Welcome to the blog of Eva Mozey Etoll, DVM

This blog is dedicated to providing you with the most current pet product recalls and warnings about pet food, pet treats, veterinary medications, and other health-related news. There have been some pet food scares in the news lately. It seems like a new brand name shows up on the list all the time. I’ll be posting these critical updates.

I’ve been a practicing veterinarian for 22 years. This blog is a great way for me to let my clients know about general and seasonal recommendations, poisons and toxins to watch out for, new veterinary information and a wide variety of pet-related topics.

And, of course, no veterinary blog would be complete without cute pet photos, funny comics (from all over the internet) and amusing personal stories (don’t worry, no names!). I hope you enjoy my blog and please keep in touch! I love to see pictures of your dogs and cats and other jokes and funny or cute images!

Eva Mozey Etoll, DVM

 

 

Poisoned bread in St. Paul – watch your dogs!

Is St. Paul dog-hater back? Neighbors concerned after suspicious bread found

Mars Petcare US has announced a voluntary recall a number of CESAR Classics Filet Mignon Flavor products

BREAKING NEWS: Leading Brand Issues Pet Food Recall

BREAKING NEWS: Mars Petcare US has announced a voluntary recall a number of CESAR Classics Filet Mignon Flavor products, which may be a choking hazard due to pieces of plastic that entered the food during production.

“We encourage consumers who have purchased affected product to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund or exchange. While a small number of consumers have reported finding the plastic pieces, to date, we have not received any reports of injury or illness associated with the affected product. The lot codes indicated below should not be sold or consumed.”

Why was it recalled?

According to Mars Petcare US, the food is being recalled “due to a potential choking risk from hard white pieces of plastic which entered the food during the production process.”

What can you do?

Mars Petcare US is encouraging consumers to discard any potentially dangerous food, or return is to the retailer they purchased it from for a full refund of exchange.

For more information on the recall, you can visit Cesar’s official site, or call 1-800-421-6456.

Summer safety tips from MVMA!

 Summer Pet Safety tips

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Summer Water

Water can add a fun dimension to summer play with your pets, but be sure to remember these tips so that water play is safe and fun for your pets, you and your family.

  • Warning about toxic blue-green algae-The algae gathers on the surface of the water and is known to kill dogs if they drink enough of it.
  • Never force an animal into the water – not all dogs enjoy swimming.
  • If your dog falls into the water or appears to be struggling, offer it a net or other object to help it to safety.

 More summer tips from the AAHA

  • If a wasp or bee stings your pet be on the watch for vomiting, itchiness, hives, swelling or diarrhea. If they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
  • Keep your pet from foraging through leftover picnic foods in the backyard. Corncobs, ribs, hot dogs and other picnic fare can cause gastrointestinal distress to animals.
  • With guests coming and going from the backyard, make sure gates stay closed so your pets don’t slip away unseen.
  • If multiple dogs from different households are present, monitor their play and separate them as needed to avoid fights and injuries.

 

Blue Buffalo Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones Recall

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm474573.htm

Blue Buffalo Company is voluntarily recalling one production lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones. This is being done in an abundance of caution, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Other clinical signs may include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The product was distributed starting November 19, 2015 in PetSmart stores located in the following 9 states: California, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The recalled product comes individually shrink-wrapped in plastic with the UPC number 840243110087 printed on a sticker affixed to the product, and an expiration date of November 4, 2017, printed as “exp 110417” on the shrink-wrap. Consumers should look at the UPC Code and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall.

The voluntary recall is limited to the following product and production lot:

Product Name UPC Code Expiration Date
Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bone 840243110087 November 4, 2017

Routine testing at the manufacturing site revealed the presence of Salmonella in the product. No illnesses have been reported to date and no other Blue Buffalo products are affected.

Consumers who have purchased the product subject to this recall are urged to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at: 888-641-9736 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday and the weekend of November 28, 2015, or by email at Bluebuffalo4260@stericycle.com for more information.

About Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo, based in Wilton, CT, is a pet products company that makes natural foods and treats for dogs and cats.

ucm474578

Blue Kitty Cat Treats Recalled for Propylene Glycol

https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2015/blue-kitty-cat-treats-recalled-for-propylene-glycol/

Blue Buffalo Company is recalling Blue Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats that may contain low levels of propylene glycol which can cause illness in cats.  One illness has been reported.

The recalled products were sold online and at specialty stores. Consumers who have purchased these treats should not give them to their cats.

Symptoms of a propylene glycol reaction in cats include depression, loss of coordination, muscle twitching, and excessive urination and thirst. If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled product is packaged in a 2 oz., plastic stand up pouches with the UPC 859610007820  and “Best If Used By” dates April 24, 2016 and  July 24, 2016. No other Blue Buffalo products are involved in this recall.

blue-kitty-yums-recall-181x300

Use caution around pets when using topical pain meds w/ Flurbiprofen

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm443333.htm

FDA Warns of Illnesses and Deaths in Pets Exposed to Prescription Topical Pain Medications Containing Flurbiprofen

April 17, 2015

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners, veterinarians, health care providers and pharmacists that pets are at risk of illness and death when exposed to topical pain medications containing the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) flurbiprofen. People using these medications, should use care when applying them in a household with pets, as even very small amounts could be dangerous to these animals.

The FDA has received reports of cats in two households that became ill or died after their owners used topical medications containing flurbiprofen on themselves to treat muscle, joint, or other pain. The pet owners had applied the cream or lotion to their own neck or feet, and not directly to the pet, and it is not known exactly how the cats became exposed to the medication. The products contained the NSAID flurbiprofen and the muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine, as well as other varying active ingredients, including baclofen, gabapentin, lidocaine, or prilocaine.

Two cats in one household developed kidney failure and recovered with veterinary care. Two cats in a second household developed signs that included reluctance to eat, lethargy, vomiting, melena (black, tarry, bloody stools), anemia, and dilute urine. These two cats died despite veterinary care. A third cat in the second household also died after the owner had stopped using the medication. Veterinarians performed necropsies on the three cats that died and found evidence in the kidneys and intestines that were consistent with NSAID toxicity.

The FDA recommends that people who use topical medications containing flurbiprofen take care to prevent their pets from being exposed to them, even in ways that may seem unlikely to cause problems.

  • Store all medications safely out of the reach of pets.
  • Safely discard or clean any cloth or applicator that may retain medication and avoid leaving any residues of the medication on clothing, carpeting or furniture.
  • Consult your health care provider on whether it is appropriate to cover the treated area.
  • If you are using topical medications containing flurbiprofen and your pet becomes exposed, bathe or clean your pet as thoroughly as possible and consult a veterinarian.
  • If your pet shows signs such as lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, or other illness, seek veterinary care for your pet and be sure to provide the details of the exposure.
  • Understand that, although the FDA has not received reports of dogs or other pets becoming sick in relation to the use of topical pain medications containing flurbiprofen, these animals may also be vulnerable to NSAID toxicity after being exposed to these medications.

Veterinarians who have patients who show signs of NSAID toxicity should ask whether anyone in the household has used topical pain medications containing flurbiprofen.

Health care providers who prescribe topical pain medications containing flurbiprofen and pharmacists who fill these prescriptions should advise patients with pets to take care to prevent exposure of the pet to the medication.

Pet owners and veterinarians can also report any adverse events to the FDA.

Canine Influenza update

BREAKING NEWS: Cornell University issued a press release today that states that the ongoing canine influenza in the Chicago area is due to the H3N2 strain, not the H3N8 strain. This is the first identification of the H3N2 strain outside of Asia.

http://mediarelations.cornell.edu/2015/04/12/midwest-canine-influenza-outbreak-caused-by-new-strain-of-virus/

Midwest Canine Influenza outbreak caused by new strain of virus

ITHACA, N.Y. – The canine influenza outbreak afflicting more than 1,000 dogs in Chicago and other parts of the Midwest is caused by a different strain of the virus than was earlier assumed, according to laboratory scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin. Researchers at Cornell say results from additional testing indicate that the outbreak is being caused by a virus closely related to Asian strains of influenza A H3N2 viruses, currently in wide circulation in southern Chinese and South Korean dog populations since being identified in 2006. There is no evidence that it can be transmitted to humans.

The outbreak in the Midwest had been attributed to the H3N8 strain of virus, which was identified in the U.S. dog population in 2004 and has been circulating since. The H3N2 virus had not been previously detected in North America. The outbreak in Chicago suggests a recent introduction of the H3N2 virus from Asia.

Testing of clinical samples from the outbreak conducted at The New York State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell indicated that the virus was Influenza A. Further testing led researchers to believe a new strain was at fault. Subsequent testing, carried out with the assistance of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, identified the new subtype as H3N2. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, IA is sequencing two isolates from this outbreak, which were isolated at Cornell, to facilitate rapid complete characterization of the viruses.

Both Influenza strains can cause high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Symptoms may be more severe in cases caused by the H3N2 virus. Some infected dogs may not show symptoms at all.

H3N2 has caused infection and respiratory illness in cats.

Veterinary professionals are advised that diagnostic testing of samples from sick pets can be done using a broadly targeted Influenza A matrix reverse transciptase-polymerase chain reaction assay (Rt-PCR). The canine-specific Influenza A H3N8 Rt-PCR in use in several laboratories will not detect this virus. Serology is also currently not available as the H3N2 virus is different enough from H3N8 that antibodies may not cross react. However, an H3N2-specific serologic assay is under development and will be available soon.

It is not known if the current vaccine will provide any protection from this new virus. It does protect against H3N8, which is in circulation in some areas. Other preventive advice remains the same: In areas where the viruses are active, avoid places where dogs congregate, such as dog parks and grooming salons.

Owners of symptomatic dogs and cats should consult their veterinarians about testing and treatment.

Cornell University has television, ISDN and dedicated Skype/Google+ Hangout studios available for media interviews.

DO NOT FEED YOUR DOG ANY CHICKEN JERKY TREATS! (even made in USA treats)

Chicken jerky treats made in the United States have now been suspected in kidney disease/renal

failure in dogs. Do not feed your dog these treats! http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=36295

JoJo reminds me of Puss in boots

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Purina Beneful dog food lawsuit!

http://www.wcpo.com/news/national/lawsuit-purina-beneful-dog-food-may-be-killing-dogs

More than 3,000 online complaints have been filed by dog-owners claiming Purina Petcare Beneful’s dry “kibble” variety is killing and hurting dogs, according to the class action lawsuit filed Feb. 5 in federal court.

The brand is still on store shelves in the Tri-State and has not been recalled.

This class action suit concerns “kibble” dry food, which includes:

  • “Purina Beneful Health Weight”
  • “Purina Beneful Original”
  • “Purina Beneful Incredibites”
  • “Purina Beneful Healthy Growth for Puppies”
  • “Purina Beneful Healthy Smile”
  • “Purina Beneful Health Fiesta”
  • “Purina Beneful Healthy Raidance”
  • “Purina Beneful Playful Life”

The packaging used for these foods make the following claims, according to the lawsuit:

  • “Satisfaction Guaranteed. If you’re not happy, we’re not happy. Complete satisfaction or your money back…”
  • “At Purina, we’re unconditionally devoted to pets. We’ve dedicated over 80 years to developing the high-quality products that satisfy the needs of dogs and cats.”
  • “100% Complete and Balanced Nutrition”
  • Yes, dogs can have it all — and should! How? A special blend of wholesome ingredients, including grains, real beef, and accents of vitamin-rich veggies! It gives dogs the complete nutrition they need and a taste they love.” (Beneful Original)
  • “Made with wholesome rice, real chicken, soy, and accented with veggies and apples, it has the complete nutrition adult dogs need…” (Beneful Healthy Weight)
  • “With real chicken, wholesome rice, and accents of vitamin-rich veggies, it has the complete nutrition puppies need…” (Beneful Healthy Growth for Puppies)
  • “When your puppy is grown, Beneful has so many delicious ways to help keep him healthy and happy.” (Beneful Healthy Growth for Puppies)

The lawsuit lists stomach and related internal bleeding, liver malfunction or failure, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, seizures, bloat and kidney failure as symptoms consistently reported by dog-owners feeding their dogs Beneful, which is owned by Nestlé Purina Petcare Company.

The AVMA’s statement regarding this lawsuit: http://atwork.avma.org/2015/02/25/statement-about-beneful-class-action-lawsuit/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socmed&utm_campaign=gen

We’re aware of the class action lawsuit filed against Purina, but we do not have any additional information about the cases that may be involved. We’re not aware of any recalls of Beneful products, and have no records of Beneful recalls since we began tracking pet food and pet treat recalls in 2007. Purina has an FAQ on their website that addresses some common questions about Beneful.

Any pet owner or veterinarian who feels that a pet food or pet treat has made a pet ill should report the case to the manufacturer and to the FDA. Purina has provided the following numbers for those who may have questions:

  • For veterinarians: 800-222-8387
  • For pet owners: 800-778-7462

To report an adverse event associated with pet food, you can submit a report to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov.

For more information about the FDA’s role in pet food regulation, visit http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm.