Pet Food Recall Information

3/18/07

Updated 4/20/07: Recommendations from Hatton Veterinary Hospital for pet food recalls involving the foods with the contaminated wheat and rice products:

1. Determine if the food your pet is on was recalled.
   • Check the website: www.avma.org/ or our website (we try to update our site periodically but for the daily updates, the other sites will update daily). .
   • If you do not have internet access, we can help you with this step. We will need the lot numbers (the numbers on the bottom of the can or the back of the foil pouch), and the names of the foods, size of the can, feline or canine.
   • Only a few types of dry food (and biscuits)have been recalled. Some jerky treats have been recalled. Some of the "natural" foods are also involved.
   • Food types involved are mostly the canned and foil pouch pet foods.
   • Even though most brands have had some foods recalled, the percentage of the foods recalled make up a very small portion of the entire pet food supply.
   • The list is updated frequently, so check back often.
2. If your pet has been on, or you suspect has been on the recalled food:
   • Save the food (and cans and pouches) for testing if needed.
   • Call the food company or supplier and ask for reimbursement of the food.
   • Make an appointment for evaluation and blood work. Even if your pet is not yet showing signs of illness, we may be able to detect sub-clinical kidney disease.
   • If the animal is sick, DO NOT DELAY!! Early detection and treatment can save lives!
3. At this time, we do not know what costs of treatment and diagnosis will be reimbursed by the manufacturers. Some of the major food companies (Hills and others) are reimbursing for lab fees of ill animals who have been on their diets. Please keep all you receipts and document all costs associated with the recall. We will assist you in submitting laboratory and medical data when needed if an illness is detected from the recalled foods.
4. At this time, we still do not yet know what toxin is involved, but we do know it is associated with wheat gluten, and possibly a rice protein imported from China. Although melamine has been found in the foods that have been causing illness, we do not think it is likely to be the toxin, but we think it is a "marker" that is linked to the real toxin. Food samples can be analyzed for melamine at UC Davis for a fee. The animals who have been affected have developed sudden lack of appetite and kidney failure. As more information is uncovered, we will post it on our website.
5. Currently none of the foods we routinely carry have been incriminated in the recall. We do recommend that you continue to feed a good quality dry food, and try to stay away from any "pouch" foods, or gravy-type pet foods. It may be best to limit introducing any new foods to your pet until more is known.
6. We do not recommend "home cooked" meals, since it is very difficult to produce foods that will be nutritionally complete. This could lead to medical problems and deficiencies in the future. If you feel you must "home cook", please consult with us and we can refer you to the proper sources for recipes.



Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns at 916-689-1688.





Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff at Hatton Veterinary Hospital