Ask the Vet: We will get through pet food crisis together

I feel compelled today to go outside my happy realm of questionand answer format so that I might address the pet food recall thathas gripped our lives this week. As a veterinarian and a pet owner, Ifeel the stress and helplessness just like the rest of the country.But I honestly believe that we will get through this crisis together.The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), The Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) and Menu Foods are all working with the best andthe brightest scientists in the field to identify the causative agentand get that information out to the public as quickly and accuratelyas they can.

This is the latest information from the AVMA dated March 30, 2007.A new substance has been isolated from tissue and urine samples ofsickened cats. It was also found in actual kidney tissue samples fromanother affected animal. This substance is called melamine. In Asia,melamine is used as a fertilizer. The fertilizer may be believed tohave contaminated wheat gluten that was used in the production of wetdog and cat foods as a binding agent. In this country melamine mayonly be used in the production of plastics such as kitchenware.

Because scientists have found melamine in both recalled foodsamples and sick animal tissue samples, they now believe it may bethe causative agent of the Menu Foods recall. Unfortunately not a lotof data exists on melamine toxicity in animals. At this pointscientists are working to learn as much as they can about thechemical and its effect on animal kidney function. A previous agent,aminopterin, failed to be found in both food samples and tissuesamples from affected pets.

Regardless of the causative agent, the clinical presentation ofthese animals seems to be the same. They present to the veterinarianas "sick" with increased thirst and urinary episodes. Everyveterinarian in the country knows how to handle a pet like this. Theywill immediately do a blood test and urine test to screen for theobvious, renal failure. Renal failure in the acute phase is treatableand sometimes curable. The treatment is IV fluids, medicines toprotect the GI tract, vitamins, special food and time.

If anyone knows of any pet that has been on one of the recalledfoods and the pet begins to show any of these signs, please take thepet to your veterinarian and have him tested. At our practice lastweek we performed many blood and urine tests on animals screening forpossible problem cases. Luckily we found no renal failure animalsthat could be linked to the tainted food. But we all know a few areout there.

So what is my recommendation? Learn what foods are on the recalllist. Go to www.avma.org and follow the links to the food list. Ifyour food is on the list, have your pet tested. If it test positivefor renal failure, your veterinarian will work with you to try andhelp your pet with the appropriate treatment protocols. Veterinariansaround the country are willing and ready to handle these casesprofessionally.

If your pet tests negative for kidney disease, obviously changefoods. There are many diets still on the market that are balanced andtasty and good for your pet. Take the recall list with you when yougo shopping. It will help you make the right choices. These recalledfoods and brands will be safe again to feed to our pets in the verynear future; it will just take some patience on our part. Good luck.