Otterkill Animal Hospital
Newsletter Volume 11, March 2007

Canned Pet Food Recall

You may have read or heard about the ongoing recall of a variety of canned cat and dog foods that is presently under way. A full listing of affected foods can be found at www.menufoods.com/recall.

There are reports of kidney failure in cats and dogs consuming these diets.

It seems that this recall is precautionary. True data on the number of affected cats and dogs is not yet available but appears to be low. Preliminary data indicates that the incidence of problems is quite low, so hopefully you will have nothing to worry about. The causative agent is also not yet known. The manufacturers are simply taking an advisedly proactive approach. We have not seen any patients that seem to be affected by this problem to date.

If you find that your animal has eaten one of the affected diets, observe for signs of renal compromise which usually appear as a loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting or change in urination. Our veterinarians recommend that any animal that has eaten these diets be examined. We would also perform blood and urine testing to assess kidney function. Please understand that this recall is still a developing situation; not everything is known at this time. If you have any further questions, please call our office or e-mail us at doctors@otterkill.com.

Happy Spring!

Spring is finally here. At least so they tell us. Remember that with the warmer weather all those wonderful parasites will be waking up again. And those ticks will be hungry! Please begin your flea and tick control program now if you stopped during the winter. It is very important that you protect your pets from tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis.

Haven't yet heard of those last two "osises"? They both are emerging diseases that we're seeing more cases of in this area. These parasites can cause bleeding disorders and organ failure in affected animals. Both are treatable if caught early in the course of the disease. Our in-house 4DX test tests for these three diseases as well as heartworm infection and is a valuable screen for tick borne parasite exposure. While a positive result doesn't automatically mean an animal is affected, it does indicate that an exposure has occurred sometime during the previous twelve months. There is still debate as to whether an animal that tests positive but has no symptoms should be treated. Our doctors feel we should be as cautious as possible and usually recommend a course of antibiotics for patients testing positive.

Photo Contest
Announcing the second annual Otterkill Animal Hospital Animal Photo Contest!
Send us pictures you've taken of your companions or any animals that capture their true spirits. You may drop them off, mail or e-mail them to us at doctors@otterkill.com. Prizes consisting of credit here at the hospital will be awarded in the following categories:

• Prettiest Picture or Animal
• Best Picture Depicting an Animal in its environment
• Best Picture Depicting the Human-Animal Bond
• Most Humorous Picture

A grand prize of a $100 credit will be awarded in each category, with two $50 honorable mention credits in each category as well. All entries will be posted in the office for review. The winners will be placed on permanent display and added to our website. You may view last year's winner here.

All entries must be received by May 1, 2007. The winners will be announced during National Pet Week on May 10, 2007. Get your entries in now!! Please call the office if you have any questions.

Calling all critters!
Did you know that our doctors are specially trained in the treatment of all companion animals? We are knowledgeable on the care and treatment of all household animals. We are pleased to provide Otterkill's special brand of compassionate care for animals such as birds, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, guinea pigs, rats, mice, sugar gliders, snakes, lizards, turtles and wildlife. Our motto has always been, "If it fits through the door, we'll treat it!" (But don't try squeezing your elephant through please). All of these animals should receive annual examinations to help you maintain optimal health. We'll help you make certain all of your companions receive the best care possible.