often found to be the reason for a pet’s itchiness.   However, the pet who is truly allergic to fleas will often appear to have no fleas at all!   Why? Because these pets are the ultimate flea catchers, doing everything in their power to bite or scratch the discomfort of the flea away.   The flea’s saliva sets off an allergic reaction leading to a flurry of chewing and digging at the skin.

Allergies to airborne substances, such as pollen and mold spores, are another reason for itchiness in pets.  This is known as atopy and affects many pets from springtime straight through until fall.   This condition can be inherited in certain breeds.

If your pet has signs of allergies year round and you see little or no improvement with certain medications, you may have a pet that has food allergies.   Contrary to popular belief, food allergies take time to develop and are not due to recent diet changes.    Most pets who develop food allergies have been eating the offending food with little problem for years.  Common food allergens can include any major protein or carbohydrate source in the pet’s food.

In some mild cases, the itchiness can be treated with anti-histamines or even steroids for a short period of time.  However, pet owners need to be aware that allergies are not a condition that can be cured.  The good news though, is that they can be well-managed with a team effort from the pet owner and Drs. Brazik, Claypool, and Beauchamp at Leland Veterinary Hospital.  

Utilizing diagnostic tests such as blood testing and even skin allergy tests, veterinarians can often find ways to reduce the pet’s discomfort level.   In some cases, we may refer you and your pet to a veterinary dermatologist.   This specialist has many more diagnostic and treatment resources available to bring relief to your pet.   In all cases, you, the pet owner, are a vital part of the team.   It will be up to you to make sure that all pets in the household are treated for fleas or that your pet stays on the recommended hypo-allergenic diet and doesn’t sneak other treats! 

Allergies are not only one of the most frequent reasons for a trip to the veterinarian, but are also a big reason for pet owners becoming frustrated with their pet.   Working with your veterinary team to identify what is causing your pet’s symptoms will help keep your four-legged family member right where he needs to be…with you!  Paste this link into your browser a video of how pet owners deal with their pet’s allergies:  https://www.myvnn.com/page.asp?id=39&media_type=11&story_id=13#.

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David G. Beauchamp, DVM is owner of Leland Veterinary Hospital, 508 Village Rd, Leland, North Carolina, 910-371-3440.  LIke us on Facebook and check out our webpage at www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh.

Protect Your Pet's Smile

Protect Your Pet's Smile


Of all dogs 2 years old or more, 80% have some form of dental disease, and veterinarians say that periodontal disease is the number one diagnosed condition in pets today.  The numbers are comparable for cats as well

By: David G. Beauchamp, DVM


Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care.  Approximately 80% of all dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the time they are only two years old.  Dental disease affects much more than fresh breath.  It frequently leads to more serious health problems such as liver, kidney and heart disease.  That’s why more veterinarians are not just treating dental disease, but taking new steps to prevent it.  A major step in this process is encouraging owners to participate in their pet’s oral health at home.

Periodontal disease in pets is the same as it is in people. It’s a sneaky and insidious process that begins when bacteria in the mouth attach to the teeth and produce a film called “plaque”.  When the bacteria die, they are calcified into “calculus” commonly known as tartar which makes a rough surface for even more bacteria to stick to.  In the beginning, plaque is soft and can easily be removed by brushing or chewing on appropriate toys or treats.  But if left to spread, plaque leads to gum inflammation (called “gingivitis”) and infection.  Eventually, the infection spreads to the tooth root and even the jaw bone itself – causing pain and tooth loss.

The American Animal Hospital Association recently devised new guidelines for veterinarians in order to highlight the need for more professional oral hygiene care for pets. The organization stressed the necessity of going beyond the traditional “scraping the surface” of routine dental cleanings, known as “prophies”.  Veterinarians are encouraged to teach owners the importance of good oral hygiene when puppies and kittens are only a few months old in order to begin a lifetime of healthy benefits that go far beyond sweet smelling kisses.

Unfortunately, good oral health care hasn’t been an important part of the veterinary school curriculum until recent years.  Many veterinarians simply were not taught the serious health consequences of untreated dental disease.  But research proves that unchecked dental disease can be the root of other problems.  Seminars and workshops at the veterinary conferences are filled to capacity by veterinarians learning good preventative dentistry and oral surgery. 

A recent roundtable discussion between veterinary dental experts shed even more light on the impact that good preventative dentistry plays in a pet’s life.  They strongly recommend daily dental care for pets and twice yearly mouth exams beginning when puppies and kittens are two months old.  And while that schedule may seem too complicated for some pet owners, dental specialists, veterinary supply companies have developed products that will help pet busy owners put some bite into home dental care for their pets.

A recent development that goes beyond good veterinary and at-home care, is the actual prevention of plaque using a barrier sealant gel.  This system is the first method used by veterinarians to create a physical barrier that reduces bacterial plaque adhesion above and under the gum lines.  It is applied at home only once a week after the initial hospital application. 

It’s important for all pet owners to know that pets can lead longer and healthier lives with good dental care.  In fact, studies show that proper dental care can extend a pet’s life by as much as five years!  Ask your veterinarian about good dental care for your special furry friend. For more information on veterinary dentistry, visit www.myvetonline.com/lelandvh.
For a video about this blog, paste this link into your browser:  https://www.myvnn.com/page.asp?id=39&media_type=11&story_id=16.

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Your information here:
Dr. David Beauchamp owns Leland Veterinary Hospital at 508 Village Rd, Leland, NC 28451.  Email our practice at lelandvethosp@gmail.com.

FDA Investigation Into Pet JerkyTreats

FDA Investigates Animal Illnesses Linked to Jerky Pet Treats

September 13, 2012

What is the issue?
Since 2007, the FDA has become aware of increasing numbers of illnesses in pets associated with the consumption of jerky pet treats. The majority of complaints involve chicken jerky (treats, tenders, and strips), but others include duck, sweet potato, and treats where chicken or duck jerky is wrapped around dried fruits, sweet potatoes, or yams.

The FDA has received approximately 2,200 reports of pet illnesses which may be related to consumption of the jerky treats. The majority of the complaints involve dogs, but cats also have been affected. Over the past 18 months the reports have contained information on 360 canine deaths and one feline death. There does not appear to be a geographic pattern to the case reports. Cases have been reported from all 50 states and 6 Canadian provinces in the past 18 months.

Although the FDA has been actively investigating the reports of illnesses, no definitive cause has been determined. The ongoing global investigation is complex, multifaceted and includes a wide variety of experts at the FDA including toxicologists, epidemiologists, veterinary researchers, forensic chemists, microbiologists, field investigators and senior agency officials.

In the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in importation of pet food from China. Human consumption of poultry in China largely consists of dark meat, leaving a large amount of light meat poultry products available for export. From 2003, when China first approached the USDA about poultry exports, to 2011, the volume of pet food exports (regulated by the FDA) to the United States from
China has grown 85-fold (see table). It is estimated that nearly 86 million pounds of pet food came from China in 2011. Pet treats, including jerky pet treats are currently considered the fastest growing segment in the pet food market.

What are the signs of the illnesses?
The majority of the cases in dogs report primarily gastrointestinal signs, including vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood and/or mucus, and can involve severe signs such as pancreatitis or gastrointestinal bleeding. The next most common signs relate to kidney function, including frequent urination, increased urine, severe thirst, kidney failure and some cases resemble a rare kidney related illness called Fanconi’s syndrome. Typically Fanconi syndrome is found in certain breeds of dogs that are pre-disposed to hereditary Fanconi syndrome (e.g. Basenji).

Progression of the investigation: What is being done about the problem?
Since 2007, the FDA has been actively investigating the cause of illnesses reported in pets which may be associated with the consumption of jerky pet treat products. Beginning in 2007, samples of products – collected at import, at retail stores, and submitted by consumers and veterinarians -- have been tested by FDA laboratories, by the Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (Vet-LRN), and by other animal health diagnostic laboratories in the United States for multiple chemical and microbiological contaminants. The Vet-LRN program is currently focused on testing products that have been submitted by pet owners whose pets have experienced adverse effects following ingestion of the treats. In addition, starting in 2007, the FDA reached out through the veterinary community to solicit tissue samples (blood, urine, feces, necropsy, etc.) that have been associated with active jerky pet treat cases, but to date; none of the testing results have revealed the cause of the illnesses.
To date, product samples have been tested for contaminants known to cause the symptoms and illnesses reported in pets including, Salmonella, metals, furans, pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, rodenticides, nephrotoxins (such as aristolochic acid, maleic acid, paraquat, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, toxic hydrocarbons, melamine, and related triazines) and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds. DNA verification was conducted on these samples to confirm the presence of poultry in the treats. The FDA’s testing of jerky treat product samples for toxic metals including tests for heavy metals have been negative.

In 2011, samples were also submitted for nutritional composition, including fatty acids, crude fiber, glycerol, protein, ash and moisture and other excess nutrients. The purpose of nutritional composition testing is to verify the presence of ingredients listed on the label. To date, none of the testing results have revealed an association between a causative agent and the reported illnesses.

The FDA is now expanding its testing to include irradiation byproducts and is consulting with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) experts to discuss this possibility further.

After increased complaints began in 2011, the FDA conducted five plant inspections in China during March and April 2012. These firms were selected for inspection because the jerky products they manufacture were identified with some of the highest numbers of pet illness reports. The FDA conducted the inspections to get a greater understanding of the manufacturing processes used to make the jerky pet treats and to see if this would help further the public health investigation. The FDA did identify that one firm falsified receiving documents for glycerin, which is an ingredient in most jerky pet treats. As a result of the inspection, the Chinese authority, the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), informed the FDA that it seized products at that firm and suspended exports of its products until corrective actions were taken by the firm.

The FDA has also reached out to U.S. pet food firms to enlist their help in this public health investigation and is seeking further collaboration on scientific issues and data sharing. No specific products have been recalled. However, if the FDA identifies the cause, or a recall is initiated, the Agency will notify the public.

What can pet owners do?
The FDA is reminding pet owners that jerky pet treats are not necessary for pets to have a fully balanced diet, so eliminating them will not harm pets. Commercially produced pet food, which is very safe, contains all of the nutrients that pets need.

The FDA is advising pet owners who choose to feed their pets jerky pet treat products to watch their pets closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If your pet shows any of these signs, stop feeding the jerky pet treat product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, as it is important that your pet receive prompt medical attention. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most pets appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved pets that have died.

In addition, pet owners may want to continue to monitor information as it is posted by the FDA. The agency has continually updated the Questions & Answers document on its web site and will add information as it becomes available.

How can you help our investigation?
While your veterinarian will tend to your pet’s condition, you or your veterinarian can learn how to help the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) investigate your pet’s illness. Dr. Bernadette Dunham, director of CVM, shares how you can report a pet food illness on her blog from August 21, 2012. Cases of animal illness associated with pet foods can be reported electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal, or by calling the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators in your state. ***NOTE: In NC, that number is (404) 253-1169***