Otterkill Animal Hospital
Newsletter Volume 12, April 2007

Food Recall Update

The pet food recall continues to expand. Another supplier's rice protein has been found to be contaminated with the compound melamine - a component of plastics here, but used as fertilizer in China. Researchers still do not know if this is the compound causing illnesses in pets or is just a marker for another toxin that is really the culprit. Although many foods and brands are affected by this recall, it's still less than two percent of foods on the market.

A full listing of recalled foods can be found at: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/petfoodrecall/

There is still some confusion about the number of animals affected nationally by these foods, but the numbers appear to still be relatively low. We have not seen any patients with illnesses related to ingestion of any of these foods.

So What Do I Feed?

We have been fielding many calls about what pet foods are best in light of the ongoing recall. Our veterinarians recommend feeding one of the premium diets available obviously avoiding any recalled brands. As a general rule the premium brands available from pet stores are better quality. Look for meat source proteins as the first ingredient. Avoid diets that are primarily grain based if possible. Some good information and recommendations about quality diets can be found at: www.whole-dog-journal.com.

Many people have asked about preparing home cooked meals for their animals as the safest alternative to prepared diets. Until we know the source(s) of the toxin and all affected foods are determined, this may be a safe alternative. It is important that you prepare a balanced diet for you animal just as you would for yourself. We can provide balanced recipes for your animal if you'd like. A new website has appeared that is providing customized recipes for pets. You can find information at www.BalanceIt.com. Be advised that their site also attempts to sell you supplements which seem to be appropriate as it is a commercial site.

Speaking of Toxins

Much attention has been focused on the toxins contained in affected pet foods. However, your animal is much more likely to come in contact with more common compounds that can have serious toxic consequences. Did you know that the ASPCA sponsors an animal specific poison control center at the Veterinary College at the University of Illinois? They host a great site with information on animal toxins at: www.aspca.org/apcc. Emergency information following a suspected exposure can be obtained by calling 888-426-4435.

Our veterinarians consult with this animal poison control center when one of our patients has a toxin exposure. Their specialists assist us during our treatments of poisoned animals. Prompt treatment has allowed us to save many animals. The Animal Poison Control Center lists these compounds as the top ten causes of poisoning in companion animals. Please limit your animal's exposure to any of them and call us immediately if you ever suspect a poisoning incident.

Top 10 Poisonous Hazards to Pets

1. Human Medications: e.g painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants, cardiac drugs, dietary supplements
2. Insecticides
3. Veterinary Medications
4. Plants: e.g. lilies, azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe, schefflera
5. Rodenticides: rat and mouse poisons
6. Household cleaners: e.g. bleaches, detergents, disinfectants
7. Chocolate
8. Chemical hazards: e.g. petroleum products, alcohols, acids and gases
9. Physical hazards: e.g. materials that cause choking
10. Home-improvement products: e.g. paint, solvents, glues

We Pass the Test!

We are very proud to announce that we have just been inspected and re-certified by the New York State Veterinary Medical Society's Veterinary Facility Accreditation Program. We are one of only a few practices in Orange, Sullivan, Dutchess and Ulster counties that meet the strict requirements. Our animal health care team works hard to provide the best veterinary care possible for you and your animal. This certification proves that we meet the highest standards.

After-Hours Emergencies

If you have an animal emergency after our normal business hours you can always speak to a veterinarian by calling our regular number. Please remember that our veterinarians are human too (even though we may at times seem super-human), and it is virtually impossible for us to provide on-site emergency service after hours.

Our veterinarians may be able to make recommendations over the phone, but if your animal should be seen, you will be referred to an animal emergency center. We refer patients to the Orange County Animal Emergency Service located on Route 211 in Middletown across from Gander Mountain. They are staffed with extremely competent veterinarians and technicians around-the-clock weeknights, weekends and holidays, just like the emergency rooms at Orange Regional Medical Center. They allow us to provide the best available emergency care for your animal.

Photo Contest Entries Still Needed

We are still accepting entries for our second annual animal photo contest. All entries must be received by May 1st. Detailed information can be found at www.otterkill.com/news0307.htm