Pig Ears and Beef Hoof recall

 Pet Carousel Conducts Nationwide Recall of Beef Hoof Products and Pig Ears Because of Salmonella Risk

Company Contact: 
Pet Carousel, Inc 
800-231-3572

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 9, 2009 – Sanger, CA– Pet Carousel has initiated a recall of all Pig Ears and all varieties of Beef Hoof pet treats because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The problem was discovered after FDA testing found positive results for Salmonella in pig ears and beef hoof products.
 
These products were recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.  If your pet has consumed any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The following products have been recalled: The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez and Pet Carousel.

H1N1 in a dog

Alert: 2009 H1N1 influenza-infected dog in New York

December 22, 2009 –  

On December 21, IDEXX Laboratories confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. Radiographs (x-rays) showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory. Read the press release and the case notes.

We are updating our 2009 H1N1 resources as we get information. These resources can be accessed at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp.

At this time, the messages to clients remain largely the same. 

• This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.  
• Pet owners should remain vigilant. 
• To date, animals infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have shown the following clinical signs: lethargy, inappetance/anorexia, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some of the animals have developed pneumonia. Any animals showing these signs of disease should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  
• Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus. 
• There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.
• Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
• Turkey and pork are still safe to eat. Nonetheless, proper food hygiene and preparation are very important when it comes to protecting your family from any foodborne illness.

H1N1 in a cat

On November 2 a 13 year old cat was confirmed to have had H1N1.  Several humans in the household had been sick and it is believed the cat may have obtained the virus from someone in the household.  The cat has since recovered. 

This is the first known case of H1N1 in a domestic cat but there have been 2 reported cases in ferrets (Oregon and Nebraska).  There is no evidence that the virus has been or can be passed from the animals to the people. 

The CDC and veterinarians are closely monitoring H1N1 to make sure people and pets say protected and at University Hills will do our best to keep you informed. 

For more information please use the following links.

AVMA press release: http://www.avma.org/press/releases/091104_H1N1_Iowa_cat.asp

Updates on H1N1 in animals: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/

Update on Rabies

On September 14 a horse in El Paso County was diagnosed with rabies, the last time a horse was diagnosed with rabies in Colorado was 25 years ago.  The horse was likely infected from a rabid skunk that had been seen on the premises acting strange.   The horse had not been vaccinated for rabies and was euthanized.

In 2008 the cases of rabies in the U.S. dropped by 3.7% compared to the number of cases in 2007.  This is great news BUT the number of cases in domestic cats is on the rise.  In 2007 there were 262 cases of rabies in cats and in 2008 there were 294, a 12% increase.  Dog rabies has decreased from 93 to 75.  It is believed since cats have more interaction with wildlife they are more prone to being bitten by wildlife.  Data also supports that cats do not get the necessary vaccinations and wellness visits recommended by veterinarians, without current rabies vaccinations cats are not protected agains rabies.  See the other postings on rabies for information on the rise of wildlife rabies in Colorado.

The World Health Organization reports 55,000 people die every year from rabies.  Please keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination to help keep this deadly virus under control.  World Rabies Day is September 28, visit www.worldrabiesday.org for more information. 

Canine Influenza

Influenza is a hot topic right now in both human and animal medicine.  Canine influenza (H3N8) was first discovered in 2004 and is an adapted form of equine influenza.   The first outbreak occurred in Florida in 2004 at a racing greyhound track.  Since the initial outbreak it can now be found in 30 states including Colorado. 

Canine influenza is spread through respiratory secretions or contaminated objects.  Dogs at highest risk are those in shelters, boarding facilities, and day cares.  The virus cannot be spread to humans or other species but can be highly contagious to other dogs.  Clinical signs of the disease usually show up 2-4 days after exposure and the most contagious time is the 2-4 day period when they are not showing signs of the disease.  Almost all dogs exposed to the virus become infected and approximately 80% will develop signs of the disease.  The infection is not seasonal and can occur year-round.  The most common clinical signs of canine influenza are very similar to kennel cough- a cough with occasional nasal discharge and mild fever.  However, some dogs may get a more severe form that results in pneumonia.  Blood samples can aid in the diagnosis of canine influenza.  The treatment for canine influenza is mostly by providing supportive care; good nutrition, maintaining hydration, and antibiotics if needed for secondary bacterial infections.  Dogs who develop pneumonia require hospitalization and aggressive hydration therapy.  Complete recovery can take 2-3 weeks. 

In May the USDA approved a vaccine for canine influenza.  The vaccine is meant to help control the disease and does not prevent it.  However, the vaccine may reduce the severity and duration of the disease in vaccinated dogs as well as decrease the shedding of the virus thereby reducing the spreading ability of the virus.  The vaccine is not recommended for every dog and is intended to be used only in those dogs considered at risk.  Some boarding facilities and day cares are requiring the vaccination to avoid an outbreak in their facility.  Please consult with one of our veterinarians to decide if your dog is considered to be at risk or if your boarding/day care facility is requiring it.

For more detailed information please visit http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp.

Common summer toxins

Fertilizer: This summer the most common summer toxin seen so far at University Hills is from fertilizers.  Some fertilizers contain instectisides that are organophosphates.  Signs of toxicity include excessive salivation, urination, and defecation.  The animal will also commonly have vomiting and diarrhea.  The most dangerous clincal manifestation is muscle tremors that can progress to seizures as well as heart and lung problems. 

Whenever you are applying fertilizer of any kind be sure you read the label for warnings and keep your pet away from the area for an extended period of time.  If you suspect or know your pet has ingested a fertilizer the best thing to do is get them to your veterinarian so treatment can be started right away.  The ASPCA website (link is on the right) has a wealth of information on all sorts of toxins including organophosphates.  This website is a great starting point  but it is important to remember it is usually always best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian.

Mushrooms: Recently many of the television stations ran stories on mushroom toxicity in dogs.  With the wet spring and plentiful rain we have had this year the mushrooms are growing in abundance.  Unfortunately it is very difficult to identify the mushrooms and there is great variation as to whether there will be any toxicity associated with them or not. 

Signs of mushroom toxicity can be as mild as vomiting/diarrhea to as bad as seizuring or organ failure.  If you suspect or know your dog has eaten mushrooms take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.  Vomiting may be induced if the ingestion was recent and activated charcoal may be given.

Reily the cat

Reily is a wonderful orange tabby female cat that came to us after being hit by a car.  She had many extensive pelvic fractures that needed repaired.  Dr. Delaney was able to repair the fractures and she is doing great.  An employee’s mother adopted Reily and she is now named Lucy.  She is enjoying her new home. 

Below are some pictures of her and the radiographs pre and post surgery.

Green circles are showing the major fractures

Surgical repair of the fractures

Rabies update

As a service to our clients and patients, we want to update you on an important change in the status of rabies in Colorado. Rabies is a uniformly fatal, viral disease that can infect many different species of mammals, as well as humans. It is most commonly transmitted by animal bites. In Colorado, for the past 65 years, the primary reservoir for rabies has been the bat. However, over the past year we are beginning to see a number of rabies cases in other species of wild animals including skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. In May, the Colorado Department of Public Health issued a press release stating that seven skunks and one coyote in eastern Colorado was confirmed positive for rabies. All of the rabid skunks attacked dogs and cats. Because of the proximity of these diseased animals to the Front Range, there is the potential for rabies to move west toward the Denver metro area. To help keep you and your pets safe, we are strongly recommending that you keep your pet up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Having pets immunized is the simplest and most effective way to protect pets and family members from this deadly disease. Please call us at 303-757-5638 if you have questions concerning the status of your pet’s vaccinations, or if you have any further concerns.

Additional precautions that you and your family should take include:  never approach a wild animal, never feed wild animals, do not allow pets to roam freely, stay away from injured, or dead animals ( including dogs and cats), call animal control if you see stray animals in your neighborhood.  If you have questions about an animal, call Denver Animal Control (303-698-0076) or the Colorado Department of Health (303-692-2000).

For more information on rabies and its prevention, please visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and www.cdphe.state.co.us (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment).

Heartworm Disease

April is Heartworm Awareness Month! 

The incidence of heartworm disease is increasing every year in Colorado.  This year we have already had 2 native dogs that tested positive and were treated.   At University Hills Animal Hospital we recommend yearly Heartworm testing and year round prevention.  The disease can be fatal and the prevention (we use Interceptor) is very safe so we feel it is better to prevent disease than treat it.  In addition to preventing Heartworm Disease Interceptor also prevents many intestinal parasites that can be transmitted to people such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

 Follow this link for a map of the United States showing the increasing incidence of heartworm disease, www.heartwormsociety.org/loop.html. 

For more information on Heartworm Disease please visit the website www.heartwormsociety.org.