gone - Recently Updated Pages

Scottish Terriers

scottishterrier — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:25:35 CST

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

The Scotty Appeal Home

scottishterrier — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:08:12 CST

Scottish Terrier x 2

This site is a member of the WebRing Visit a complete list of
WebRing memberships here

The Appeal 1

Inspiration 2

"Why are you wanting a Scottie Pup?" 3

Naming Your Scotty 4

Locating Responsible Breeders 5

Scottie Specific & General Links 6

Planning & Your Puppy's Arrival 7

Personal Bookmarks of Scotty Lovers 8

Wags to all

Moose and Neyll Dunlap

Please be Our Friend and Link to Us !

Safe Foods Research

safefoods — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 02:21:42 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

We are on the hunt for safe human food grown in the United States.
We eat human food now!
No more nasty unreliable Pet Food for us!

Organic.org
Organic Myths
Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic
FAQs
Label Guide
Glossary
Organic Articles
Seasonal Shopping Guide

Federal Judge Orders First-Ever Halt to Planting of a Commercialize Genetically-Altered Crop

Organic Consumers Association

What did they know and when did they know it?

scottishterrier — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:06:06 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY. Please go to the original site.

Menu Foods CFO sold stock before pet food recall:

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070410/menu_foods_070410/20070410?hub=TopStories

http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2007/04/10/3970896-sun.html

Updated Tue. Apr. 10 2007 7:23 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

The chief financial officer of Menu Foods Income Fund says it was a "horrible coincidence" that he sold nearly half his units in the pet food company less than three weeks before a massive product recall.

Insider trading reports confirm that Mark Wiens sold 14,000 units, or 45 per cent of his stock, for $102,900 on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27, reports The Globe and Mail. The shares would be worth $62,440 at current prices. Wiens still owned 17,193 units and options to purchase 101,812 units after the sale.

"It's a horrible coincidence, yes . . ." Wiens told The Globe.

"I hold myself to the highest ethical and moral standards possible. I wouldn't do anything to imperil the high governance standards that I demand of myself or anybody in the company."

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070410/menu_foods_070410/20070410?hub=TopStories

Per the story below....

The founder of a veterinary group said 5,000 to 10,000 pets may have fallen ill from eating the contaminated food, and 1,000 to 2,000 may have died.The estimate was based on a Veterinary Information Network survey of 1,400 veterinarians among its 30,000 members. About one-third reported at least one case, said Paul Pion, the network's founder. He cautioned that a final, definitive tally wasn't possible, and that even his estimate could be halved - or doubled.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_lifestyle_animal/2007/04/petfood_recal_v.html

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6346586

POSTED FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY
Go to the site for more.

The Evil Chinese Communists, no regard for life

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14139027/

Chinese county slaughters 50,000 dogs

Campaign against rabies prompts mass slaughter in southwestern China

The Associated Press

Updated: 2:59 p.m. PT Aug 1, 2006

SHANGHAI, China - China slaughtered 50,000 dogs in a government-ordered crackdown after three people died of rabies, sparking unusually pointed criticism in state media Tuesday and an outcry from animal rights activists. Health experts said the brutal policy pointed to deep weaknesses in the health care infrastructure in China, where only 3 percent of dogs are vaccinated against rabies and more than 2,000 people die of the disease each year. The five-day slaughter in Mouding county in Yunnan province in southwestern China ended Sunday and spared only military guard dogs and police canine units, state media reported. Dogs being walked were seized from their owners and beaten to death on the spot, the Shanghai Daily newspaper reported. Led by the county police chief, killing teams entered villages at night creating noise to get dogs barking, then beat the animals to death, the reports said. Owners were offered 63 cents per animal to kill their own dogs before the teams were sent in, they said. The killings were widely discussed on the Internet, with both legal scholars and animal rights activists criticizing them as crude and cold-blooded. The World Health Organization said more emphasis needed to be placed on rabies prevention.

Mass killings condemned

The official newspaper Legal Daily blasted the killings as an “extraordinarily crude, cold-blooded and lazy way for the government to deal with epidemic disease.” “Wiping out the dogs shows these government officials didn’t do their jobs right in protecting people from rabies in the first place,” the newspaper, published by the central government’s Politics and Law Committee, said in an editorial in its online edition. In an editorial, the official Xinhua News Agency said the killings wouldn’t have been necessary if the local government had been more attentive, but called the slaughter “the only way out of a bad situation.” “If they’d discovered this earlier, they could have vaccinated the dogs and ... controlled the outbreak,” the editorial said.

Pet activists call for boycott

The killings prompted calls for a boycott of Chinese products from the activist group People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals. “We are urging everyone to actively boycott — not a word we use lightly — anything from China given the bludgeoning killing of thousands of dogs,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said. She said the group had canceled all orders of merchandise it sells that are made in China. Will Wright, at PETA’s European office in London, said the orders were worth about $300,000. “We believe other groups will join us in expressing outrage over the blatant cruelty to animals the world is witnessing,” Wright said. Mouding County officials defended the slaughter in a region where about 360 of the 200,000 residents suffered dog bites this year, with three people reportedly dying of rabies, including a 4-year-old girl. “With the aim to keep this horrible disease from people, we decided to kill the dogs,” Li Haibo, a spokesman for the county government, was quoted as saying by Xinhua. Calls to county government offices went unanswered Tuesday. Located in mountains about 1,240 miles southwest of Shanghai, Mouding is famed for its Buddhist shrines.

A dog's life for real

Unlike in the West, where dogs have long been cherished as companions or helpmates, dogs have rarely had an easy time in China. Dog meat is eaten throughout the country, revered as a tonic in winter and a restorer of virility in men. Following the communist seizure of power in 1949, dog ownership was condemned as a bourgeois affectation and canines were hunted as pests. Attitudes have softened in recent years, although urban Chinese are still subject to strict rules on the size of their pets and must pay steep registration fees. About 70 percent of rural households now keep dogs, according to the Chinese Center of Disease Control and Prevention, and increased rates of dog ownership have been tied to a surge in the number of rabies cases in recent years. It said there were 2,651 reported deaths from the disease in 2004, the last year for which data was available. Access to rabies treatment is also highly limited, especially in the countryside, said Dr. Francette Dusan, a World Health Organization expert. Effective rabies control requires coordinated efforts between human health, animal health and municipal agencies and authorities, Dusan said. “This has not been pursued adequately to date in China, with most control efforts consisting of purely reactive dog culls,” she said.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14139027/

FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY. Go to the original site for more.
Pet Support Network
http://petsupport.net/articles/Recall.html
Clerical error delays recall, Human food safety

April 12, 2007 at 9:17 am · Filed under Pets, Pet Health, Pet Food Recall

** For a list of pet foods NOT on the recall list go to The Pet Food List **
You’ll also find easy to navigate forums to talk with other pet people.

It was a “Clerical Error”…

A couple of days ago we learned about a “horrible coincidence” - that Mark Weins, CFO of Menu Foods, sold almost half his shares of company stock just weeks before the recall hit. Today we hear that that it was a “clerical error” that caused the delay in the most recent recall of pet foods made in Canada.

From this morning’s USA Today…

Menu Foods said Wednesday that a “clerical error” caused the company to overlook that it shipped potentially contaminated wheat gluten from one of its U.S. plants to one in Canada. That apparently delayed the recall of some Canadian-made cat foods.

“Humans are not perfect. Someone made a mistake,” spokesman Sam Bornstein said in an e-mailed response to questions from USA TODAY. “We were shocked.”

Menu Foods, which recalled more than 60 million cans and pouches of dog and cat food on March 16, revealed the shipment Tuesday and recalled additional products from 12 brands made in the Canadian plant.

Bornstein says Menu confirmed on Monday that the shipment had been made from its plant in Kansas to Ontario, Canada. The discovery was prompted by reports from the Food and Drug Administration that Menu’s Canadian-made pet food contained melamine, the chemical found in the U.S.-made food and in the wheat gluten used in the food. Menu got the gluten from an importer that obtained it from China.

You’ll find the entire story here.
__________________________

Human food supply story…

As the investigation into the pet food recall continues, a lot of questions are being raised about the safety our food supply as well. Last night’s NBC news ran a story on the safety of the human food supply here in the US. According to the story, the US imports more food now than ever before, but the number of FDA inspectors, currently 640 nationwide, is down 25% in four years.

See the video here.

Technorati Tags: pet food recall, pet food, cats, dogs, health

Nationwide Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Pet Food

http://www.mflegal.com/petfoodlawsuit.html

Companies and Retailers For Misleading Consumers Regarding the Contents of Pet Food

“Premium” Pet Food Marketed and Sold as “Complete and Balanced” Has Historically Contained Such Items as Euthanized Dogs and Cats, Restaurant Grease, Hair, Hooves, and Diseased Animals, and Other Inedible Garbage.

Download Press Release (PDF - 24 KB)
Download Complaint (PDF - 536 KB)

Download Background Information on Industry Practices Relating to Pet Food Manufacturer and Marketing ( PDF - 5 MB)

If you are a pet owner and wish to be considered for participation in this lawsuit, click here.

Mars Inc.
Proctor and Gamble Co.
Colgate Palmolive Company
Del Monte Foods, Co.
Nestle U.S.A. Inc.
Nutro Products Inc.
Menu Foods, Inc.
Menu Foods Income Fund
Publix Supermarkets, Inc.
Winn Dixie Stores, Inc.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.
Pet Supermarket, Inc.
Petsmart Inc.
Target Corp.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Defendants

4. Defendant, Mars, Inc. (“Mars”) is a Delaware Corporation with its principal place of business in Virginia. Mars is in the business of manufacturing, producing, and/or selling dog and cat food under various brands or labels, including, but not limited to, Pedigree®, Sheba®, Goodlife Recipe® and Royal Canin.

5. Defendant, Proctor & Gamble Co. (“Proctor & Gamble”), is an Ohio corporation with its principal place of business in Ohio. Proctor & Gamble is in the business of manufacturing, producing, marketing, advertising and/or selling dog and cat food under various labels, including but not limited to, Iams® and Eukanuba®.

6. Defendant, Colgate Palmolive Company (“Colgate”), is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in New York. Colgate is in the business of manufacturing, producing, marketing, distributing, advertising and/or selling dog and cat food under various brands or labels, including, but not limited to, Science Diet® and Prescription Diet®.

7. Defendant, Del Monte Foods Co. (“Del Monte”), is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in California. Del Monte is in the business of manufacturing, producing, marketing, distributing, advertising and/or selling dog and cat food under various brands or labels, including, but not limited to, 9 Lives®, Amore®, Gravy Train®, Kibbles-n- Bits® and Nature’s Recipe®, Snausages®, Milk Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Canine’s Carry Outs®, Jerky Treats® and Wagwells®.

8. Defendant, Nestle U.S.A. Inc. (“Nestle”) is a Connecticut Corporation with its principal place of business in California. Nestle is in the business of manufacturing, producing, marketing, distributing, advertising and/or selling dog and cat food under various brands or labels, including, but not limited to, Alpo®, Beneful®, Beggin’ Strips®, Dog, Cat, Puppy and Kitten Chow®, Fancy Feast®, Friskies®, Mighty Dog®, Deli-Cat®, Pro Plan®, and Purina One®.

9. Defendant, Nutro Products, Inc. (“Nutro”) is a California corporation with its principal place of business in California. Nutro is in the business of manufacturing, producing, marketing, distributing, advertising, and/or selling dog or cat food under various brands or labels, including but not limited to, Natural Choice® Dog and Cat Products, Max® Dog Products, Max® Cat Gourmet Classics, Natural Choice® Complete Care® for cats, Ultra™ Products for dogs,

10. Defendant Menu Foods, Inc. is a New Jersey corporation with its principal place of business in the State of New Jersey.

11. Defendant Menu Foods Inc. is ultimately owned or controlled by Defendant Menu Foods Income Fund, an unincorporated company with its principal place of business in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Some of the Defendant Menu Foods, Inc.’s high managerial officers or agents are also high managerial officers and agents of Defendant Menu Foods Income Fund. Defendant Menu Foods, Inc., and Defendant Menu Foods Income Fund are collectively referred to as “Menu Foods.”

12. The Menu Foods Defendants are in the business of manufacturing, producing, and/or selling dog and cat food under various brands or labels, and/or for third party firms, including, but not limited to, Americas Choice Preferred Pets, Authority, Award, Best Choice, Big Bet, Big Red, Cadillac, Companion, Compliments, Demoulus Market Basket, Eukanuba, Fine Feline Cat, Food Lion, Food Town, Giant Companion, Hannaford, Hill Country Fare, Hy- Vee, Iams, J.E. Mondou, Laura Lynn, Li’l Red, Loving Meals, Medi-Cal, Meijer’s Main Choice, Mighty Dog Pouch, Mixables, Natural Life, Nutriplan, Nutro Max, Nutro Max Gourmet Classics, Nutro Natural Choice, Ol’ Roy, Paws, Pet Essentials, Pet Pride, President’s Choice, Price Chopper, Priority US, Publix, Roche Brothers, Save-a-Lot Special Blend, Schnucks, Science Diet Feline Savory Cuts Cans, Sophistacat, Special Kitty, Springfield Prize, Sprout, Stop and Shop Companion, Tops Companion, Wegmans, Weis Total Pet, Western family US, White Rose, Winn Dixie, and Your Pet.

13. The Menu Foods Defendants manufacture pet food for many North American retailers, including but not limited to, Defendant Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.’s Ol’ Roy and Special Kitty brands.

14. Defendant Menu Foods is also a contract manufacturer of the Iams® and Eukanuba® brand pet food products for Defendant Proctor & Gamble.

15. Defendant, Target Corp., is a Minnesota corporation with its principal place of business in Minnesota. Target is in the business of manufacturing, marketing, producing, distributing, advertising and/or selling its own brands of pet food including, but not limited to, LIFELong™.

16. Defendant, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.(“Wal-Mart”), is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Arkansas. Wal-Mart is in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing, advertising and/or selling its own brands of pet food, including, but not limited to, Ol’ Roy and Special Kitty.

17. Defendant, Publix Supermarkets, Inc. (“Publix”), is a Florida corporation with its principal place of business in Florida. Publix is in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing, advertising and/or selling its own brand of pet food as well as Defendants’ pet food products.

18. Defendant, Winn Dixie Stores, Inc. (“Winn Dixie”) is a Florida corporation with its principal place of business in Florida. Winn Dixie is in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing, advertising and/or selling its own brand of pet food as well as Defendants’ pet food products.

19. Defendant, Petsmart, Inc. (“Petsmart”), is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Arizona. Petsmart is in the business of advertising, distributing, selling and making recommendations to consumers regarding the Defendants’ dog and/or cat food.

20. Defendant, Pet Supermarket, Inc. (“Pet Supermarket”), is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Florida. Pet Supermarket is in the business of advertising, distributing, selling and making recommendations to consumers regarding dog and/or cat food.

21. Defendant, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. (“Petco”), is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Arkansas. Petco is in the business of advertising, distributing, selling and making recommendations to consumers regarding dog and/or cat food.

Pet Owner Pressures FDA To Further Investigate Toxins

Itchmo.com Posted: 16 Aug 2007 03:00 AM CDT
Don Earl filed a Text of Petition for Writ of Mandamus against the FDA on August 9. Earl’s cat chuckles died from eating tainted pet food.
This action is an effort to force the FDA to properly conduct a credible investigation into the findings by independent labs of toxins other than melamine in pet food. Also, the action is calling for the prevention of the FDA’s program of systematically destroying essential pet food evidence.

Issues raised in the action include:

The FDA focused on melamine, to the exclusion of contrary evidence and expert testimony showing melamine is virtually nontoxic, even at levels many times higher than that found in pet food samples.
The FDA kept secret for three months a recall by rendering company, Darling International, of 1.4 million pounds of a meat protein ingredient commonly used in pet food, which was contaminated with melamine.
The FDA appears to be following a predetermined script, which is based exclusively on unsupportable theories related to melamine from China.
The FDA has moved to aggressively discount credible evidence which if properly investigated would uncover the source of toxins responsible for the deaths of thousands of companion animals.
The FDA has controlled, withheld and otherwise manipulated critical information, and destroyed essential evidence, to the detriment of pet owners who suffered damages caused by the poisoned pet food epidemic.
Source: Pet Food Recall Facts, Press release

Wags to all

Moose and Neyll Dunlap

Please be Our Friend and Link to Us!

Congressional Contacts > Foods

safefoods — Tue, 08 May 2007 07:50:21 CDT

x 2

Congress.org by Capitol Advantage - Government of the People

Contacts - You can write your direct representatives all at once; hare your letters with others.

President & Vice Pres.
Congress
Federal Agencies
Supreme Court
State Officials
Local Officials

Congressional Directory

Browse Directory Alphabetically

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

My Representatives Search Form - Enter Zipcode

Member Search - Party, Chamber, State

Congressional Leadership

Senate

Majority Leader
Harry Reid
(D-NV)

Minority Leader
Mitch McConnell
(R-KY)

Full Leadership List

House

Speaker
Nancy Pelosi
(D-CA-8th)

Majority Leader
Steny H. Hoyer
(D-MD-5th)

Minority Leader
John A. Boehner
(R-OH-8th)

Congressional Demographics

Show All Categories

Key Committees

All Committees

Contact Offices

Key Congressional Offices

Capitol Hill Phone Numbers

Are you worried about foods being safe?

Senate Agriculture Committee

House Agriculture Committee

If you are worried, consider writing the members of the following Subcommittee:

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Democratic Subcommittee Members:

Senator Herb Kohl (Chairman) (WI)
Congress.org

Senator Tom Harkin (IA)
Congress.org

Senator Byron Dorgan (ND)
Congress.org

Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Congress.org

Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
Congress.org

Senator Tim Johnson (SD)
Congress.org

Senator Ben Nelson (NE)
Congress.org

Senator Jack Reed (RI)
Congress.org

Republican Subcommittee Members:

Senator Robert Bennett (Ranking Member) (UT)
Congress.org

Senator Thad Cochran (MS)
Congress.org

Senator Arlen Specter (PA)
Congress.org

Senator Christopher Bond (MO)
Congress.org

Senator Mitch McConnell (KY)
Congress.org

Senator Larry Craig (ID)
Congress.org

Senator Sam Brownback (KS)
Congress.org

Copy Template

scottishterrier — Sat, 05 May 2007 07:13:02 CDT

Safe Foods

His Eye is on the Sparrow

scottishterrier — Fri, 04 May 2007 06:58:00 CDT

† Inspiration, Breathing in God

Listen to the Song Sparrow

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
~ Matthew 10:29-31 ~

Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them.

One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me.

The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience. The next day she mailed the poem to Charles Gabriel, who supplied the music. Singer Ethel Waters so loved this song that she used its name as the title for her autobiography.

~ Words: Civilla D. Martin, 1905. Music: Charles H. Gabriel, 1905. ~

Sandi Patty sings His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

For the Animals

scottishterrier — Fri, 04 May 2007 05:46:41 CDT

Pets in Literature and Scripture

All Animals Have Souls ~ The Pet Loss Website

Based on The Final Farewell: Preparing for and Mourning the Loss of Your Pet ~ by Marty Tousley and Katherine Heuerman

Suggestions for Coping with Grief ~ from Finding Your Way through Grief: A Guide for the First Year, by Marty Tousley

Preparing Children for Pet Loss ~ Based on Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping , by Marty Tousley

The Bible ~ Old and New Testament

GENESIS 2: 20-25

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

GENESIS 9: 14-17

When I gather the clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, I shall recall the covenant between myself and you and every living creature, in a word all living things, and never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all living things. When the bow is in the clouds I shall see it and call to mind the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth, that is, all living things. `That' God told Noah, `is the sign of the covenant I have established between myself and all living things on earth.'

ISAIAH 11:6-9

And the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed, their young ones shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

JOB 12:7-10

You have only to ask the cattle, for them to instruct you, and the birds of the sky, for them to inform you. The creeping things of earth will give you lessons, and the fish of the sea provide you an explanation: there is not one such creature but will know that the hand of God has arranged things like this! In his hand is the soul of every living thing and the breath of every human being!

PSALM 50:9-11

I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.

PSALMS 50:10-11

For all forest creatures are mine already, the animals on the mountains in their thousands. I know every bird in the air, whatever moves in the fields is mine.

PSALM 136:25

...And who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.

PROVERBS 12:10

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal.

ECCLESIASTES 3:19-21

Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath, man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust and to dust all return. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?

LUKE 12:6

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.

PSALMS 121:1-8

Shall I look to the mountains gods for help? No! My help is from Jehovah who made the mountains! And the heavens too! He will never let me stumble, slip, or fall. For he is always watching, never sleeping. Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender. He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil, and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go, and always guards you.

All Pets Go to Heaven

scottishterrier — Fri, 04 May 2007 04:34:39 CDT

The Rainbow Bridge Story

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver.

Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

~ William (Bill) N. Britton, 1994 ~

Dog Cards
Bravenet

Flash Version of the Bridge Story
Terri Pike has created a beautifully animated "Flash" version of the Rainbow Bridge story

Pet Loss Tracks in the Sand
Resources help with pet loss

Pet Loss Tributes
Create your personal pet tribute page

Pet Sympathy Cards Pet Loss - Tracks in the Sand

The Lord's Prayer

scottishterrier — Thu, 03 May 2007 14:55:46 CDT

† Inspiration Breathing in God †

† The Lord's Prayer

Jesus Christ
~ Matthew 6:9 ~

Our Father who are in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom Come,
Thy Will be done,
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever.

~ Amen ~

Missing Link

scottishterrier — Thu, 03 May 2007 07:36:46 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

Source: dataform and email. askvet@designinghealth.com
Pat to Missing Link Ask a Vet and answers Online: Designing Health . com

Dataform Pat Inquiry on Ask Vet.

Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by:
on Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 16:56:35
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

petName: Neyll

breed: Scottish Terrier

weight: 21

food: homemade since pet food poisoning first recall

meds: no

problem:

Do you make your own product - no outsourcing right?

Do you make any dog supplements without beef and garlic?

Scotties aren't supposed to have either.

Are all of your ingredients grown in the United States?

Where do you get your meat?

Do any of your suppliers buy from other countries?

You don't use wheat in your supplements do you ???

Do you have any other packaging besides plastic?

Looking for a supplement for my Scotties.

What are the ingredients in Missing Link?

I'll pass on to the groups monitoring the pet poisonings <tragedy>

Please answer or I will not be able to recommend your product.

sex: spayed female

age: 4 3/4

state: TN

ownerName:

emailAddress: aboutdogs*.*

Date: April 15
From: "Dr Clemmons"
To: Karen, me

Dear Pat, This is probably the highest quality pet product made in the US.
I don't know who told you Scotties shouldn't have beef or garlic. I have
used about two thousand bags of Missing Link a year in my practice and
animals thrive on it. I will forward your message to Designing Health. Dr.
Clemons

Date: April 18
From: "Dr Clemmons"
To: me

Dear Pat, alkaline phosphatase is not an indicator or liver damage. It is a sign of cortisone use or the body producing too much cortisone. Cushing's disease is disease where the adrenals or pituitary glands produce excess cortisone and the signs are increases thirst, increased urinations, panting and a voracious appetite. these signs usually occur when the alk phos is 700 or above and Scotties are a breed that is well represented with this disease. As long as you have their blood checked annually and watch for the signs, you will be fine. I will attach an article. Dr. Clemons

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease)
Basics
DEFINITION
Spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is a disorder caused by excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal cortex.
Iatrogenic HAC results from excessive exogenous administration of glucocorticoids.
In either instance, clinical signs are due to the deleterious effects of the elevated circulating cortisol concentrations on multiple organ systems.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Approximately 85–90% of cases of naturally occurring HAC are due to bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia resulting from pituitary corticotroph tumors or hyperplasia with oversecretion of ACTH
In the remaining 10–15% of cases, cortisol-secreting adrenocortical neoplasia is present; approximately one-half of these are malignant.
Iatrogenic HAC results from excessive exogenous administration of glucocorticoids.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED
HAC is a multisystemic disorder.
The degree to which each system is involved varies considerably; in some patients signs referable to one system may predominate; others have several systems involved to a comparable degree.
Signs referable to the urinary tract or skin often predominate.
INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE
No exact figures available
Considered one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs; rare in cats
SIGNALMENT
Dogs and cats
Breed Predilections
Dogs—poodles, dachshunds, Boston terriers, boxers, and beagles are reportedly at increased risk
Cats—no apparent predilection
Predominant Sex
No predilection for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) in dogs; possible predilection for female dogs to have adrenal tumors
No apparent predilection in cats
Mean Age and Range
HAC is generally a disorder of middle-aged to old animals; PDH can be seen in dogs as young as 1 year.
SIGNS
General Comments
Severity may vary greatly, depending on the duration and severity of cortisol excess.
In some cases, the physical presence of the neoplastic process (pituitary or adrenal) contributes.
Historical and Physical Examination Findings
Polyuria and polydipsia, polyphagia, pendulous abdomen, hepatomegaly, hair loss, lethargy, muscle weakness, anestrus, obesity, muscle atrophy, comedones, increased panting, testicular atrophy, hyperpigmentation, calcinosis cutis, facial nerve palsy, thin skin, bruising
CAUSES
Pituitary-dependent—adenoma most common; corticotroph hyperplasia and adenocarcinomas rare; anterior pituitary involved in approximately 80% of cases, intermediate lobe of pituitary in the remaining cases
Adrenal tumor (AT)—adenoma or carcinoma
latrogenic—due to glucocorticoid administration
Diagnosis
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Depends on the clinical and laboratory abnormalities displayed
Includes hypothyroidism, sex hormone dermatoses, sex hormone–secreting tumors, acromegaly, diabetes mellitus, hepatopathies, renal disease, and other causes of polyuria/polydipsia
CBC/BIOCHEMISTRY/URINALYSIS
Hemogram may show eosinopenia, lymphopenia, leukocytosis, and erythrocytosis.
In dogs and cats, serum chemistry may show high liver enzymes, cholesterol, and total CO2; alkaline phosphatase activity is high in approximately 90% of dogs with HAC but only 1/3 of cats with HAC; hyperglycemia is common but only about 10% of dogs with HAC will have concurrent diabetes mellitus as compared with about 80% of cats with HAC.
Urinalysis may reveal low specific gravity, proteinuria, hematuria, pyuria and/or bacteriuria.
OTHER LABORATORY TESTS
Endocrine testing in dogs with history, clinical signs, and laboratory abnormalities suggestive of HAC
Do not perform testing for HAC in sick dogs unless clinical signs are present consistent with HAC.
Screening tests are designed to determine if HAC is present or not.
Once a diagnosis of HAC is made, a differentiation test should be performed to determine if PDH or AT is present; differentiation provides information crucial to therapeutic decisions and to provision of an accurate prognosis.
Differentiation tests should never be performed before a diagnosis of HAC is made via use of screening tests.
See Appendix for table of endocrine test protocols.
The value used below to indicate suppression in response to dexamethasone is 1.5 µg/dL; check with your own laboratory for its normal ranges and cut-off values
Screening Tests
Urine Cortisol:Creatinine Ratio (UCCR)
Urine cortisol excretion increases as a reflection of augmented adrenal secretion of the hormone, whether PDH or AT is present.
An elevated UCCR is a sensitive marker of HAC, being present in 90–100% of affected dogs and cats.
False-positive results are common; only about 25–30% of dogs with an elevated UCCR actually have HAC; similarly, in cats the UCCR is of high sensitivity and a false-positive result is likely in a cat with non-adrenal illness.
A normal ratio makes the diagnosis of HAC very unlikely (= 10% chance).
An elevated ratio is consistent with a diagnosis of HAC, but since the chance of a false-positive result is great, an ACTH stimulation test or low-dose dexamethasone suppression test must always be done to confirm the presence of HAC.
Low-dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDST)
Lack of suppression 8 hours after an injection of a low dose of dexamethasone is consistent with a diagnosis of HAC.
The dose of dexamethasone used is different for dogs and cats.
The sensitivity of the LDDST is approximately 95% in dogs; in cats, approximately 80%.
In dogs, there is a relatively high chance of a false-positive result, about 50%, if non-adrenal illness is present.
In cats, the chance of a false-positive result is unknown.
With certain results, the LDDST can serve as a differentiation test as well as a screening test; if the 8-hour sample is > 1.5 µg/dL, the result is consistent with PDH; if, in addition, there is suppression at 4-hour post-dexamethasone (i.e. an “escape” at 8 hours post-dexamethasone) or the 4- and/or 8-hour post-dexamethasone samples are <50% of baseline, the results are consistent with PDH.
ACTH Stimulation Test
A response greater than normal would be consistent with a diagnosis of HAC.
In dogs, the overall sensitivity of the ACTH stimulation test is approximately 80%. For HAC due to pituitary disease, the sensitivity is approximately 87%, while for HAC due to an adrenal tumor the sensitivity is approximately 61%.
In cats, the overall sensitivity of the ACTH stimulation test is approximately 81%.
The ACTH stimulation test is more specific in dogs than the LDDST (only a 15% chance of a false-positive result with non-adrenal illness).
How large a chance of a false-positive result exists in cats is unknown.
The ACTH stimulation test can never differentiate between PDH and an AT.
Differentiating Tests
High-dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (HDDST)
The dose of dexamethasone used is different between dogs and cats.
Two responses are consistent with PDH; if there is suppression to > 1.5 µg/dL at 4 and/or 8 hours post-dexamethasone or the 4- and/or 8-hour post-dexamethasone samples are <50% of baseline, PDH is present.
When baseline values are close to 1.5 µg/dl or when suppression is just at 50%, the results may be suspect, and presence of PDH should be confirmed by other means.
The HDDST can never confirm the presence of an AT; if the criteria for diagnosis of PDH are not met, there is a 50/50 chance the patient has PDH or an AT.
Endogenous ACTH Concentration
A single blood sample is used (special handling required).
In patients with PDH, ACTH concentration should be normal to increased as a result of secretion from the pituitary tumor; with AT, endogenous ACTH concentration should be below normal.
This test can be used to confirm the presence of AT.
A gray zone exists in the results; if the patient's endogenous ACTH concentration falls into this zone, the results are not diagnostic.
In dogs, with repeat testing when the original concentration measured was in the gray zone, approximately 96% had definitive differentiation; similar results have been achieved in cats.
There is no way to predict when endogenous ACTH concentration will be in the gray zone.
IMAGING
Abdominal radiographs may differentiate PDH from AT; approximately 50% of canine AT are visualized; adrenal mineralization is highly suspicious for the presence of a tumor in dogs, but can occur in up to 30% of normal cats.
Chest radiographs are indicated in patients with an AT to check for metastases.
Ultrasonography, CT, and MR—useful for differentiating PDH from AT and for staging AT
CT and MR—often useful for demonstrating macroadenomas
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
N/A
PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS
PDH—gross examination reveals normal-sized pituitary to pituitary macroadenoma and bilateral adrenocortical enlargement
Microscopically, pituitary adenoma, adenocarcinoma, or corticotroph hyperplasia of pars distalis or pars intermedia and adrenocortical hyperplasia
AT—gross examination reveals variable-sized adrenal mass, atrophy of contralateral gland (rarely bilateral tumors), and metastasis in some patients with adrenal carcinoma; invasion into the vena cava or vena caval thrombosis may be seen with malignant tumors.
Microscopically, see adrenocortical adenoma or carcinoma
Treatment
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Dictated by the severity of clinical signs, the patient's overall condition, and any complicating factors ( e.g., diabetes mellitus, pulmonary embolism)
ACTIVITY
No alteration of activity necessary.
DIET
Usually no need to alter; use appropriate diet if there is concurrent diabetes mellitus.
CLIENT EDUCATION
If using medical therapy, lifelong therapy required
If adverse reaction to mitotane occurs—discontinue drug, give prednisone, and have veterinarian reevaluate next day; if no response to prednisone is noted in a few hours, veterinarian should evaluate immediately.
SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hypophysectomy—described, but generally not available
Bilateral adrenalectomy is the treatment of choice for PDH in cats, but not used for treatment of PDH in dogs; appropriate personnel and facilities are required as this is a technically demanding surgery and intensive postoperative management is required.
Surgery is the treatment of choice in dogs and cats with adrenocortical adenomas and small carcinomas unless the patient is a poor surgical risk or the client refuses surgery.
Medical control of HAC is recommended prior to surgery, if possible.
Medications
DRUG(S) OF CHOICE
Mitotane
Mitotane (o,p'-DDD, Lysodren) remains the drug of choice for medical management of both PDH and AT in dogs; selectively destroys the glucocorticoid secreting cells of the adrenal cortex
PDH—give an initial loading dose of 40–50 mg/kg divided daily until both basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels are in the normal resting range (1–5 µg/dL ); then 50 mg/kg/week divided; dosage adjustments are based on ACTH response testing (maintain basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels between 1 and 5 µg/dL ); if relapse occurs, as indicated by cortisol levels outside the normal resting range, reload for 5–7 days and increase weekly maintenance dose by approximately 50%; give prednisone (0.2 mg/kg/day) during initial and subsequent loading periods
AT—goal of mitotane use is low-to-nondetectable (i.e. < 1 µg/dL) basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels; starting dose is 50–75 mg/kg divided daily; induction typically requires higher doses and is of longer duration than for treatment of PDH; dose should be increased by 50 mg/kg/day every 10–14 days if control has not been achieved as judged by an ACTH stimulation test; if adverse effects develop due to mitotane, administration should continue at the highest tolerable dose; once control is achieved, maintenance therapy should begin at 75–100 mg/kg divided weekly; if cortisol levels pre- and post-ACTH rise into the normal resting range ( i.e., 1–5 µg/dl), increase the maintenance dose by 50%; if cortisol levels rise above the normal resting range pre- and post-ACTH, reload until control is achieved and increase weekly maintenance dose by approximately 50%; during induction and maintenance, since the goal is to create glucocorticoid insufficiency, give prednisone at 0.2 mg/kg/day.
l-Deprenyl
l-Deprenyl (selegiline hydrochloride; Anipryl)—may be used as an alternative treatment for PDH; decreases pituitary ACTH secretion by increasing dopaminergic tone to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, thus decreasing serum cortisol concentrations; indicated only for the treatment of uncomplicated PDH; not recommended for treatment of PDH in dogs with concurrent illnesses such as diabetes mellitus; cannot be used to treat cortisol-secreting adrenocortical neoplasia; initiate therapy with 1 mg/kg daily and increase to 2 mg/kg/day after 2 months if the response is inadequate; if this dose is also ineffective, give alternative therapy
The multicenter trial performed by Deprenyl Animal Health, Inc., reported that 75–80% of dogs had a good response to therapy as assessed by resolution of clinical signs and monthly low-dose dexamethasone suppression testing; other investigators reported lower efficacy rates (as low as 20%); further independent clinical trials are necessary to assess the efficacy of this medication in controlling PDH; adverse effects such as anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea are uncommon (<5% of dogs) and usually mild; disadvantages include the need for lifelong daily administration and the expense of the medication
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole (10 mg/kg q12h initially; up to 20 mg/kg q12h in some dogs) inhibits enzymes responsible for cortisol synthesis—indicated for dogs unable to tolerate mitotane at doses necessary to control HAC; may be useful for palliation of clinical signs of HAC in dogs with AT; efficacy is approximately 50% or less; adverse effects include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and an idiosyncratic hepatopathy
Feline HAC
The drug of choice for medical management is controversial; further studies are needed; mitotane at 50 mg/kg/day, then 50 mg/kg week with dosage adjustments based on ACTH stimulation testing has been reported, but higher doses may be required; metyrapone (65 mg/kg BID to TID, with dosage adjustments based on ACTH stimulation testing) may be the treatment of choice if the medication can be obtained; success with ketoconazole (5 mg/kg BID for 7 days followed by 10 mg/kg BID, with dosage adjustments based on ACTH stimulation testing) has had mixed success; l-deprenyl is an alternative for therapy of canine PDH, but its use has not been described in cats with HAC; a short-term safety study in normal cats revealed no significant adverse effects.
PRECAUTIONS
Side effects of mitotane—not uncommon; mild in most dogs; include lethargy, weakness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, and iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism
Side effects are more common in dogs with AT given high doses of mitotane.
Side effects of ketoconazole—seem to be less common; include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and hepatopathy
Side effects of l-deprenyl are uncommon.
ALTERNATIVE DRUG(S)
Consider radiation therapy for animals with pituitary macroadenomas.
ACTH levels may take several months to decrease; control HAC with above drugs in the interim.
Follow-Up
PATIENT MONITORING
Response to therapy—use periodic ACTH stimulation testing (see references) to assess mitotane, ketoconazole, or metyrapone efficacy; test after the initial 8 days if treating PDH and 10–14 days if treating AT, or sooner if decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness or decreased water intake (<60 ml/kg/day) is noted. Continue induction with repeat testing as necessary until adequate response is seen; once on maintenance, test at 1, 3, and 6 months and every 6–12 months thereafter; adequacy of any necessary mitotane reloading period is checked with an ACTH stimulation test before higher maintenance mitotane dose initiated; adequacy of ketoconazole or metyrapone dose checked with an ACTH stimulation test after any dose alteration; depending on the problem, clinical signs of HAC resolve several days to months after control achieved; current label recommendations are to evaluate the efficacy of l-deprenyl therapy solely on the basis of resolution of clinical signs of HAC; the ACTH stimulation test is not indicated for assessing the response to treatment.
EXPECTED COURSE/PROGNOSIS
Untreated HAC—generally a progressive disorder with a poor prognosis
Treated PDH—usually a good prognosis; median survival time for a dog with PDH treated with mitotane is 1.7 years; at least 10% survive 4 years; dogs living longer than 6 months tend to die of causes unrelated to their HAC.
Macroadenomas and neurologic signs—poor to grave prognosis; macroadenomas with no or mild neurologic signs—fair to good prognosis with radiation and medical therapy
Adrenal adenomas—usually a good to excellent prognosis; small carcinomas (not metastasized) have a fair to good prognosis.
Large carcinomas and AT with widespread metastasis—generally a poor to fair prognosis, but impressive responses to high doses of mitotane are occasionally seen.
Miscellaneous
ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
Neurologic signs in dogs with large pituitary tumors; glucose intolerance or concurrent diabetes mellitus; pulmonary thromboembolism; increased incidence of urinary tract and skin infections; hypertension; proteinuria/glomerulopathy
AGE-RELATED FACTORS
N/A
PREGNANCY
N/A
SYNONYMS
Cushing's disease; Cushing's syndrome
ABBREVIATIONS
AT = adrenal tumor
ACTH = adrenocorticotrophic hormone
HAC = hyperadrenocorticism
HDDST = high-dose dexamethasone suppression test
LDDST = low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
PDH = pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
UCCR = urine cortisol:creatinine ratio
Suggested Readings
Behrend EN, Kemppainen RJ. Adrenocortical disease. In: August J, ed. Consultations in feline internal medicine, 4th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2001:159–168.
Behrend EN, Kemppainen RJ. Diagnosis of canine hyperadrenocorticism. Vet Clin North Am 2001;31:985–1003.
Feldman EC, Nelson RW. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome). In: Feldman EC, Nelson RW, eds. Feline and Canine Endocrinology and Reproduction, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1996:187–265.
Kintzer PP, Peterson ME. Mitotane treatment of cortisol secreting adrenocortical neoplasia: 32 cases (1980–1992). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1994;205:54–61.
Kintzer PP, Peterson ME. Mitotane (o, p'-ddd) treatment of 200 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadenocorticism. J Vet Intern Med 1991;5:182–190.
Peterson ME. Medical treatment of canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). Vet Clin North Am 2001;31:1005–1014.
Reusch CE, Steffen T, Hoerauf A. The efficacy of L-deprenyl in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. J Vet Intern Med 1999;13:291–301.

Acknowledgement

The authors and editors acknowledge the prior contributions of Dr. Peter Kintzer, who authored this topic in a previous edition.

Author: Ellen N. Behrend and Robert J. Kemppainen
Consulting Editor: Deborah Greco
Copyright 2003 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Date: April 18
From: me
To: "Dr. Clemmons"

Dear Dr. Clemons,

The Poison Control Center says no garlic for dogs.

Scottish Terriers are not supposed to eat beef because they have a real potential to develop food allergies from it. Nor should they consume wheat or corn products.

I would like to be able to recommend your product if all ingredients and their suppliers are identified and where the agricultural products produced.

Thank you for forwarding this along!

I am quite concerned for both of my Scotties.

Both were over the top range on

Akaline Phosphatase

Female age 4 3/4 yrs: 272 > 5-131

Male age 4 1/2 yrs: 256 > 5-131

I was told by 2 local vets the overage is not unusual for Scotties. I am still concerned they may be displaying early numbers showing liver damage. Where the vets got the idea that Scotties numbers run high I don't know...

I would like a Missing Link formula not in a plastic pouch that does not have any wheat, corn, beef, or garlic.

Other meats suggested as substitution all skinless: Turkey, Chicken, or Fish

Thank you for your prompt response!

If you would like to see our babies' pages go here:

The Scotty Appeal

http://webpages.charter.net/mungoman/TheScottyAppeal/

Scottush Terrier Wetpaint

http://scottishterrier.wetpaint.com/

NOTE: My Scotties are not using Missing Link.

Please refer to the Scottish Terrier (Scotties) Breed Description

The following Immunine and Autoimmune conditions will most certainly worsen as our Scotties age. Most do not live past ten. I was so careful with their immune systems I thought until the fateful first recall.

The breed has the following syndromes, genetically caused diseases, disorders and acquired immune system maladies according to the Scottish Terrier Club of America (STCA) and ScottyMed.com :

Scottie Cramp - The most widespread of all the Scottish Terrier hereditary conditions The forelegs move out to the side and forward rather than straight forward, called winging. The spine in the lumbar area may arch and the rear legs begin to over flex. If the excitement or exercise continues, the dog begins to exhibit a "goose-stepping" gait ... The symptoms appear to be caused by a buildup or depletion of some chemical compound in the dog's central nervous system, most probably serotonin. The condition is permanent but does not worsen with age.

Von Willebrand's Disease - (vWD) an is inherited as an autosomal trait.
Carriers are asymptomatic but affected dogs may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Severe bleeding of wounds and surgery areas
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, ears, and sexual organs
- Serious bruising, bleeding in to the joints, and eliminating organs.
- Stillbirths or neonatal deaths starting with prolonged bleeding during heat cycle and whelp
See VetGen's Genetic Test for vWD in Scottish Terriers

Cushing's Syndrome - Collection of symptoms caused by an excess of a hormone called cortisol. There are three main causes of Cushing's Syndrome: a tumor on the pituitary gland; a tumor on the adrenal gland; or veterinarians who over-prescribe corticosteroids to treat itching skin. Cushing's is usually treated successfully with a drug called Lysodren

Hypothyroidism- An underproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland.
Symptoms include:
- Abnormal loss of coat with poor coat condition and color fading of coat
- Chronic skin disorders and infections such as skin allergies and dry or scaling skin
- Weight gain, infertility, fatigue, lethargy, and intolerance of cold.

Epilepsy - Characterized by recurrent seizures with no active underlying disease process occurring in the brain. With dogs with seizures lasting longer than a few minutes treatment is required which can include phenobarbital, dilantin and primidone.

Craniomandibular Osteopathy - (CMO) is an inherited disorder characterized by an abnormal growth of the bone of the lower jaw. CMO usually appears between four and seven months. A puppy with CMO usually pulls away, flinches or screams with pain when his mouth is examined, depending on the severity of the disease. A variety of medications may ease the pain. More severe causes may need to be treated with steroids. Bone abnormalities may correct as the puppy reaches adulthood.

Liver Shunts - Can be difficult for a breeder to recognize but is easily diagnosed with a bile acid test. Affected puppies are normally small and unthrifty. After eating, they can exhibit bizarre behavior caused by a buildup of ammonia in the bloodstream. Surgery can normally correct the condition, depending on the location of the shunt, but it's not always completely effective and it's very expensive, often running into thousands of dollars. A few dogs but multi lines are beginning to show signs of this formerly rare to the breed inherited malformation. Liver Shunts generally are more prevalent in Yorkshire Terriers.

Juvenile Cataracts - A clouding of the lens of the eye. To date, only a few dogs have been affected by juvenile cataracts and apparently only one line. In Miniature Schnauzers, congenital juvenile cataracts are caused by a simple autosomal recessive gene. In other words, both parents must be carriers.

Atopy - Usually itchy, particularly the hands and feet. The skin may be red and irritated due to scratching, and the ears may also be inflamed. The symptoms of food allergy are difficult to distinguish from those of atopy.

Deafness - Conduction deafness is caused by abnormalities of the pinna (external ear), ear canal, tympanic membrane (eardrum), auditory ossicles or middle ear. Waxy debris occluding the ear canal, tympanic membrane, and severe ear infections are all examples of diseases causing conduction deafness. Neurologic or sensorineural deafness is caused by abnormalities of the inner ear, auditory nerve or in the brain itself. Inherited deafness, drug toxicity and age-related deafness are diseases causing sensorineural deafness.

Cancers
Malignant Melanoma - Tumors arising from melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment. There is no known cause, and it can originate from different areas in the body, most often the oral cavity, skin, and toes.
"Purdue University research finds lawn chemicals raise cancer risk in Scottish Terriers" Exposure to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens increases the risk of bladder cancer in Scottish terriers. The risk of Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) was found to be between four and seven times more likely in exposed animals. A frightening statistic unfortunately is Scotties are already about 20 times more likely to develop bladder cancer as other breeds. Consult the Purdue's document outlining their Bladder Cancer Research .
Please refer to the VetCancer Registry coordinated by Dr. H. Steven Steinburg to discover trends in Animal Cancers.

Please review Dr. W. Jean Dodd's information regarding Vaccines and Challenge Study and the world renown The Canine Diversity Project to protect the Scottish Terrier breed from further immune system assault.

Please consult ScottyMed.com for a number of links to extensive articles and medical information.

Dangerous Foods and Substances

scottishterrier — Thu, 03 May 2007 07:35:01 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

The Bad Foods and Substances for Dogs List

List of common foods that are bad or poisonous for your dog.
If you suspect that your dog might have eaten any food that might be toxic, contact their vet immediately.

Name

Information

Alcohol

Do not give your dog sips of any alcoholic beverage. Ingestion can lead to injury, disorientation, sickness, urination problems or even coma or death from alcohol poisoning. Some dogs may be attracted to alcoholic drinks so don't leave one setting where a dog can reach it.

Anti-freeze

The Dangers Of Antifreeze

Apple

The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning.

Apricot

The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Avocado

Avocado contains a toxic element called persin which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. Avocadoes are high in fat content and can trigger an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis. The seed pit is also toxic and if swallowed can become lodged in the intestinal tract where it may cause a severe blockage which will have to be removed surgically. Since avocado is the main ingredient in guacamole be sure and keep your dog out of the dip.

Baby Food

Before feeding any baby food to your dog check the ingredients to see if it contains onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. Feeding baby food in large amounts may result in nutritional deficiencies.

Bones

Cooked bones can be very hazardous for your dog. Bones become brittle when cooked which causes them to splinter when broken. The splinters have sharp edges that have been known to become stuck in the teeth, caused choking when caught in the throat or caused a rupture or puncture of the stomach lining or intestinal tract. Especially bad bones are turkey and chicken legs, ham, pork chop and veal.

Symptoms of choking are:

Pale or blue gums
Gasping Open-mouthed breathing
Pawing at face
Slow, shallow breathing
Unconscious, with dilated pupils

Raw bones (uncooked in any way) like chicken necks or beef knuckle bones are generally considered safe and help keep your dog's teeth healthy by removing plaque. A caution - bones have a high calcium content and too many can cause severe constipation.

Bread Dough

When bread dough is ingested your dog's body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. During the rising process alcohol is produced as the dough expands. Pets who have eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation and depression. A pet needs to eat only a small amount to cause a problem, because bread dough can rise to many times its size.

Broccoli and Spinach

The toxic ingredient in broccoli and spinach is isothiocynate. While it may cause stomach upset it probably won't be very harmful unless the amount fed exceeds 10% of the dogs total daily diet.

Caffeine

Beverages with caffeine (like soda, tea, coffee) acts as a stimulant and can accelerate your pet's heartbeat to a dangerous level. Pets ingesting caffeine have been known to have seizures, some fatal.

Candy

Sugarless candy containing xylitol has been recognised by the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) to be a risk to pets (first published July 2004). This compound can cause liver damage and death in some dogs. This information is recent and some vets may not be familiar with xylitol poisoning. If your dog has eaten sugarless candy you can contact the NAPCC by telephone, 1-888-426-4435 for more information.

Cat Food

Cat food is not formulated for canine comsumption. It is generally too high in protein and fats and is not a balanced diet for a dog.

Cherries

The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine will either increase the dog’s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat and seizures.
Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. An ounce or two of chocolate may not seem like much but it can be lethal to a small dog that weighs 10 lbs. or less. After their dog has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours.
Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog sick. The next most dangerous forms are semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate, however the high amount of fat found in milk chocolate can lead to an attack of pancreatitis.

1 ounce per pound of body weight (2 ounces per kg of body weight) for milk chocolate.
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight ( 1 ounce per 1.5 kg body weight) for semi-sweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight ( 1 ounce per 4 kg) for baker's chocolate.
During many holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter and Halloween, chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unwittingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat or letting them lick a frosting bowl.

Cigarettes

see Tobacco Products

Citrus Oil Extracts

Citrus oil extracts ave been known to cause vomiting.

Corn Cobs

Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, because the corn cob caused a partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.

Dairy Products

Most dairy products are digested poorly by dogs who have little or none of the enzyme required to digest the lactose in milk. Just like lactose-intolerant people, lactose-intolerant dogs can develop excessive intestinal gas (flatulence) and may have foul-smelling diarrhea. It is best to avoid most dairy products altogether, although small amounts of cheese or plain yogurt are tolerated by most dogs, since these products have less lactose than most.

Food Preparation Items

When chewing food remnants from

aluminum foil or pans
candy wrappers
paper plates and cups
plastic forks, spoons, knives
plastic beverage rings from six-packs
roasting bags
turkey skewers, lacing
a dog may swallow pieces which can cause abdominal discomfort, intestinal blockage, internal bleeding and in some cases, death. There is also a possibility if choking or suffocation. Dispose of food preparation items in a manner that your dog or another animal cannot get to it.

Eggs (Raw)

Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which can deplete your dog of biotin, one of the B vitamins. Biotin is essential to your dog’s growth and coat health. Additionally, raw eggs are often contaminated with bacteria, such as salmonella, and you could end up giving your dog food poisoning in addition to biotin deficiency.
Symptoms of biotin depletion are hair loss, weakness, growth retardation and skeleton deformity. If your dog is suffering from these symptoms the situation is urgent, and veterinary treatment is needed. Cooked eggs are high in protein and make an excellent treat. It is only the raw eggs that should not be given to your dog.

Grapes or Raisins

Although the minimum lethal dosage is not known, grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs when ingested in large quantities. The symptoms are gastrointestinal signs including vomiting and diarrhea, and then signs of kidney failure with an onset of severe kidney signs starting about 24 hours after ingestion. The amount of grapes eaten varied between 9 oz. and 2 lbs., which worked out to be between 0.41 and 1.1 oz/kg of body weight. It has been reported that two dogs died directly from the toxicity, three were euthanized due to poor response to treatment and five dogs lived.
Due to the severity of the signs and the potential for death, the veterinarians at the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) advocate aggressive treatment for any dog believed to have ingested excessive amounts of grapes or raisins, including inducing vomiting, stomach pumping and administration of activated charcoal, followed by intravenous fluid therapy for at least 48 hours or as indicated based on the results of blood tests for kidney damage.

Hops

Spent hops as used in making beer.

Household Products

Bad Household Items List

Liver

Many dog treats and prepared foods contain liver so it may surprise you to find liver on the bad foods list. In small amounts liver is good for your dog, but if the liver intake is too high it can cause nutritional problems because liver has a high content of vitamin A. Consumption of this vitamin in large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A. If your dog eats raw liver or consumes three servings of cooked liver a week it could lead to bone problems. Feeding liver to a dog taking Vitimin A supplements can lead to an overdose of Vitamin A.
Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A are deformed bones, excessive bone growth on the elbows and spine, weight loss and anorexia. If left unchecked, hypervitaminosis A has in some cases caused death.

Macadamia Nuts

The toxic compound is unknown but eating as few as six nuts without the shell has been known to cause elevated body temperature, accelerated heartbeat, tremors in the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs have difficulty or are unable to rise, are distressed and usually panting.Some affected dogs have had swollen limbs and showed pain when the limb was manipulated. Dogs did recover from the muscle weakness and pain and it is not known if there have been any fatal cases. Macadamia butter is included in this warning.

Mouldy or Spoiled Foods

The common mold found growing on many foods contain toxins such as Penicillium mold toxins or tremorgenic mycotoxins. Symptoms of poisoning include severe tremors and seizures that can last for hours or even days. This is considered an emergency and medical treatment is needed to control the seizures and detoxify the dog.
Spoiled foods can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning are severe vomiting, diarrhea and shock.
Prevention is the best course, don't feed your dog moldy food left in the refrigerator and don't allow him to raid your garbage cans or compost bin (or your neighbor's).

Mushrooms

Mushroom poisoning can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. The most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroon in the US is Amanita phalloides, but other Amanita species are also toxic. They can cause severe liver disease and neurologic disorders. The recommendation is to induce vomiting when these mushrooms are ingested and to give activated charcoal, as well. Supportive treatment for liver disease may also be necessary.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is reported to be a hallucinogenic when ingested in large doses. Nutmeg has been known to cause tremors, seizures and in some cases, death.

Nuts

Nuts in general are not good for dogs as their high phosphorus content may lead to bladder stones.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and Garlic cause hemolytic anemia, which means that the red blood cells break down leaving the dog short of oxygen. Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. The condition generally improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion. The poisoning may occur a few days after the dog has eaten the onion. At first dogs affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, weakness and show little or no interest in food. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected dog's urine making it dark colored. The dog will experience shortness of breath because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number. Other symptoms are elevated body temperature, confusion, and increased heart rate. Seek veterinary care immediately.
The quantity of onions, raw or cooked, required is high enough that dogs can generally tolerate small doses of onions without any problem and moderate amounts of onion without apparent signs of onion poisoning. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.
While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

Peaches

The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Pears

The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Plants

Dogs can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet.
Common Poisonous Plants List

Plastic Food Wrap

Dogs have been known to ingest pieces of plastic wrap while trying to eat food remnants left on its surface. Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Dispose of plastic wrap in a manner that your dog or other animals cannot get to it.

Plums

The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Play Dough

Home made play dough contains high levels of salt. When ingested this can cause salt poisoning which can be fatal.

Potatoes

Solanum alkaloids can be found in green sprouts and green potato skins, which occurs when the tubers are exposed to sunlight during growth or after harvest. The relatively rare occurrence of actual poisoning is due to several factors: solanine is poorly absorbed; it is mostly hydrolyzed into less toxic solanidinel; and the metabolites are quickly eliminated. Cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for dogs, actually quite nutritious and digestible.

Raisins or Grapes

See Grapes

Rich Fatty Foods

Rich, fatty foods can be very dangerous to dogs susceptible to attacks of pancreatitis. Often you may not know that your dog is susceptible until he is very sick with his first attack. It is often the smaller, more energetic breeds like miniature or toy poodles, cocker spaniels, miniature schauzers, and other small terrier-type dogs who seem particularly prone. However, any dog may have a problem. It is best to avoid these foods altogether.

turkey skin
bacon, sausages, hot dogs
fruit cake, plum pudding
deep-fried
Signs of pancreatitis generally include an acute onset of vomiting (sometimes with diarrhea) and abdominal pain, which may be evidenced as a hunched posture or "splinting" of the abdomen when picked up. The dog may become very sick quickly and often needs intensive fluid and antibiotic therapy.

Rhubard

Leaves

Salmon (Raw)

Commonly called "Salmon Poisoning Disease" (or SPD), this can be a problem for anyone who feeds their dog a raw meat diet that includes raw salmon, but it is mostly seen in the Pacific Northwest and California. The cause is infection by a rickettsial organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. The rickettsial organism does not directly infect the dog but is carried instead by a parasite (a flatworm or fluke) called Nanophyteus salmincola through two intermediate hosts - freshwater snails and salmonid fish.
Nanophyteus salmincola are found to infect some species of freshwater snails. The infected snail is ingested by the salmon as part of the food chain. Neither the fluke nor the rickettsial organism are lethal to the fish. The dog is exposed only when it ingests the secondary host - an infected fish. After the dog ingests the fish, the encysted fluke larvae burst and embed in the dog’s intestinal tract and the rickettsia are introduced. The cycle continues when ova are excreted in dog feces to infect more snails.
A sudden onset of symptoms occur 5-7 days after ingestion of fish. Initial symptoms include lethargy and anorexia. Peaking of temperature between 104-107 in the first two days and then slowly returns to normal. Persistent vomiting by the fourth day. There is bloody diarrhea within a few days of vomiting onset. The diarrhea is often bright yellow color. There are enlarged lymph nodes.
In the acute stages, gastrointestinal symptoms are quite similar to canine parvovirus. Nasal and ocular symptoms can resemble canine distemper. If left untreated, SPD has a mortality rate of up to 90%. SPD can be diagnosed with a fecal sample and is treatable if caught in time. Treatment may include supportive hydration, an antibiotic to kill the rickettsial organism, and a "wormer" to kill the parasite. Improvement may be seen in as little as two days.
Prevention is simple, cook all fish before feeding any to your dog. If you are outdoors hiking or camping or live near streams and rivers were salmon spawn, keep a close eye on your dog on don't let your pet run free to insure that no fish carcasses are ingested. Please see your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested raw salmon.

Salt

Iodized salt and salty foods can cause stomach ailments and pancreatitis. Some dogs, especially large breeds, have been known to gulp too much water after eating salty foods and developed a life threatening condition called bloat during which the stomach fills with gas and twists, leading to a painful death unless emergency treatment is received immediately.

Table Scraps

Table scraps are not a nutritionally balanced diet for a dog. If fed at all scraps should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat and all cooked bones discarded. Also see "Rich, Fatty Foods" above.

Tobacco Products

Cigarettes and cigarette butts, cigars, pipe tobacco, nicotine patches, nicotine gum and chewing tobacco can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Signs of nicotine poisoning can appear within an hour and include hyperactivity, salivation, panting, vomiting and diarrhea. Advanced signs include muscle weakness, twitching, collapse, coma, increased heart rate and cardiac arrest. If anyone who lives in or visits your home smokes, tell them to keep tobacco products out of reach of pets and to dispose of butts immediately. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these seek veterinary treatment immediately.

Tomatoes and Tomato Plants

These contain atropine which can cause dialated pupils, tremors and irregular heartbeat. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, next is the unripe (green) tomatoes and then the ripe tomato.

Water

Yet another surprise to find on the Bad Foods List is water, but there are dangers lurking in water that you need to be aware of.

Stagnant water in ponds, bogs, small lakes, canals, seasonal creeks and other places where water sets still may contain harmful bacteria (Leptospira interrogans) and parasites such as giardia.
Toilet water with freshner or cleaners in the tank or bowl contain toxic chemicals.

Other Related Links

An excellent resource for emergency poison consultation (in addition to your veterinarian)

is your Local Poison Control, and the National Animal Poison Control Center

Moore's Haven Page - The Pet Poison Page: Protecting Your Pet From Poisonous Things

Pet Poisoning Research

scottishterrier — Thu, 03 May 2007 07:34:22 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

More Pet Food Poisoning

(Research and Resources with Descriptions)

* Please feel free to add your own! *

Pet Food Poisoning Informational Links

Name of Resource
Material Type
Description
Comments

The Pet Connection http://www.petconnection.com/
Pet-food recall: What Pet Lovers need to know
The site who is organizing for pet lovers a mass of resources and reporting databases
Pet-food recall: Get the food off the shelves

Itchmo
The Pet Connection Blog
Howl911
Pet Food Tracker
PetSitUSA
The Pet Food List
Spocko’s Brain
Dogged

Pet Lover Sites and Blogs more current than the FDA, News Media, Veterinarians, and Congress for resources and breaking news!

Every day since the first recall was announced on March 17, we here at Pet Connection have been informal members of a team of Web sites whose owners wanted to help. None of us ever heard of the other before, but we all somehow found our niche and together, we provided more support than any one of us alone could have.
A Presidential Candidate and their Staff need to refer to these sites and volunteer their service to the American Pet Lovers that this holocaust will happen, "NEVER AGAIN!"

The Farm & Ranch Guide
Pet food mishap shows reason for COOL
_____________________

The Pet Connection
Pet-food recall: Country of origin labeling

Agriculture Guide website
_________________

A Blog with all pet related news and information

Consumer Rights for all (human) food ingredients labels to have country of origin listed
For more information see
USDA site -
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)
and
Americans for Country of Origin Labeling
Labeling Law and Information

Food manufacturers have long held the belief that American consumers want the cheapest food available.
This mishap with pet food can serve as a wakeup call that using the cheapest food ingredients can actually become a costly mistake.
The wheat gluten that caused the deaths of the pets did not come from the United States.
Country of Origin Labeling is one way to assure that Americans have the opportunity to purchase food raised in the United States.

Missing Links
Emails
Asking about Missing Links ingredients from Ask a Vet on Missing Links Site
Pet Poisoning > Research > Missing Link

Poisoned Scotties?

scottishterrier — Tue, 01 May 2007 13:11:45 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

We hope ours have not had their lives shortened. We love our...

Mungo "Moose"

Neyll

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From How 911 Blog http://howl911.com

After reading this article you probably won't want your pets to eat processed again.

http://www.belfield.com/article3.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Veterinary Medical Association
Resources for pet owners and veterinarians.
http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp

Animal Ark - Pet Food Recall Database
A group member who is collecting data to develop reports and statistics on the pet food recall.
https://www.animalarkshelter.org//animal/PetFoodRecall.nsf/Contact?OpenForm

Another Blog with lots of info (mine)
My Goal: The info we need, in the easiest way possible.
http://playingbig.blogspot.com/

Cornell University - College of Veterinary Medicine
Researchers at Cornell are leading the investigation to determine the causative agent in the pet foods manufactured by Menu Foods.
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/

FULL List of Recalled Foods
Includes UPC Flavor Date Size - 77 page PDF file
http://itchmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/menufoods_recall_list_mar21.pdf

Flickr Pet Food Recall Photo Gallery
A place to share your photos of the animals affected by the recall. Please join, we'd like to put faces to the stories and give support and information to future victims. Registration is free or go to group description to post photos without joining.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/petfoodrecall/

HOWL911-Menu Foods Pet Food Recall Page
The most comprehensive list of resources and news links
http://www.howl911.com

I Forget
Very Good Overview of Pet Food Industry, written in April 2006
http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/data/784/Patrick06.html

Iowa State University
If you suspect that your cat or dog has been poisoned, veterinary toxicologists at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine can confirm the presence of toxins in the food or samples from the pet.
http://cvmweb2.cvm.iastate.edu/departments/VDPAM/default.aspx?id=2784

K9KIDNEYS Yahoo Group
The K9KIDNEYS list is a list for owners of dogs suffering from one or more forms of kidney disorders. Support and help for those whose dog has kidney failure.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9KIDNEYS/

Menu Foods Press Conference Fri 3/23
This is the raw footage
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/videonav/dayportNav.aspx?videoid=193689#top

Pet Connection Database
Please report illness and death of pets here. Also report them to the FDA
http://www.petconnection.com/recall/

Pet Food Recall Blog Spot
Another centralized location for information pertaining to the recent Menu Foods Pet Food recall.
http://www.petfoodrecall.blogspot.com

Pet Food Tracker
Easier to use files and info of recalled foods
http://petfoodtracker.blogspot.com/

Pet Lose Support
Contains a Forum, chat and other things for support of a losing a pet. Has a memoiral area also. Great people to help anyone.
http://www.rainbowbridge.com

Pet Memorials
Excellent resource for Pet Memorials...keep their memories alive and preserve their spirit!
http://www.rockitcreations.com

PetSupport.net
The Online Pet Loss, Grief and Illness Support Network
http://petsupport.net/articles/Recall.html

Petition to Hold Pet Food Companies Liable
Request than the U.S. Congress enact legislation to require pet food manufacturers and the companies that market those pet food brands to be held financially liable...
http://www.itchmo.com/read/petition-to-require-pet-food-companies-to-be-held-financially-liable-for-pet-deaths_2007032

PetsitUSA Blog - List of foods not made by Menu Foods
Most complete list so far of Foods made and NOT made by Menu Foods. Includes links to food brands sites.
http://www.thepetfoodlist.com/

Poop City
New York City-based blog covering the recall
http://poopcity.typepad.com/poop_city/

Press Conference on Pet Food
Raw Footage of NY State Agriculture
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=193689

Recalled Cat Food
List of Menu Foods cat food that is recalled
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html

Recalled Dog Food
List of Menu Foods dog food that is recalled
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

There is a group on Myspace too.
Post info you have for these people too please. You can invite them here.
http://groups.myspace.com/petfoodrecall

Vetcetera blog
Covering the recall from a veterinarian's perspective
http://catmanager.wordpress.com/

Wording of Pet Food Labels
a handy definition list
http://home.att.net/~wdcusick/02.html

itchmo blog
Seattle-based blog doing investigative reporting on the recall and providing links and resources as well.
http://www.itchmo.com/go/tagged/safety/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Articles:

Barking up wrong tree in pet food recall
Alan Cairns (cnews)
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007/04/01/pf-3888145.html

Bloodwork- Alkaline Phosphatase

ALKP and ALT elevations query - part 2
Rises in Alt and Altk pos and Differential for Liver disease
Increases in Alkaline Phosphatase
High Alkaline phosphatase
High ALKP levels and diet
Increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels
Elevated alkaline phosphate (ALKP) for the past three years
Increased alkaline phosphatase levels

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AVMA Links: American Veterinary Association

For pet owners

FAQ from the AVMA: What you should know about the recall (April 5, 2007)

Tips on cooking Fluffy and Fido a home-cooked meal (AVMA press release, April 4, 2007)

Breaking news from FDA confirms ASPCA's suspicions on pet food toxin (March 30, 2007)

FDA announces new chemical found in recalled pet food (AVMA press release, March 30, 2007)

FAQ from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA Web site)

FAQ from The Animal Medical Center of New York City (March 26, 2007)

Aminopterin identified as possible toxic agent (March 23, 2007)

Homemade pet food requires study of nutrition, AVMA warns (AVMA press release, March 20, 2007)

AVMA offers advice to pet owners after nationwide food recall (AVMA press release, March 19, 2007)

For veterinarians

New: Hill's announces Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry pet food medical screening payment plan (April 6, 2007)

New: Updated information for veterinarians from the ACVIM (April 6, 2007)

New: USDA-APHIS listing of state veterinarians (U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site)

Preliminary findings in a case of suspected toxicity associated with recalled pet food (On the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health Web site, Michigan State University, March 28, 2007) (PDF, 285Kb)

These photographs of lesions associated with necropsy were taken from a dog which reportedly ate food from the original Menu Foods recall. Please note that the reference to aminopterin predates the FDA's March 30 announcement of melamine as the substance of interest in the recall.

Imaging of feline urine crystals (Univ. of Guelph Laboratory Services Web site)

Recall of pet food leaves veterinarians seeking solutions (JAVMA News Express, March 30, 2007)

FDA announces new chemical found in recalled pet food (AVMA press release, March 30, 2007)

ISVMA recommendations for tissue sample collection and handling (March 29, 2007)

FAQ from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA Web site)

Aminopterin identified as possible toxic agent (March 23, 2007)

Data from The Animal Medical Center of New York City

More than 60 million pet food containers recalled after reported deaths

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. explains why some of the company's products are co-manufactured by Menu Foods, which issued a major pet food recall March 16. (AVMA News Bulletin, March 20, 2007)

Fact sheet for veterinarians from the Iams Company

Timely Topics in Nutrition: Aflatoxicosis in dogs and dealing with suspected contaminated commercial foods (JAVMA, June 1, 2006)

General

Q&A about pet litigation and non-economic damages (April 2007)

Sample Op-Ed letter, non-economic damages (April 2007)

Facts about wheat gluten in pet food (Pet Food Institute Web site)

Facts from the Pet Food Institute about pet food regulation in the United States

Pet food company contact information

FDA's Consumer Complaint Coordinators (FDA Web site)

FDA: Information on marketing a pet food product (FDA Web site)

Wags to all

Moose and Neyll Dunlap

"NEVER AGAIN!" Series

scottishterrier — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:46:39 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

Most Recent on Top

Label Basics

There are special labeling requirements for pet food, all of which are contained in the annually revised Official Publication of AAFCO.2 While AAFCO does not regulate pet food, it does provide model regulations and standards that are followed by U.S. pet food makers.

The name of the food provides the first indication of the food’s content. The use of the terms “all” or “100%” cannot be used “if the product contains more than one ingredient, not including water sufficient for processing, decharacterizing agents, or trace amounts of preservatives and condiments.”

The “95% Rule” applies when the ingredient(s) derived from animals, poultry, or fish constitutes at least 95% or more of the total weight of the product (or 70% excluding water for processing). Because all-meat diets are not nutritionally balanced and cause severe deficiencies if fed exclusively, they fell out of favor for many years. However, due to rising consumer interest in high quality meat products, several companies are now promoting 95% and 100% canned meats as a supplemental feeding option.

The “dinner” product is defined by the “25% Rule,” which applies when “an ingredient or a combination of ingredients constitutes at least 25% of the weight of the product (excluding water sufficient for processing)”, or at least 10% of the dry matter weight; and a descriptor such as “recipe,” “platter,” “entree,” and “formula.” A combination of ingredients included in the product name is permissible when each ingredient comprises at least 3% of the product weight, excluding water for processing, and the ingredient names appear in descending order by weight.

The “With” rule allows an ingredient name to appear on the label, such as “with real chicken,” as long as each such ingredient constitutes at least 3% of the food by weight, excluding water for processing.

The “flavor” rule allows a food to be designated as a certain flavor as long as the ingredient(s) are sufficient to “impart a distinctive characteristic” to the food. Thus, a “beef flavor” food may contain a small quantity of digest or other extract of tissues from cattle, or even an artificial flavor, without containing any actual beef meat at all.

The ingredient list is the other major key to what’s really in that bag or can. Ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight. The ingredient names are legally defined. For instance, “meat” refers to only cows, pigs, goats and sheep, and only includes specified muscle tissues. Detailed definitions are published in AAFCO’s Official Publication, revised annually, but can also be found in many places online.

The guaranteed analysis provides a very general guide to the composition of the food. Crude protein, fat, and fiber, and total moisture are required to be listed. Some companies also voluntarily list taurine, Omega fatty acids, magnesium, and other items that they deem important — by marketing standards.

Pet Food Standards and Regulations

The National Research Council (NRC) of the Academy of Sciences set the nutritional standards for pet food that were used by the pet food industry until the late 1980s. The original NRC standards were based on purified diets, and required feeding trials for pet foods claimed to be “complete” and “balanced.” The pet food industry found the feeding trials too restrictive and expensive, so AAFCO designed an alternate procedure for claiming the nutritional adequacy of pet food, by testing the food for compliance with “Nutrient Profiles.” AAFCO also created “expert committees” for canine and feline nutrition, which developed separate canine and feline standards.

While feeding trials are sometimes still done, they are expensive and time-consuming. A standard chemical analysis may be also be used to make sure that a food meets the profiles. In either case, there will be a statement on the label stating which method was used. However, because of the “family rule” in the AAFCO book, a label can say that feeding tests were done if it is “similar” to a food that was actually tested on live animals. There is no way to distinguish the lead product from its “family members.” The label will also state whether the product is nutritionally adequate (complete and balanced), and what life stage (adult or growth) the food is for. A food that says “all life stages” meets the growth standards and can be fed to all ages.

Chemical analysis, however, does not address the palatability, digestibility, or biological availability of nutrients in pet food. Thus it is unreliable for determining whether a food will provide an animal with sufficient nutrients. To compensate for the limitations of chemical analysis, AAFCO added a “safety factor,” which was to exceed the minimum amount of nutrients required to meet the complete and balanced requirements.

In 2006, new NRC standards were published; but it will take several years for AAFCO’s profiles to be updated and adopted, let alone accepted by the states.

The pet food industry loves to say that it’s more highly regulated than human food, but that’s just not true. Pet food exists in a bit of a regulatory vacuum; laws are on the books, but enforcement is another story. The FDA has nominal authority over pet foods shipped across state lines. But the real “enforcers” are the feed control officials in each state. They are the ones who actually look at the food and, in many instances, run basic tests to make sure the food meets its Guaranteed Analysis, the chart on the label telling how much protein, fat, moisture, and fiber are present. But regulation and enforcement vary tremendously from state to state. Some, like Texas, Minnesota, and Kentucky, run extensive tests
and strictly enforce their laws; others, like California, do neither.

The Manufacturing Process: How Pet Food Is Made

Dry Food

The vast majority of dry food is made with a machine called an extruder. First, materials are blended in accordance with a recipe created with the help of computer programs that provide the nutrient content of each proposed ingredient. For instance, corn gluten meal has more protein than wheat flour. Because the extruder needs a consistent amount of starch and low moisture to work properly, dry ingredients — such as rendered meat-and-bone-meal, poultry by-product meal, grains, and flours — predominate.

The dough is fed into the screws of an extruder. It is subjected to steam and high pressure as it is pushed through dies that determine the shape of the final product, much like the nozzles used in cake decorating. As the hot, pressurized dough exits the extruder, it is cut by a set of rapidly whirling knives into tiny pieces. As the dough reaches normal air pressure, it expands or “puffs” into its final shape. The food is allowed to dry, and then is usually sprayed with fat, digests, or other compounds to make it more palatable. When it is cooled, it can be bagged.

Although the cooking process kills bacteria in the ingredients, the final product can pick up more bacteria during the subsequent drying, coating, and packaging process. Some experts warn that getting dry food wet can allow the bacteria on the surface to multiply and make pets sick. Do not mix dry food with water, milk, canned food, or other liquids.

A few dog foods are baked at high temperatures (over 500°F) rather than extruded. This produces a sheet of dense, crunchy material that is then broken into irregular chunks, much like crumbling crackers into soup. It is relatively palatable without the sprayed-on fats and other enhancers needed on extruded dry food.
Semi-moist foods and many pet treats are also made with an extruder. To be appealing to consumers and to keep their texture, they contain many additives, colorings, and preservatives; they are not a good choice for a pet’s primary diet.

Wet Food

Wet or canned food begins with ground ingredients mixed with additives. If chunks are required, a special extruder forms them. Then the mixture is cooked and canned. The sealed cans are then put into containers resembling pressure cookers and commercial sterilization takes place. Some manufacturers cook the food right in the can.

Wet foods are quite different in content from dry or semi-moist foods. While many canned foods contain by-products of various sorts, they are “fresh” and not rendered or processed (although they are often frozen for transport and storage). Wet foods usually contain much more protein, and it’s often a little higher quality, than dry foods. They also have more moisture, which is better for cats. They are packaged in cans or pouches.

Comparing Food Types

Because of the variation in water content, it is impossible to directly compare labels from different kinds of food without a mathematical conversion to “dry matter basis.” The numbers can be very deceiving. For instance, a canned food containing 10% protein actually has much more protein than a dry food with 30% protein.
To put the foods on a level playing field, first calculate the dry matter content by subtracting the moisture content given on the label from 100%. Then divide the ingredient by the dry matter content. For example, a typical bag of dry cat food contains 30% protein on the label, but 32% on a dry-matter basis (30% divided by its dry matter content, 100-6% moisture = 94%). A can of cat food might contain 12% protein on the label, but almost 43% on a dry-matter basis (12% divided by its dry matter content, 100-72% moisture = 28%). Dry food typically contains less than 10% water, while canned food contains 78% or more water.

Pet Food Ingredients

Animal Protein

Dogs and cats are carnivores, and do best on a meat-based diet. The protein used in pet food comes from a variety of sources. When cattle, swine, chickens, lambs, or other animals are slaughtered, lean muscle tissue is trimmed away from the carcass for human consumption, along with the few organs that people like to eat, such as tongues and tripe.
However, about 50% of every food animal does not get used in human foods. Whatever remains of the carcass — heads, feet, bones, blood, intestines, lungs, spleens, livers, ligaments, fat trimmings, unborn babies, and other parts not generally consumed by humans — is used in pet food, animal feed, fertilizer, industrial lubricants, soap, rubber, and other products. These “other parts” are known as “by-products.” By-products are used in feed for poultry and livestock as well as in pet food.

The nutritional quality of by-products, meals, and digests can vary from batch to batch. James Morris and Quinton Rogers, of the University of California at Davis Veterinary School, assert that, “[pet food] ingredients are generally by-products of the meat, poultry and fishing industries, with the potential for a wide variation in nutrient composition. Claims of nutritional adequacy of pet foods based on the current Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient allowances (‘profiles’) do not give assurances of nutritional adequacy and will not until ingredients are analyzed and bioavailability values are incorporated.”3

Meat or poultry “by-products” are very common in wet pet foods. Remember that “meat” refers to only cows, swine, sheep, and goats. Since sheep and goats are rare compared to the 37 million cows and 100 million hogs slaughtered for food every year, nearly all meat by-products come from cattle and pigs.

The better brands of pet food, such as many “super-premium,” “natural,” and “organic” varieties, do not use by-products. On the label, you’ll see one or more named meats among the first few ingredients, such as “turkey” or “lamb.” These meats are still mainly leftover scraps; in the case of poultry, bones are allowed, so “chicken” consists mainly of backs and frames—the spine and ribs, minus their expensive breast meat. The small amount of meat left on the bones is the meat in the pet food. Even with this less-attractive source, pet food marketers are very tricky when talking about meat, so this is explained further in the section on “Marketing Magic” below.

Meat meals, poultry meals, by-product meals, and meat-and-bone meal are common ingredients in dry pet foods. The term “meal” means that these materials are not used fresh, but have been rendered. While there are chicken, turkey, and poultry by-product meals there is no equivalent term for mammal “meat by-product meal” — it is called “meat-and-bone-meal.” It may also be referred to by species, such as “beef-and-bone-meal” or “pork-and-bone-meal.”

What is rendering? As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, to render is “to process as for industrial use: to render livestock carcasses and to extract oil from fat, blubber, etc., by melting.” In other words, raw materials are dumped into large vat and boiled for several hours. Rendering separates fat, removes water, and kills bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms. However, the high temperatures used (270°F/130°C) can alter or destroy natural enzymes and proteins found in the raw ingredients.

Because of persistent rumors that rendered by-products contain dead dogs and cats, the FDA conducted a study looking for pentobarbital, the most common euthanasia drug, in pet foods. They found it. Ingredients that were most commonly associated with the presence of pentobarbital were meat-and-bone-meal and animal fat. However, they also used very sensitive tests to look for canine and feline DNA, which were not found. Industry insiders admit that rendered pets and roadkill were used in pet food some years ago. Although there are still no laws or regulations against it, the practice is uncommon today, and pet food companies universally deny that their products contain any such materials. However, so-called “4D” animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) were only recently banned for human consumption and are still legitimate ingredients for pet food.

Vegetable Protein

The amount of grain and vegetable products used in pet food has risen dramatically over time. Plant products now replace a considerable proportion of the meat that was used in the earliest commercial pet foods. This has led to severe nutritional deficiencies that have been corrected along the way, although many animals died before science caught up.
Most dry foods contain a large amount of cereal grain or starchy vegetables to provide texture. These high-carbohydrate plant products also provide a cheap source of “energy” — the rest of us call it “calories.” Gluten meals are high-protein extracts from which most of the carbohydrate has been removed. They are often used to boost protein percentages without expensive animal-source ingredients. Corn gluten meal is the most commonly used for this purpose. Wheat gluten is also used to create shapes like cuts, bites, chunks, shreds, flakes, and slices, and as a thickener for gravy. In most cases, foods containing vegetable proteins are among the poorer quality foods.

A recent fad, “low-carb” pet food, has some companies steering away from grains, and using potatoes, green peas, and other starchy vegetables as a substitute. Except for animals that are allergic to grains, dry low-carb diets offer no particular advantage to pets. They also tend to be very high in fat and, if fed free-choice, will result in weight gain. Canned versions are suitable for prevention and treatment of feline diabetes, and as part of a weight loss program, as well as for maintenance.

Animal and Poultry Fat

There’s a unique, pungent odor to a new bag of dry pet food — what is the source of that smell? It is most often rendered animal fat, or vegetable fats and oils deemed inedible for humans. For example, used restaurant grease was rendered and routed to pet foods for several years, but a more lucrative market is now in biodiesel fuel production.

These fats are sprayed directly onto extruded kibbles and pellets to make an otherwise bland or distasteful product palatable. The fat also acts as a binding agent to which manufacturers add other flavor enhancers such as “animal digests” made from processed by-products. Pet food scientists have discovered that animals love the taste of these sprayed fats. Manufacturers are masters at getting a dog or a cat to eat something she would normally turn up her nose at.

What Happened to the Nutrients?

Cooking and other processing of meat and by-products used in pet food can greatly diminish their nutritional value, although cooking increases the digestibility of cereal grains and starchy vegetables.

To make pet food nutritious, pet food manufacturers must “fortify” it with vitamins and minerals. Why? Because the ingredients they are using are not wholesome, their quality may be extremely variable, and the harsh manufacturing practices destroy many of the nutrients the food had to begin with.

Proteins are especially vulnerable to heat, and become damaged, or “denatured,” when cooked. Because dry foods ingredients are cooked twice — first during rendering and again in the extruder — problems are much more common than with canned or homemade foods. Altered proteins may contribute to food intolerances, food allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Additives in Processed Pet Foods

Many chemicals are added to commercial pet foods to improve the taste, stability, characteristics, or appearance of the food. Additives provide no nutritional value. Additives include emulsifiers to prevent water and fat from separating, antioxidants to prevent fat from turning rancid, and artificial colors and flavors to make the product more attractive to consumers and more palatable to their companion animals.

A wide variety of additives are allowed in animal feed and pet food, not counting vitamins and minerals. Not all of them are actually used in pet food. Additives can be specifically approved, or they can fall into the category of “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS).

Anticaking agents
Antigelling agents
Antimicrobial agents
Antioxidants
Color additives
Condiments
Curing agents
Drying agents
Emulsifiers
Essential oils
Flavor enhancers
Flavoring agents
Grinding agents
Humectants
Leavening agents
Lubricants
Palatants
Pelleting agents and binders
Petroleum derivatives
pH control agents
Preservatives
Seasonings
Spices
Stabilizers
Sweeteners
Texturizers
Thickeners

Chemical vs. Natural Preservatives

All commercial pet foods must be preserved so they stay fresh and appealing to our animal companions. Canning is itself a preserving process, so canned foods need little or no additional help. Some preservatives are added to ingredients or raw materials by the suppliers, and others may be added by the manufacturer. The U.S. Coast Guard, for instance, requires fish meal to be heavily preserved with ethoxyquin or equivalent antioxidant. Evidently, spoiling fish meal creates such intense heat that ship explosions and fires resulted.

Because manufacturers need to ensure that dry foods have a long shelf life (typically 12 months) to remain edible through shipping and storage, fats used in pet foods are preserved with either synthetic or “natural” preservatives. Synthetic preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze), and ethoxyquin. For these antioxidants, there is little information documenting their toxicity, safety, interactions, or chronic use in pet foods that may be eaten every day for the life of the animal. Propylene glycol was banned in cat food because it causes anemia in cats, but it is still allowed in dog food.

Potentially cancer-causing agents such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are permitted at relatively low levels. The use of these chemicals in pet foods has not been thoroughly studied, and long term build-up of these agents may ultimately be harmful. Due to questionable data in the original study on its safety, ethoxyquin’s manufacturer, Monsanto, was required to perform a new, more rigorous study. This was completed in 1996. Even though Monsanto found no significant toxicity associated with its own product, in July 1997 the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine requested that manufacturers voluntarily reduce the maximum level for ethoxyquin by half, to 75 parts per million. While some pet food critics and veterinarians believe that ethoxyquin is a major cause of disease, skin problems, and infertility in dogs, others claim it is the safest, strongest, most stable preservative available for pet food. Ethoxyquin is approved for use in human food for preserving spices, such as cayenne and chili powder, at a level of 100 ppm — but it would be very difficult for even the most hard-core spice lover to consume as much chili powder every day as a dog would eat dry food. Ethoxyquin has never been tested for safety in cats. Despite this, it is commonly used in veterinary diets for both cats and dogs.
Many pet food makers have responded to consumer concern, and are now using “natural” preservatives such as Vitamin C (ascorbate), Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), and oils of rosemary, clove, or other spices, to preserve the fats in their products. The shelf life is shorter, however — only about 6 months.

Individual ingredients, such as fish meal, may have preservatives added before they reach the pet food manufacturer. Federal law requires fat preservatives to be disclosed on the label; however, pet food companies do not always comply with this law.

Danger Ahead

Potential Contaminants

Given the types of things manufacturers put in pet food, it is not surprising that bad things sometimes happen. Ingredients used in pet food are often highly contaminated with a wide variety of toxic substances. Some of these are destroyed by processing, but others are not

.

Bacteria. Slaughtered animals, as well as those that have died because of disease, injury, or natural causes, are sources of meat, by-products, and rendered meals. An animal that died on the farm might not reach a rendering plant until days after its death. Therefore the carcass is often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Dangerous E. Coli bacteria are estimated to contaminate more than 50% of meat meals. While the cooking process may kill bacteria, it does not eliminate the endotoxins some bacteria produce during their growth. These toxins can survive processing, and can cause sickness and disease. Pet food manufacturers do not test their products for bacterial endotoxins. Because sick or dead animals can be processed as pet foods, the drugs that were used to treat or euthanize them may still be present in the end product. Penicillin and pentobarbital are just two examples of drugs that can pass through processing unchanged. Antibiotics used in livestock production are also thought to contribute to antibiotic resistance in humans.
Mycotoxins. Toxins from mold or fungi are called mycotoxins. Modern farming practices, adverse weather conditions, and improper drying and storage of crops can contribute to mold growth. Pet food ingredients that are most likely to be contaminated with mycotoxins are grains such as wheat and corn, and fish meal.
Chemical Residue. Pesticides and fertilizers may leave residue on plant products. Grains that are condemned for human consumption by the USDA due to residue may legally be used, without limitation, in pet food.
GMOs. Genetically modified plant products are also of concern. By 2006, 89% of the planted area of soybeans, 83% of cotton, and 61% of maize (corn) in the U.S. were genetically modified varieties. Cottonseed meal is a common ingredient of cattle feed; soy and corn are used directly in many pet foods.
Acrylamide. This is a carcinogenic compound formed at cooking temperatures of about 250°F in foods containing certain sugars and the amino acid asparagine (found in large amounts in potatoes and cereal grains). It is formed in a chemical process called the Maillard reaction.4, 5 Most dry pet foods contain cereal grains or potatoes, and they are processed at high temperatures (200–300°F at high pressure during extrusion; baked foods are cooked at well over 500°F); these are perfect conditions for the Maillard reaction. In fact, the Maillard reaction is considered desirable in the production of pet food because it imparts a palatable taste, even though it reduces the bioavailability of some amino acids, including taurine and lysine.6 The content and potential effects of acrylamide formation in pet foods are unknown.

Pet Food Recalls

When things go really wrong and serious problems are discovered in pet food, the company usually works with the FDA to coordinate a recall of the affected products. While many recalls have been widely publicized, quite a few have not.

In 1995, Nature’s Recipe recalled almost a million pounds of dry dog and cat food after consumers complained
that their pets were vomiting and losing their appetite. The problem was a fungus that produced vomitoxin contaminating the wheat.
In 1999, Doane Pet Care recalled more than a million bags of corn-based dry dog food contaminated with aflatoxin. Products included Ol’ Roy (Wal-Mart’s brand) and 53 other brands. This time, the toxin killed 25 dogs.
In 2000, Iams recalled 248,000 pounds of dry dog food distributed in 7 states due to excess DL-Methionine Amino Acid, a urinary acidifier.
In 2003, a recall was made by Petcurean “Go! Natural” pet food due to circumstantial association with some dogs suffering from liver disease; no cause was ever found.
In late 2005, a similar recall by Diamond Foods was announced; this time the moldy corn contained a particularly nasty fungal product called aflatoxin; 100 dogs died.
Also in 2005, 123,000 pounds of cat and dog treats were recalled due to Salmonella contamination.
In 2006, more than 5 million cans of Ol’ Roy, American Fare, and other dog foods distributed in the southeast were recalled by the manufacturer, Simmons Pet Food, because the cans’ enamel lining was flaking off into the food.
Also in 2006, Merrick Pet Care recalled almost 200,000 cans of “Wingalings” dog food when metal tags were found in some samples.
In the most deadly recall of 2006, 4 prescription canned dog and cat foods were recalled by Royal Canin (owned by Mars). The culprit was a serious overdose of Vitamin D that caused calcium deficiency and kidney disease.
In February 2007, the FDA issued a warning to consumers not to buy “Wild Kitty,” a frozen food containing raw meat. Routine testing by FDA had revealed Salmonella in the food. FDA specifically warned about the potential for illness in humans, not pets. There were no reports of illness or death of any pets, and the food was not recalled.
In March 2007, the most lethal pet food in history was the subject of the largest recall ever. Menu Foods recalled 95 brands including Iams, Eukanuba, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Mighty Dog, and many store brands including Wal-Mart’s — 60 million individual cans and pouches. Thousands of pets became sick and an estimated 20% died from acute renal failure caused by the food. Cats were more frequently and more severely affected than dogs. The toxin was initially believed to be a pesticide, the rat poison “aminopterin” in one of the ingredients, but the investigation is ongoing.

Nutrition-Related Diseases

The idea that one pet food provides all the nutrition a companion animal will ever need for its entire life is a dangerous myth.

Today, the diets of cats and dogs are a far cry from the variable meat-based diets that their ancestors ate. The unpleasant results of grain-based, processed, year-in and year-out diets are common. Health problems associated with diet include:

Urinary tract disease. Plugs, crystals, and stones are more common in cats eating dry diets, due to the chronic dehydration and highly concentrated urine they cause. “Struvite” stones used to be the most common type in cats, but another more dangerous type, calcium oxalate, has increased and is now tied with struvite. Manipulation of manufactured cat food formulas to increase the acidity of urine has caused the switch. Dogs can also form stones as a result of their diet.
Kidney disease. Chronic dehydration associated with dry diets may also be a contributing factor in the development of kidney disease and chronic renal failure in older cats. Cats have a low thirst drive; in the wild they would get most of their water from their prey. Cats eating dry food do not drink enough water to make up for the lack of moisture in the food. Cats on dry food diets drink more water, but the total water intake of a cat eating canned food is twice as great.7
Dental disease. Contrary to the myth propagated by pet food companies, dry food is not good for teeth.8 Given that the vast majority of pets eat dry food, yet the most common health problem in pets is dental disease, this should be obvious. Humans do not floss with crackers, and dry food does not clean the teeth.
Obesity. Feeding recommendations or instructions on the packaging are sometimes inflated so that the consumer will end up feeding — and purchasing — more food. One of the most common health problems in pets, obesity, may also be related to high-carb, high-calorie dry foods. Both dogs and cats respond to low-carb wet food diets. Overweight pets are more prone to arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Dry cat food is now considered the cause of feline diabetes; prevention and treatment include switching to a high protein, high moisture, low-carb diet.
Chronic digestive problems. Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease are among the most frequent illnesses treated. These are often the result of an allergy or intolerance to pet food ingredients. The market for “limited antigen” or “novel protein” diets is now a multi-million dollar business. These diets were formulated to address the increasing intolerance to commercial foods that pets have developed. Even so, an animal that tends to develop allergies can develop allergies to the new ingredients, too. One twist is the truly “hypoallergenic” food that has had all its proteins artificially chopped into pieces smaller than can be recognized and reacted to by the immune system. Yet there are documented cases of animals becoming allergic to this food, too. It is important to change brands, flavors, and protein sources every few months to prevent problems.
Bloat. Feeding only one meal per day can cause the irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid, and appears to be associated with gastric dilitation and volvulus (canine bloat). Feeding two or more smaller meals is better.
Heart disease. An often-fatal heart disease in cats and some dogs is now known to be caused by a deficiency of the amino acid taurine. Blindness is another symptom of taurine deficiency. This deficiency was due to inadequate amounts of taurine in cat food formulas, which in turn had occurred due to decreased amounts of animal proteins and increased reliance on carbohydrates. Cat foods are now supplemented with taurine. New research suggests that some dog breeds are susceptible to the same condition. Supplementing taurine may also be helpful for dogs, but as yet few manufacturers are adding extra taurine to dog food.
Hyperthyroidism. There is also evidence that hyperthyroidism in cats may be related to diet. This is a relatively new disease that first surfaced in the 1970s. Some experts theorize that excess iodine in commercial cat food is a factor. New research also points to a link between the disease and pop-top cans, and flavors including fish or “giblets.” This is a serious disease, and treatment is expensive.

Many nutritional problems appeared with the popularity of cereal-based commercial pet foods. Some have occurred because the diet was incomplete. Although several ingredients are now supplemented, we do not know what ingredients future researchers may discover that should have been supplemented in pet foods all along. Other problems may occur from reactions to additives. Others are a result of contamination with bacteria, mold, drugs, or other toxins. In some diseases the role of commercial pet food is understood; in others, it is not. The bottom line is that diets composed primarily of low quality cereals and rendered meals are not as nutritious or safe as you should expect for your cat or dog.

Pet Food Industry Secrets

Co-Packing

The 2007 Menu Foods recall brought to light some of the pet food industry’s dirtiest secrets.

Most people were surprised — and appalled — to learn that all Iams/Eukanuba canned foods are not made by The Iams Company at all. In fact, in 2003 Iams signed an exclusive 10-year contract for the production of 100% of its canned foods by Menu.

This type of deal is called “co-packing.” One company makes the food, but puts someone else’s label on it. This is a very common arrangement in the pet food industry. It was first illustrated by the Doane’s and Diamond recalls, when dozens of private labels were involved. But none were as large or as “reputable” as Iams, Eukanuba, Hill’s, Purina, Nutro, and other high-end, so-called “premium” foods.

The big question raised by this arrangement is whether or not there is any real difference between the expensive premium brands and the lowliest generics. The recalled products all contained the suspect ingredient, wheat gluten, but they also all contained by-products of some kind, including specified by-products such as liver or giblets.

It’s true that a pet food company that contracts with a co-packer can provide its own ingredients, or it can require the contractor to buy particular ingredients to use in its recipes. But part of the attraction of using a co-packer is that it can buy ingredients in larger bulk than any one pet food maker could on its own, making the process cheaper and the profits larger. It’s likely that with many of the ingredients that cross all types of pet foods, those ingredients are the same.
Are one company’s products — made in the same plant on the same equipment with ingredients called the same name — really “better” than another’s? That’s what the makers of expensive brands want you to think. The recalled premium brands claim that Menu makes their foods “according to proprietary recipes using specified ingredients,” and that “contract manufacturers must follow strict quality standards.” Indeed, the contracts undoubtedly include those points. But out in the real world, things may not go according to plan. How well are machines cleaned between batches, how carefully are ingredients mixed, and just how particular are minimum-wage workers in a dirty smelly job going to be about getting everything just perfect?

Whatever the differences are between cheap and high-end food, one thing is clear. The purchase price of pet food does not always determine whether a pet food is good or bad or even safe. However, the very cheapest foods can be counted on to have the very cheapest ingredients. For example, Ol’ Roy, Wal-Mart’s store brand, has now been involved in 3 serious recalls.

Menu manufactures canned foods for many companies that weren’t affected by the recall, including Nature's Variety, Wellness, Castor & Pollux, Newman's Own Organics, Wysong, Innova, and EaglePack. It’s easy to see from their ingredient lists that those products are made from completely different ingredients and proportions. Again, the issue of cleaning the machinery out between batches comes up, but hopefully nothing so lethal will pass from one food to another.

Animal Testing

Another unpleasant practice exposed by this recall is pet food testing on live animals. Menu's own lab animals, who were deliberately fed the tainted food, were the first known victims. Tests began on February 27 (already a week after the first reports); animals started to die painfully from kidney failure a few days later. After the first media reports, Menu quickly changed its story to call these experiments “taste tests.” But Menu has done live animal feeding, metabolic energy, palatability, and other tests for Iams and other companies for years. Videotapes reveal the animals’ lives in barren metal cages; callous treatment; invasive experiments; and careless cruelty.

Although feeding trials are not required for a food to meet the requirements for labeling a food “complete and balanced,” many manufacturers use live animals to perform palatability studies when developing a new pet food. One set of animals is fed a new food while a “control” group is fed a current formula. The total volume eaten is used as a gauge for the palatability of the food. Some companies use feeding trials, which are considered to be a much more accurate assessment of the actual nutritional value of the food. They keep large colonies of dogs and cats for this purpose, or use testing laboratories that have their own animals.

There is a new movement toward using companion animals in their homes for palatability and other studies. In 2006, The Iams Company announced that it was cutting the use of canine and feline lab animals by 70%. While it proclaims this moral victory, the real reasons for this switch are likely financial. Whatever the reasons, it is a very positive step for the animals.

Finally, it is important to remember that the contamination that occurred in the Menu Foods recall could have happened anywhere at any time. It was not Menu’s fault; the toxin was unusual and unexpected. All companies have quality control standards and they do test ingredients for common toxins before using them. They also test the final products. However, there is a baseline risk inherent in using the raw materials that go into pet foods. When there are 11 recalls in 12 years, it’s clear that “freak occurrences” are the rule, not the exception.

Marketing Magic

A trip down the pet food aisle will boggle the mind with all the wonderful claims made by pet food makers for their repertoire of products. Knowing the nature of the ingredients helps sort out some of the more outrageous claims, but what’s the truth behind all this hype?

Niche claims. Indoor cat, canine athlete, Persian, 7-year old, Bloodhound, or a pet with a tender tummy, too much flab, arthritis, or itchy feet — no matter what, there’s a food “designed” just for that pet’s personal needs. Niche marketing has arrived in a big way in the pet food industry. People like to feel special, and a product with specific appeal is bound to sell better than a general product like “puppy food.” The reality is that there are only two basic standards against which all pet foods are measured: adult and growth, which includes gestation and lactation. Everything else is marketing.
“Natural” and “Organic” claims. The definition of “natural” adopted by AAFCO is very broad, and allows for artificially processed ingredients that most of us would consider very unnatural indeed. The term “organic”, on the other hand, has a very strict legal definition under the USDA National Organic Program. However, some companies are adept at evading the intent of both of these rules. For instance, the name of the company or product may be intentionally misleading. Some companies use terms such as “Nature” or “Natural” or even “Organic” in the brand name, whether or not their products fit the definitions. Consumers should also be aware that the term “organic” does not imply anything at all about animal welfare; products from cows and chickens can be organic, yet the animals themselves are still just “production units” in enormous factory farms.
Ingredient quality claims. A lot of pet foods claim they contain “human grade” ingredients. This is a completely meaningless term — which is why the pet food companies get away with using it. The same applies to “USDA inspected” or similar phrases. The implication is that the food is made using ingredients that are passed by the USDA for human consumption, but there are many ways around this. For instance, a facility might be USDA-inspected during the day, but the pet food is made at night after the inspector goes home. The use of such terms should be viewed as a “Hype Alert.”
“Meat is the first ingredient” claim. A claim that a named meat (chicken, lamb, etc.) is the #1 ingredient is generally seen for dry food. Ingredients are listed on the label by weight, and raw chicken weighs a lot, since contains a lot of water. If you look further down the list, you’re likely to see ingredients such as chicken or poultry by-product meal, meat-and-bone meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, or other high-protein meal. Meals have had the fat and water removed, and basically consist of a dry, lightweight protein powder. It doesn’t take much raw chicken to weigh more than a great big pile of this powder, so in reality the food is based on the protein meal, with very little “chicken” to be found. This has become a very popular marketing gimmick, even in premium and “health food” type brands. Since just about everybody is now using it, any meaning it may have had is so watered-down that you may just as well ignore it.
Special ingredient claims. Many of the high-end pet foods today rely on the marketing appeal of people-food ingredients such as fruits, herbs, and vegetables. However, the amounts of these items actually present in the food are small; and the items themselves may be scraps and rejects from processors of human foods — not the whole, fresh ingredients they want you to picture. Such ingredients don’t provide a significant health benefit and are really a marketing gimmick.

Pet food marketing and advertising has become extremely sophisticated over the last few years. It’s important to know what is hype and what is real to make informed decisions about what to feed your pets.

What Consumers Can Do

Write or call pet food companies and the Pet Food Institute and express your concerns about commercial pet foods. Demand that manufacturers improve the quality of ingredients in their products.
Print out a copy of this report for your veterinarian to further his or her knowledge about commercial pet food.
Direct your family and friends with companion animals to this website, to alert them of the dangers of commercial pet food. Print out copies of our Fact Sheet on Selecting a Good Commercial Food. (You may also download this fact sheet as a pdf.)
Stop buying commercial pet food; or at least stop buying dry food. Dry foods have been the subject of many more recalls, and have many adverse health effects. If that is not possible, reduce the quantity of commercial pet food and supplement with fresh, organic foods, especially meat. Purchase one or more of the many books available on pet nutrition and make your own food. Be sure that a veterinarian or a nutritionist has checked the recipes to ensure that they are balanced for long-term use.
If you would like to learn about how to make healthy food for your companion animal, read up on "Sample Diets," which contains simple recipes and important nutritional information.
Please be aware that API is not a veterinary hospital, clinic, or service. API does not and will not offer any medical advice. If you have concerns about your companion animal’s health or nutritional requirements, please consult your veterinarian.

Because pet food manufacturers frequently change the formulations of their products and API would not have conducted the necessary testing, we are unable to offer endorsements for particular brands of pet food. Many of our staff choose to make their own pet food or to purchase natural or organic products found in most feed and specialist stores but we cannot recommend brands that would be right for your companion animal or animals

For Further Reading about Animal Nutrition

The Animal Protection Institute recommends the following books (listed in alphabetical order by author), many of which include recipes for home-prepared diets:

Michelle Bernard. 2003. Raising Cats Naturally — How to Care for Your Cat the Way Nature Intended. Available at www.raisingcatsnaturally.com.
Chiclet T. Dog and Jan Rasmusen. 2006. Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care. Available at www.dogs4dogs.com. ISBN-10: 0977126501, ISBN-13: 978-0977126507.
Rudi Edalati. 2001. Barker’s Grub: Easy, Wholesome Home-Cooking for Dogs. ISBN-10: 0609804421, ISBN-13: 978-0609804421.
Jean Hofve, DVM. 2007. What Cats Should Eat. Available at www.littlebigcat.com.
Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, and Susan Hubble Pitcairn. 2005. Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Rodale Press, Inc. ISBN-10: 157954973X, ISBN-13: 978-1579549732. Note: The recipes for cats were not revised in this new edition and date back to 2000; they may contain too much grain, according to recent research.
Kate Solisti. 2004. The Holistic Animal Handbook: A Guidebook to Nutrition, Health, and Communication. Council Oaks Books. ISBN-10: 1571781536, ISBN-13: 978-1571781536.
Donald R. Strombeck. 1999. Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative. Iowa State University Press. ISBN-10: 0813821495, ISBN-13: 978-0813821498. Note: Veterinary nutritionists have suggested that the taurine and calcium are too low in some of these recipes. Clam juice and sardines are poor sources of taurine; use taurine capsules instead.
Celeste Yarnall. 2000, Natural Cat Care: A Complete Guide to Holistic Health Care for Cats; and 1998, Natural Dog Care: A Complete Guide to Holistic Health Care for Dogs. Available at www.celestialpets.com.

The books listed above are a fraction of all the titles currently available, and the omission of a title does not necessarily mean it is not useful for further reading about animal nutrition.

Please note: The Animal Protection Institute is not a bookseller, and cannot sell or send these books to you. Please contact your local book retailer or an online bookstore, who can supply these books based on the ISBN provided for each title.

Who to Write

AAFCO Pet Food Committee
David Syverson, Chair
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Dairy and Food Inspection Division
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155-2538
www.aafco.org

FDA — Center for Veterinary Medicine
Sharon Benz
7500 Standish Place
Rockville, MD 20855
301-594-1728
www.fda.gov/cvm/

Pet Food Institute
2025 M Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
202-367-1120
202-367-2120 fax

References

Association of American Feed Control Officials Incorporated. Official Publication 2007. Atlanta: AAFCO, 2007.

Case LP, Carey DP, Hirakawa DA. Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals. St. Louis: Mosby, 1995.
FDA Enforcement Reports, 1998-2007. www.fda.gov.
Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al., eds. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. 2002. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute.
Logan, et al., Dental Disease, in: Hand et al., ibid.
Mahmoud AL. Toxigenic fungi and mycotoxin content in poultry feedstuff ingredients. J Basic Microbiol, 1993; 33(2): 101–4.
Morris JG, and Rogers QR. Assessment of the Nutritional Adequacy of Pet Foods Through the Life Cycle. Journal of Nutrition, 1994; 124: 2520S–2533S.
Mottram DS, Wedzicha BL, Dodson AT. Acrylamide is formed in the Maillard reaction. Nature, 2002 Oct 3; 419(6906): 448–9.
Pet Food Institute. Fact Sheet 1994. Washington: Pet Food Institute, 1994.
Phillips T. Rendered Products Guide. Petfood Industry, January/February 1994, 12–17, 21.
Roudebush P. Pet food additives. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 203 (1993): 1667–1670.
Seefelt SL, Chapman TE. Body water content and turnover in cats fed dry and canned rations. Am J Vet Res, 1979 Feb; 40(2): 183–5.
Strombeck, DR. Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Foods: The Healthful Alternative. Ames: Iowa State University Press, 1999.
Tareke E, Rydberg P, Karlsson P, et al. Analysis of acrylamide, a carcinogen formed in heated foodstuffs. J Agric Food Chem, 2002 Aug 14; 50(17): 4998–5006.
Zoran D. The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002 Dec 1; 221(11): 1559–67.

Notes

Pet Food Institute. Fact Sheet 1994. Washington: Pet Food Institute, 1994.
Association of American Feed Control Officials. Official Publication, 2007. Regulation PE3, 120–121.
Morris, James G., and Quinton R. Rogers. Assessment of the Nutritional Adequacy of Pet Foods Through the Life Cycle. Journal of Nutrition, 124 (1994): 2520S–2533S.
Tareke E, Rydberg P, Karlsson P, et al. Analysis of acrylamide, a carcinogen formed in heated foodstuffs. J Agric Food Chem, 2002 Aug 14; 50(17): 4998–5006.
Mottram DS, Wedzicha BL, Dodson AT. Acrylamide is formed in the Maillard reaction. Nature, 2002 Oct 3; 419(6906): 448–9.
Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al., eds. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. 2002. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute.
Seefelt SL, Chapman TE. Body water content and turnover in cats fed dry and canned rations. Am J Vet Res, 1979 Feb; 40(2): 183–5.
Logan, et al., Dental Disease, in: Hand et al., eds., Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, Fourth Edition. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000.

Information on Reprints:

API receives many requests to reprint all or portions of our "What’s Really in Pet Food" report in newsletters, on websites, and elsewhere.

Permission is usually granted under the following conditions:

Full acknowledgment is made to the Animal Protection Institute as the source of the material.
API’s copyright is preserved.
Our URL — www.api4animals.org — is included in the reprint.
Under no circumstances is the reprint to be used for fundraising of any kind.

Please email or write first for permission so that we can track your requests. Thank you.

More Fact Sheets

FOR FAIR USE ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY
Please go to the original site for more.

NOT falling for the ten billion Pet Food Industries lies again. It's home feeding for us forever.

Source: api4animals.org http://www.api4animals.org/facts.php?p=359&more=1#reprints Get The

Facts: What’s Really in Pet Food?

Information on reprints »

Link to this article »

Plump whole chickens, choice cuts of beef, fresh grains, and all the wholesome nutrition your dog or cat will ever need.

These are the images pet food manufacturers promulgate through the media and advertising. This is what the $15 billion per year U.S. pet food industry wants consumers to believe they are buying when they purchase their products.

This report explores the differences between what consumers think they are buying and what they are actually getting. It focuses in very general terms on the most visible name brands — the pet food labels that are mass-distributed to supermarkets and discount stores — but there are many highly respected brands that may be guilty of the same offenses.

What most consumers don’t know is that the pet food industry is an extension of the human food and agriculture industries. Pet food provides a convenient way for slaughterhouse offal, grains considered “unfit for human consumption,” and similar waste products to be turned into profit. This waste includes intestines, udders, heads, hooves, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.

The Players

The pet food market has been dominated in the last few years by the acquisition of big companies by even bigger companies. With $15 billion a year at stake in the U.S. and rapidly expanding foreign markets, it’s no wonder that some are greedy for a larger piece of the pie.

Nestlé’s bought Purina to form Nestlé Purina Petcare Company (Fancy Feast, Alpo, Friskies, Mighty Dog, Dog Chow, Cat Chow, Puppy Chow, Kitten Chow, Beneful, One, ProPlan, DeliCat, HiPro, Kit’n’Kaboodle, Tender Vittles, Purina Veterinary Diets).
Del Monte gobbled up Heinz (MeowMix, Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits, Wagwells, 9Lives, Cycle, Skippy, Nature’s Recipe, and pet treats Milk Bone, Pup-Peroni, Snausages, Pounce).
MasterFoods owns Mars, Inc., which consumed Royal Canin (Pedigree, Waltham’s, Cesar, Sheba, Temptations, Goodlife Recipe, Sensible Choice, Excel).

Other major pet food makers are not best known for pet care, although many of their household and personal care products do use ingredients derived from animal by-products:

Procter and Gamble (P&G) purchased The Iams Company (Iams, Eukanuba) in 1999. P&G shortly thereafter introduced Iams into grocery stores, where it did very well.

Colgate-Palmolive bought Hill’s Science Diet (founded in 1939) in 1976 (Hill’s Science Diet, Prescription Diets, Nature’s Best).
Private labelers (who make food for “house” brands like Kroger and Wal-Mart) and co-packers (who produce food for other pet food makers) are also major players. Three major companies are Doane Pet Care, Diamond, and Menu Foods; they produce food for dozens of private label and brand names. Interestingly, all 3 of these companies have been involved in pet food recalls that sickened or killed many pets.

Many major pet food companies in the United States are subsidiaries of gigantic multinational corporations. From a business standpoint, pet food fits very well with companies making human products. The multinationals have increased bulk-purchasing power; those that make human food products have a captive market in which to capitalize on their waste products; and pet food divisions have a more reliable capital base and, in many cases, a convenient source of ingredients.

The Pet Food Institute — the trade association of pet food manufacturers —has acknowledged the use of by-products in pet foods as additional income for processors and farmers: “The growth of the pet food industry not only provided pet owners with better foods for their pets, but also created profitable additional markets for American farm products and for the byproducts of the meat packing, poultry, and other food industries which prepare food for human consumption.”1

Best Friends Gallery

scottishterrier — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:26:40 CDT

Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here

Letters to Leaders

scottishterrier — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:39:51 CDT

Scottish Terrier x 2

Subject: Toxic Poisonings of Human and Pet Food Supplies
cc: Tim Burchett (R-TN 7th) , Park M. Strader (R-TN 14th) Tennessee Legiislators
cc: all Republican Subcommittee Members with oversight of the USDA, FDA, and Department of Homeland Security.
cc: The Department of Homeland
cc: Secretary of The Department of Agriculture
cc: Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-OH-8th
-------)
Please bring the following pages to the immediate attention of President Bush, The USDA, FDA, and the Department of Homeland Security along with my direct representation SHonorable John J. Duncan, Jr. Senators Corker and Alexander as well as the Former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee and the
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Republican Subcommittee Members:

Senator Robert Bennett (Ranking Member) (UT)
Senator Thad Cochran (MS)
Senator Arlen Specter (PA)
Senator Christopher Bond (MO)
Senator Mitch McConnell (KY)
Senator Larry Craig (ID)
Senator Sam Brownback (KS)
wikiGOP.com
http://www.wikigop.com
Food Supply
http://www.wikigop.com/page/Food+Supply
Republicans can not afford to dismiss this clear and present danger to our food supply.
USDA site - Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)
needs to be immediately implemented to require all food items both human and pet list all ingredients and their country of origin as well as the actual producer of the product with all contact information labeled.
Refer also to the Tennessean.com Food Recall database as well as links that must be read for background and calls to action.
Mr. Fred Thompson is ideally situated to be the first Presidental Candidate of 2008 that asks food suppliers and other countries...
"What did they know and when did they know it?"
Former Senator Thompson your page awaits you I started.
http://www.wikigop.com/page/Fred+Thompson
I would appreciate a personal call and written response from all above so that I can provide background information to assist with direction action of all the above fellow Republicans and our very well respected Tennesseans. We are counting on you to lockdown our food supply rather than have hindsight 20/20 by loss of life to more pets and humans should all not act now.
I am a fellow Tennesean worred for her family. Our two Scottish Terriers may indeed be poisoned. They have both tested above the high range on a key liver enzyme on a blood panel.
My husband and I are now wondering what our dogs and ourselves can eat that will not poison us. We cry out for the massacre and sickening of over 40,000 pets. Must humans be next?
The author of wkiGOP Food Supply pages.
wikiGOP is widely distributed to all newsfeeds.

Wags to all

Moose and Neyll Dunlap

Please be Our Friend and Link to Us !

Scottish Terriers Being Poisoned?

scottishterrier — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:11:04 CDT

Menu Foods, Nutro, Pedigree, Nestle`/ Purina, Sunshine, WalMart (Sam's Club), and FDA are you murdering my Scotties?

Join the Never Again Movement!

If you are supporting the Commercial Pet Food Industry a large part of the 30 Billion Dollar a year "Pet Care" greed by continuing to spout their propaganda or buy their deadly products Or.. You stay mute and do nothing ... you are part of the problem and not part of the solution. Support your fellow dog lovers who have animals that have died or are severely ill because of the greed of those murders and their coverup. Your dogs can indeed be next!

Mungo "Moose"

Neyll

A-1 Terriers MSN Group

I am the group owner / and one of the moderators of A-1 Terriers.

All reading this are welcome to join whether you have a Terrier or not.

We are NOT politically correct.
Non-partisan one and all.
Exercise our the First Amendment Rights.
Patriotic without apology.
As independent and plain speaking as our Terriers and their best friends.
Spiritually based.
Very current with breaking news.
Well researched with a huge library of discussions, links, and articles.
Are owned by our pets.

This is a private list so you will have to apply to join. You will be asked to answer a few basic questions by email before you will be approved.

NOTE: We are not trolling for membership!
Our group is medium to small so that we may share freely.
We like A-1 Ts small and are a very high traffic posts group.
Only those willing to participate weekly should join.

Apply to A-1 Terriers Here:

http://groups.msn.com/a1terriers

Next page: How to Keep Your Scottish Terrier Healthy and Safe

Note: Scrolldown for a very complete list of Links that may save your dog's life if poisoned, if not poisoned may keep your dog safe from now on... Events in reverse chronological order read bottom to top.

Monday, April 9

Entered Neyll and Moose's Record to Menu Class Action Yahoo Database
Dog Breed Age City State Pet food brand used Food purchased at Pet ate this food for how long Condition before recall Current condition/ Necropsy results

Dog Scottish Terrier 4 3/4 Knoxville TN Alpo - 1, Pedigree -12 cans, Nutro Pro Senior Chicken Dry Alpo - Ingles, Pedigree - Sams's, Cans, Nutro Pro Senior Dry - PetsMart Ate Nutro Natural Lamb & Rice Puppy 1 yr., Nutro Lamb 8 Rice, Nutro Natural Lamb & Rice Adult 3 3/4 yrs., Nutro Pro Senior 1 yr., Pedigree canned 7 times week, 4 1/2 months 1/4 can per day, Previously Mighty Dog small canned since puppy 1/2 can per day for 4 1/2 yrs. Seemed well Liver - Alkaline Phosphatase - 272, normal top range 131, Bilirubin .4, normal top range .3. Has Kennel Cough 1 wk. picked up from Vet's Office getting blood panel taken

Dog Scottish Terrier 4 1/2 Knoxville TN Alpo - 1 can, Pedigree -12 cans, Nutro Natural Lamb & Rice Small Bites, Dry Alpo - Ingles, Pedigree - Sams's, 12 cans, Nutro Natural Lamb & Bites Dry - PetsMart Ate Nutro Natural Lamb & Rice Puppy 1 yr., Nutro Lamb 8 Rice, Nutro Natural Lamb & Rice Adult 3 1/2 yrs, Pedigree canned 7 times week, 4 1/2 months 1/4 can per day, Previously Mighty Dog small canned since puppy 4 1/2 yrs 1/2 can per day Seemed well, stopped Alpo 1 wk. before Alpo recall, Stopped Nutro fiirst recall, stopped Pedigree afer first recall Liver - Alkaline Phosphatase - 256, normal top range 131, Has Kennel Cough 1 wk. picked up from Vet's Office getting blood panel taken

Mungo "Moose"

Neyll

A-1 Terriers MSN Group

(Blog posts in reverse chronological order read bottom to top)

Note: Scrolldown for a very complete list of Links that may save your dog's life if poisoned, if not poisoned may keep your dog safe from now on.

How to Keep Your Scottish Terrier Healthy and Safe

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Easter Sunday, April 8

I am the group owner / and one of the moderators of A-1 Terriers.

All reading this are welcome to join whether you have a Terrier or not.

We are NOT politically correct.
Non-partisan one and all.
Exercise our the First Amendment Rights.
Patriotic without apology.
As independent and plain speaking as our Terriers and their best friends.
Spiritually based.
Very current with breaking news.
Well researched with a huge library of discussions, links, and articles.
Are owned by our pets.

This is a private list so you will have to apply to join. You will be asked to answer a few basic questions by email before you will be approved.

NOTE: We are not trolling for membership!
Our group is medium to small so that we may share freely.
We like A-1 Ts small and are a very high traffic posts group.
Only those willing to participate weekly should join.

Apply to A-1 Terriers Here:

http://groups.msn.com/a1terriers

_________________________________

The Latest Poop!

As OHPat points out keep an eye on the meats you select for homecooking. I need to point out here in Knoxville we can't trust Walmart's meat. They have sold tainted beef and chicken to people.

I swear I want a farm so we can raise our own livestock and crops! It was so great when my parents
had their 86 acre farm. We were much more self-sufficient.

OK turns out, Katie and I put our heads together... Neyll has Kennel Cough from taking her to get
tested at my first vet. Of course Moose will get it too. No symptoms yet on him coughing.

ONCE AGAIN I must caution everyone to keep your dogs away from other dogs for at least the foreseeable future. We simply do not know which dogs (unless they are our friends and families dogs) how they are treated and if their immune systems are strong.

KENNEL COUGH IS RAMPANT NOW Katie says.

I told my puppies' parents way back when they went to the vet not to let their animals on any surface in
a vets office. Carry them. Make sure the examination table has been sanitized first.

I should have restricted both of mine's movements more. I didn't let them near other dogs but they got it from a surface or from the air. The vets took our dogs in their back room to get their blood sample drawn. Who knows ??? if they sanitized the surface well! Kennel cough is a bacterium but it can be spread in the air.

THIS IS A PET LOVER'S nightmare!

I still am glad we got the blood panel run even if they caught kennel cough.

We are using Robotussin DM. My dogs hate it! Even Neyll who eats everything gagged on it. Too bad, they are both getting it! We discovered a teaspoon syringe is the least objectional for administration.

See the chronicle of what my hopefully OK from the avoiding toxin poison. The journey is a long road taken my husband, Neyll, Moose and I so far.

Read bottom to top.

Regards, Pat Dunlap

Saturday, April 7, 4:30 pm.

I called Katie out of desparation! Good thing I did. We took our two to the first Vet this Monday of this week to get there blood panel run. Yesterday Neyll started coughing. Coughed during the night and today. Moose started coughing today. A dry hacking cough. No vomit.

Diagnosis? Kennel Cough! Administer Robotussin DM -1 teaspoon as directed. On our way after a much needed dinner out and Robotussin here it comes! Since so many dogs are immuno-compromised keep your animals way from others.

Our dogs have woofed down their fish, carrots, peas, green beans, and rice turbo mode tonight!

Whew! OK back to the blood panel. I still want to do the Milk Thistle and Denosyl to get their liver
enzymes back in range.

OK let's hope this did it. We may even yet dodged the bullet on the toxin poisoning! Surely to goodness if they had been pulled off food March 16 they would be very sick puppies by now. However, a dog can have liver damage from a transcient agent. It could be why their liver numbers are up above normal range.

The saga continues ....

See: Venerable Vet from information regarding Kennel Cough

http://www.valleypetnews.com/venerable_vet1.htm
http:// www. valleypetnews. com/ venerable_vet1.htm

Saturday, April 7, 2:30 PM

I think I am getting through to my husband that indeed we're going to have to wing it.

I am not convinced now either veterinarian was correct. Neyll is in her crate and still coughing. She usually lays on her bed.

About to talk my husband into finally ordering what Katie suggested. He is out running an errand.
He acknowledges Neyll is not feeling well. Husband exclaims, "What do we do now?"

Pushing to order the following as Katie suggested yesterday.

Milk Thistle and Denosyl. I checked the Denosyl supplier and they are back ordered on it.

The second vet said that this toxic poisoning is kidney only. I disagree. He also stated there
is nothing to do to heal a liver. I am not sure of that at all.

I am with alot of you us group people and bloggers are ahead of the FDA and veterinarians.

Senator Durbin, "Incomplete data and reporting from the FDA. Blogs and nonprofit
websites have filled a gap and become the most efficient way to share information on
contaminations. Durbin wants to direct the FDA to create a similar information sharing
system that would allow state veterinarians, pet owners and others to alert the FDA of
possible contaminations."

Saturday, April 7, 10:30 AM

Male dog > Alkaline Phosphatase 256 > Normal Range 5-131

Female dog > Bilirubin, Total > .04 > Alkaline Phosphatase 272 > Normal Range 5-131

Other values on a full blood panel also will confirm that the out of range Alkaline Phosphatase can be 100 - 200 over limit in certain breeds and the other values are in range that the dogs are not poisoned. It's when the values of A.Ph. approach several hundred over it's time to go into overdrive with all alarms ringing.

I just came back from a Veterinarian for a second opinion. I trust this vet, he is one of the best in Knoxville. For some reason Scottish Terrier's have higher Alkaline Phosphatatase level then many, many other breeds.

The rest of the blood panel numbers were mid to low range in excellent shape. The coughing of my female can be explained that our area has a record level number of pollen this Spring. My husband and I are congested.

Much better to be safe than sorry.

I am set at ease now that the one a piece Alpo cans were not from the effected factory, there would be higher renal numbers by this stage. We were extremely lucky. Extremely.

If anyone has the least amount of doubt about any dry or canned food not on the recall yet still contains wheat gluten I highly recommend a full blood panel.

For those of you suffering, still twisting in the wind, I sent you my prayers and healing balm. What was done to your animals a despicable act of pure unadulterated evil. God has the final justice that will see
these people go to a very hot place for eternity.

Close your eyes now you folks dedicated to keeping your's on dog food. I still say NONE are safe. Those wishing to prevail in a lawsuit need to think that direction. Not only to win the case but that it is true, no dog food no matter how "balanced" and "human grade" as claimed by the high dollar marketering is safe.

From: Katie, Friday, April 6

Olivia had this about 8 months ago! Put your dogggies on Denosyl immediately, and then go online and buy some liquid Milk Thistle right away! Make sure it doesn't have any alcohol in it though. I will send you a link to the place I order it from BELOW! I give Olivia a half a dropper full, twice a day. Her Liver enzyme levels were so high, that they were not even showing on the chart! Now they are back to NORMAL. My vet told me it had to be the milk thistle, because none of the things he was giving her would have made them drop back down so drastically. He didn't know much about Milk Thistle, and told me had heard of it, but didn't believe it would work until he saw how Olivia had improved so much! He told me he was almost sure she wouldn't have lived a month as high as her enzymes were when I first took her in to see him. I take her in again next week for a re-check. He does blood work now every 3 months just to make sure she is still okay.

The company I use is the Eclectic Institute. The NON alcohol formula only!

http://www.eclecticherb.com I buy the 2 oz. bottles.

Denosyl:

http://www.kvvet.com/KVVet/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=1562&gift=False&mscssid=0716598E87378447D943077E4BC2E361

Go according to their weights as to which size dosage to order.

MenuFoodsClassAction Yahoo Group

monkeysrgreat9

Pat:

I don't know if this will shed any light on your questions or not. But I just wanted to add my input. My dog was very sick a few weeks ago. She was very lethargic, thirsty & basically just not herself. Our vet ran the usual tests & could not find the problem. We took our dog to a vet specialist & they kept her overnight & ran more tests. All they could tell us was: her temp was 104, her white blood count was abnormally low & her liver was leaking enzymes. After spending $2,000, we took her home.

They wanted to run more tests but we wanted her home. She is on antibiotics still and she does not get any commercial dog food. I make all her dogfood myself from people grade quality meats & pastas & veggies.

The problem now is that she is constipated. We had been feeding her Mighty Dog cuts & gravy & sometimes Alpo cuts & gravy. I would bet my life on the fact that it was the dog food. The vets do not agree.

Good luck!

Mary

Oh, and I forgot to add to my last post....when I spoke with someone from the FDA and explained my story, I asked her if she heard from other people about dogs with LIVER damage and NOT KIDNEY damage. As I suspected, she had! She said that "many people" reported liver problems. I am not sure what she meant by many but it did confirm my suspicions!

In Chicago, Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, called for a hearing to question F.D.A. officials. He also called for standardized federal regulations and inspection requirements for pet
food. --NYTimes _http://tinyurl. http://tin_ (http://tinyurl. com/3dxdnw)

Excerpt from the announcement on the Senator's website:

See full text here:
http://durbin. http://durbhttp: //durbhttp: //du_
(http://durbin. senate.gov/ record.cfm? id=271910)

Durbin is urging the FDA to take action in three specific areas:

Delay in reporting. Menu Foods, Inc. first noticed a potential problem on February 20, 2007 but did not contact FDA until March 15, 2007. In the meantime, other companies were selling tainted product
and the supplier wasn't aware that it had provided wheat gluten contaminated with melamine. Durbin wants companies that delay reporting to the FDA and endanger human and animal health to face
penalties.

Lack of inspections. The Emporia, Kansas Menu Foods facility where many of these products were made had never been inspected by the FDA. The agency has been relying on the states to conduct
inspections, but the FDA has jurisdiction over all pet food manufacturing facilities and the ultimate responsibility to ensure facilities comply with FDA standards. Where there should be federal
regulation, there is instead a patchwork of state inspection systems and voluntary guidance. Durbin wants to require the FDA to work with the states to establish a standardized set of regulations and
inspection requirements.

Incomplete data and reporting from the FDA. Blogs and nonprofit websites have filled a gap and become the most efficient way to share information on contaminations. Durbin wants to direct the FDA to create a similar information sharing system that would allow state veterinarians, pet owners and others to alert the FDA of possible contaminations.

MenuFoodsClassAction Yahoo Group
Liver Damage from Toxins?

Thank you Lily Wonder for your answer!

>> YES!! my dog Mollie, has liver damage, not kidney, though the symptoms are the same. Her next blood test is thurs.<<

! UPDATE: Low - Normal Range Renal Enzyme Values; Higher than Normal Range Liver Enzymes

I am getting some resistance in my household since we received the full blood panel Thursday ... The Vet said on the higher than the top of the range numbers on both of my Scotties is explained by Scotties liver enzymes run high as unremarkable.

The other resident here in denial is hanging onto these words rather than proceed by going to another veterinarian to focus on the liver enzymes. He is thinking that the numbers are not high enough out of range to be concerned enough to seek treatment.

I AM CONCERNED!

What is the first symptom generally that presents?

My female in the last 24 hours has developed a cough, I just heard my male cough.

I'm working on our page so that our account makes more sense.

I need to add the date of the first recall which was???

And also the Alpo date announcement which was???

Please see what I have done so far. This is a work in progress.
Scottish Terriers Menu Foods Poisonings?

Menu Foods are you murdering my Scotties ?

http://www.wikifido.com/page/Scottish+Terriers+Menu+Foods+Poisonings%3F
http:// www. wikifido . com/ page/ Scottish+Terriers+Menu+Foods+Poisonings%3F

Posted to: Menu Foods Class Action Yahoo Group

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MenuFoodsClassAction/
http:// health.groups. yahoo.com/group/ MenuFoods Class Action

Date: Friday, April 6, 2007

Subject: ! Message Number 6514 High Liver Enzymes / Well Within Normal Renal Enzymes > Very Long

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MenuFoodsClassAction/message/6514
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/ group /MenuFoodsClassAction/message/6514

MenuFoodsClassAction Yahoo Group

MenuFoodsClassAction@yahoogroups.com

MenuFoodsClassAction @ yahoogroups.com

! CROSSPOSTING PERMISSION GRANTED AND ENCOURAGED !

Subject: ! High Liver Enzymes / Well Within Normal Renal Enzymes >
Very Long and Detailed > Veterinary Professionals Please Read !
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

High Liver Enzymes / Well Within Normal Renal Enzymes, Sample run
Received Thursday, April 5th.

We had our two Scottish Terriers' Full Blood Panels back, Thursday,
April 5, 2007.

My husband picked up the results. The vet was unavailable we had a call request when she became available about 2 hours later.

Initially we celebrated until the Vet called. We were focused on the Renal Enzymes that were well within Normal Range. Two hours after picking them up the Veterinarian became available and called.

She did note and the tests reveal an

elevated Liver Enzyme level Male dog > Alkaline Phosphatase 256 > Normal Range 5-131 Female dog > Bilirubin, Total > .04 > Alkaline Phosphatase 272 > Normal Range 5-131

I am beginning research: "liver enzymes" "dogs"

An added complication to note: Scottish Terriers have high liver enzymes that can be caused by Cushings Disease. Somewhat elevated because of a history of inbreeding. However 5 generations out on each of our dogs' pedigrees shows no inbreeding. We selected carefully to avoid some very lethal and other very debilitating congential and developing diseases and syndroms. None of the 5 generations to our knowledge in either one with Cushings or other congenital abnormalities or diseases. We have not seen any prior symptoms until about the last month. Our dogs are drinking more water than usual.

See our page on wikiFido to learn more about Scottish Terriers regarding the many, many disorders of this breeds genetically caused or environmentally caused.

http://www.wikifido.com
http://www. wikifido .com

http://www.wikifido.com/page/Scottish+Terrier+%28Scottie%29
http:// www. wikifido .com /page /Scottish+Terrier+%28Scottie%29

Upshot: Scottish Terriers are being studied by Purdue because of their very, very high incidence of lethal cancer. This research is not only being applied to other breeds but also towards cancer research in humans.

wikiFido >Scottish Terrier (Scottie)
http://www.wikifido.com/page/Scottish+Terrier+%28Scottie%29
http: // www. wikifido .com / page /Scottish+Terrier+%28Scottie%29
Author, Pat (myself)

The Scottish Terrier at the top of the page is the "son" of Neyll and Moose Dunlap (our pair). He was tested the same time ours were up in NY and the results (more equiped vet) the same day. No numbers whatsoever above normal ranges.

See our babies, our beloved Neyll and Moose here:
wikiFido > Scottish Terrier My Scottish Terrier > Dunlap Clan Crew
http://www.wikifido.com/page/Dunlap+Crew+Clan
http://www.wikifido.com/ page /Dunlap+Crew+Clan

wikiFido Scottish Terrier Pictures
http://www.wikifido.com/page/Dunlap+Crew+Clan
http://www.wikifido.com/ page /Dunlap+Crew+Clan

I have researched Scottish Terriers for four and 3/4 years (2002 - present) extensively previously to bringing our babies home. Neyll will be five June 3 and Moose five November 15.

Scotties are to be monitored carefully for immune and autoimmune watch. Avoid as many chemicals as possible. We have protected ours for over four years now from insults to their immune system .. that is until now.

Reading this as an article of my initial research besides liver disease and elevated liver enzymes this seems very, very relevant to the Menu Foods and other Mounting Food Recalls.

Urban Hound
http://www.urbanhound.com/houndHealth/ShowAnswer.asp?QID=3D202
http://www.urbanhound.com/ houndHealth /ShowAnswer.asp?QID=3D202

*Cushings Disease*

In part...

...
"... Note that an increase in one or more liver enzymes does not mean that your dog's liver isn't working properly. A "passing insult" can cause a rise in liver enzymes without doing any long-term damage whatsoever. If your vet is worried that the liver is not working properly, he or she will perform "liver function tests," such as bile acid tests, to check.

If your dog's tests for Cushing's are negative, your vet might suggest doing an abdominal ultrasound to look at the liver and a liver biopsy to see what sort of damage, if any, the liver cells are showing
microscopically. Or if your dog is otherwise perfectly well, waiting a few weeks and then repeating the blood test to see if the liver enzymes have changed might also be appropriate... "

We will follow up with "liver function tests" If necessary run an ultrasound to see what sort of damage the liver cells may have incurred.

History of Feeding:

Male was eating Nutro Natural Small Bites (Dry). Female was eating Nutro
Pro for Seniors (Dry)

Have been on a very long diet additionally of 1/4 can of Pedigree canned per feeding
as an incentive to each of their dry food.

The Pedigree pallet, 24 cans of chicken dog food was purchased the day or two after
Christmas, December 24, 2006. Location: Sam's Club, Knoxville, TN. was ingested 24 cans. Approximately a week the supply was finished before the initial recall of Menu Recalls.

That week before the initial recall of Menu Foods, we had purchased Nestle' / Purina Alpo and both dogs had small amounts per day adding up to each Scottie having a can apiece in a four day period.

We immediately after that first Menu Foods Recall stopped feeding Alpo. Checked the label for dates for any matching recall numbers and dates as the pouched Purina Food. No numbers matched the Purina Initial Recalls.

I had my husband as a precaution return all remaining Alpo cans to the store for a refund. This was Pre-Alpo Recall. I wish, hind sight being 20/20 we had kept the cans.

We did not retain the codes and use by dates. Of course we didn't have the original grocery receipts... it is a rare person, let's face it, who saves all of their grocery receipts.

We immediately discontinued Alpo the day of the first Menu Foods recall. After more thought halted feeding Nutro Food Dry two days later when reports began to surface Nutro Dry Foods may be involved in the Menu toxin fiasco.

Ever since both have been on a human food diet of * protein meats * * and vegetables * mixed and individual vegetable kinds * no additives.

Both of my dogs now that I recall have been drinking more water in the last month or so. I didn't really think this is unusual because they are black dogs that run hotter outside and frequently spend hours together in our backyard playing and hunting "varmints." Knoxville's weather has
warmed to the mid 70s and 80s.

I sit here now stuplified and more than a bit concerned!

I am getting more and more convinced this * could indeed be related * to the toxic poisoning of dog food by Menu Foods we are all seeing both Dry and Wet (Canned, Pouches).

Those of you in the background, please pass this along to your medical veterinary experts for their immediate attention.

I would appreciate any of you that can shed light on our current dread please, please email me.

I ask all who read this to please send prayers to my beloved Scottish Terriers (Scotties) Neyll and Moose for their complete healing.

Blessings out to all people who have lost their pets to this inexcusable polluting of our animals!

Prayers said to all to help with coming to terms with Menu Foods and the client companies that have murdered so many innocents!

Pat

aboutdogsxpen@yahoo.com

aboutdogsxpen @ yahoo.com

Joe, Pat, Neyll, and Moose
~ The Dunlap Clan

wikiFido > Scottish Terrier My Scottish Terrier > Dunlap Clan Crew
http://www.wikifido.com/page/Dunlap+Crew+Clan
http://www.wikifido.com/ page /Dunlap+Crew+Clan

wikiFido Scottish Terrier Pictures
http://www.wikifido.com/page/Dunlap+Crew+Clan
http://www.wikifido.com/ page /Dunlap+Crew+Clan

I have researched Scottish Terriers for four and 3/4 years (2002 - present) extensively previously to bringing our babies home. Neyll will be five June 3 and Moose five November 15.

Scotties are to be monitored carefully for immune and autoimmune watch. Avoid as many chemicals as possible. We have protected ours for over four years now from insults to their immune system .. that is until now.

Reading this as an article of my initial research besides liver disease and elevated liver enzymes this seems very, very relevant to the Menu Foods and other Mounting Food Recalls.

Urban Hound
http://www.urbanhound.com/houndHealth/ShowAnswer.asp?QID=3D202
http://www.urbanhound.com/ houndHealth /ShowAnswer.asp?QID=3D202

*Cushings Disease*

In part...
...
"... Note that an increase in one or more liver enzymes does not mean that your dog's liver isn't working properly. A "passing insult"can cause a rise in liver enzymes without doing any long-term damage whatsoever. If your vet is worried that the liver is not working properly, he or she will perform "liver function tests," such as bileacid tests, to check.

If your dog's tests for Cushing's are negative, your vet might suggest doing an abdominal ultrasound to look at the liver and a liver biopsy to see what sort of damage, if any, the liver cells are showing
microscopically. Or if your dog is otherwise perfectly well, waiting a few weeks and then repeating the blood test to see if the liver enzymes have changed might also be appropriate... "

We will follow up with "liver function tests" If necessary run an ultrasound to see what sort of damage the liver cells may have incurred.

History of Feeding:

Male was eating Nutro Natural Small Bites (Dry). Female was eating Nutro
Pro for Seniors (Dry).

Have been on a very long diet additionally of 1/4 can of Pedigree canned per feeding
as an incentive to each of their dry food.

The Pedigree pallet, 24 cans of chicken dog food was purchased the day or two after
Christmas, December 24, 2006. Location: Sam's Club, Knoxville, TN. was ingested 24 cans. Approximately a week the supply was finished before the initial recall of Menu Recalls.

That week before the initial recall of Menu Foods, we had purchased Nestle' / Purina Alpo and both dogs had small amounts per day adding up to each Scottie having a can apiece in a four day period.

We immediately after that first Menu Foods Recall stopped feeding Alpo. Checked the label for dates for any matching recall numbers and dates as the pouched Purina Food. No numbers matched the Purina Initial Recalls.

I had my husband as a precaution return all remaining Alpo cans to the store for a refund. This was Pre-Alpo Recall. I wish, hind sight being 20/20 we had kept the cans.

We did not retain the codes and use by dates. Of course we didn't have the original grocery receipts... it is a rare person, let's face it, who saves all of their grocery receipts.

We immediately discontinued Alpo the day of the first Menu Foods recall. After more thought halted feeding Nutro Food Dry two days later when reports began to surface Nutro Dry Foods may be involved in the Menu toxin fiasco.

Ever since both have been on a human food diet of * protein meats * * and vegetables * mixed and individual vegetable kinds * no additives.

Both of my dogs now that I recall have been drinking more water in the last month or so. I didn't really think this is unusual because they are black dogs that run hotter outside and frequently spend hours together in our backyard playing and hunting "varmints." Knoxville's weather has
warmed to the mid 70s and 80s.

I sit here now stuplified and more than a bit concerned!

I am getting more and more convinced this * could indeed be related * to the toxic poisoning of dog food by Menu Foods we are all seeing both Dry and Wet (Canned, Pouches).

Those of you in the background, please pass this along to your medical veterinary experts for their immediate attention.

I would appreciate any of you that can shed light on our current dread please, please email me.

I ask all who read this to please send prayers to my beloved Scottish Terriers (Scotties) Neyll and Moose for their complete healing.

Blessings out to all people who have lost their pets to this inexcusable polluting of our animals!

Prayers said to all to help with coming to terms with Menu Foods and the client companies that have murdered so many innocents!

Pat

aboutdogsxpen@yahoo.com

aboutdogsxpen @ yahoo.com

Joe, Pat, Neyll, and Moose

~ The Dunlap Clan

Links from Menu Foods Class Action Yahoo Group
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MenuFoodsClassAction/links
http:// health. groups. yahoo. com/ group / Menu Foods Class Action Links
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Veterinary Medical Association
Resources for pet owners and veterinarians.
http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp

Animal Ark - Pet Food Recall Database
A group member who is collecting data to develop reports and statistics on the pet food recall.
https://www.animalarkshelter.org//animal/PetFoodRecall.nsf/Contact?OpenForm

Another Blog with lots of info (mine)
My Goal: The info we need, in the easiest way possible.
http://playingbig.blogspot.com/

Cornell University - College of Veterinary Medicine
Researchers at Cornell are leading the investigation to determine the causative agent in the pet foods manufactured by Menu Foods.
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/

FULL List of Recalled Foods
Includes UPC Flavor Date Size - 77 page PDF file
http://itchmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/menufoods_recall_list_mar21.pdf

Flickr Pet Food Recall Photo Gallery
A place to share your photos of the animals affected by the recall. Please join, we'd like to put faces to the stories and give support and information to future victims. Registration is free or go to group description to post photos without joining.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/petfoodrecall/

HOWL911-Menu Foods Pet Food Recall Page
The most comprehensive list of resources and news links
http://www.howl911.com

I Forget
Very Good Overview of Pet Food Industry, written in April 2006
http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/data/784/Patrick06.html

Iowa State University
If you suspect that your cat or dog has been poisoned, veterinary toxicologists at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine can confirm the presence of toxins in the food or samples from the pet.
http://cvmweb2.cvm.iastate.edu/departments/VDPAM/default.aspx?id=2784

K9KIDNEYS Yahoo Group
The K9KIDNEYS list is a list for owners of dogs suffering from one or more forms of kidney disorders. Support and help for those whose dog has kidney failure.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9KIDNEYS/

Menu Foods Press Conference Fri 3/23
This is the raw footage
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/videonav/dayportNav.aspx?videoid=193689#top

Pet Connection Database
Please report illness and death of pets here. Also report them to the FDA
http://www.petconnection.com/recall/

Pet Food Recall Blog Spot
Another centralized location for information pertaining to the recent Menu Foods Pet Food recall.
http://www.petfoodrecall.blogspot.com

Pet Food Tracker
Easier to use files and info of recalled foods
http://petfoodtracker.blogspot.com/

Pet Lose Support
Contains a Forum, chat and other things for support of a losing a pet. Has a memoiral area also. Great people to help anyone.
http://www.rainbowbridge.com

Pet Memorials
Excellent resource for Pet Memorials...keep their memories alive and preserve their spirit!
http://www.rockitcreations.com

PetSupport.net
The Online Pet Loss, Grief and Illness Support Network
http://petsupport.net/articles/Recall.html

Petition to Hold Pet Food Companies Liable
Request than the U.S. Congress enact legislation to require pet food manufacturers and the companies that market those pet food brands to be held financially liable...
http://www.itchmo.com/read/petition-to-require-pet-food-companies-to-be-held-financially-liable-for-pet-deaths_20070321

PetsitUSA Blog - List of foods not made by Menu Foods
Most complete list so far of Foods made and NOT made by Menu Foods. Includes links to food brands sites.
http://www.thepetfoodlist.com/

Poop City
New York City-based blog covering the recall
http://poopcity.typepad.com/poop_city/

Press Conference on Pet Food
Raw Footage of NY State Agriculture
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=193689

Progressive Law Group
US Based class action suit filed out of Wisconsin, there is a form if interested in joining their suit.
http://progressivelaw.ezsitelaunch.com/main.asp?id=12

Recalled Cat Food
List of Menu Foods cat food that is recalled
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html

Recalled Dog Food
List of Menu Foods dog food that is recalled
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

There is a group on Myspace too.
Post info you have for these people too please. You can invite them here.
http://groups. myspace. com/ pet food recall

Vetcetera blog
Covering the recall from a veterinarian's perspective
http://catmanager.wordpress.com/

Wording of Pet Food Labels
a handy definition list
http://home.att.net/~wdcusick/02.html

itchmo blog
Seattle-based blog doing investigative reporting on the recall and providing links and resources as well.
http://www.itchmo.com/go/tagged/safety/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Articles:

Barking up wrong tree in pet food recall
Alan Cairns (cnews)
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007/04/01/pf-3888145.html

Bloodwork- Alkaline Phosphatase

ALKP and ALT elevations query - part 2
Rises in Alt and Altk pos and Differential for Liver disease
Increases in Alkaline Phosphatase
High Alkaline phosphatase
High ALKP levels and diet
Increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels
Elevated alkaline phosphate (ALKP) for the past three years
Increased alkaline phosphatase levels

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AVMA Links: American Veterinary Association

Recalled products

Pet food products recalled because of potentially contaminated wheat gluten

Click the links below for details from the manufacturers about brands, batches, and dates affected by the recall.

Menu Foods

Del Monte Pet Products

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

Nestle Purina PetCare Company

Sunshine Mills

Related announcements:

Additional products and dates have been added to the wheat gluten-related pet food recall (April 5, 2007)

Menu Foods expands pet food recall (PDF) (Provided by Menu Foods, April 5, 2007)

Sunshine Mills, Inc. issues voluntary nationwide recall of certain branded and private label branded dog biscuits (FDA Web site, April 5, 2007)

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.'s pet food information update: Comment on industry news (Hill's Pet Nutrition Web site, April 5, 2007)

ChemNutra announces nationwide wheat gluten recall (FDA Web site, April 4, 2007)

Del Monte Pet Products has announced a recall (April 2, 2007)

Nestle Purina PetCare Company has announced a voluntary recall of all sizes and varieties of its ALPO Prime Cuts in Gravy wet dog food. (March 31, 2007)

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. recalls Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry food (March 30, 2007)

Proctor & Gamble Pet Care media statement (March 30, 2007)

Pet food recall clarified (AVMA press release, March 24, 2007)

Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc. announces voluntary participation in Menu Foods nationwide US recall of specific canned cat foods (Hills Pet Nutrition Web site)

Purina to voluntarily withdraw Mighty Dog® 5.3 ounce pouch products in response to Menu Foods recall (Nestle Purina PetCare Company Web site)

P&G Pet Care announces voluntary participation in Menu Foods' nationwide U.S. and Canadian recall of specific canned and small foil pouch ‘Wet’ cat and dog foods (FDA Web site, March 16, 2007)

For pet owners

FAQ from the AVMA: What you should know about the recall (April 5, 2007)

Tips on cooking Fluffy and Fido a home-cooked meal (AVMA press release, April 4, 2007)

Breaking news from FDA confirms ASPCA's suspicions on pet food toxin (March 30, 2007)

FDA announces new chemical found in recalled pet food (AVMA press release, March 30, 2007)

FAQ from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA Web site)

FAQ from The Animal Medical Center of New York City (March 26, 2007)

Aminopterin identified as possible toxic agent (March 23, 2007)

Homemade pet food requires study of nutrition, AVMA warns (AVMA press release, March 20, 2007)

AVMA offers advice to pet owners after nationwide food recall (AVMA press release, March 19, 2007)

For veterinarians

New: Hill's announces Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry pet food medical screening payment plan (April 6, 2007)

New: Updated information for veterinarians from the ACVIM (April 6, 2007)

New: USDA-APHIS listing of state veterinarians (U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site)

Preliminary findings in a case of suspected toxicity associated with recalled pet food (On the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health Web site, Michigan State University, March 28, 2007) (PDF, 285Kb)

These photographs of lesions associated with necropsy were taken from a dog which reportedly ate food from the original Menu Foods recall. Please note that the reference to aminopterin predates the FDA's March 30 announcement of melamine as the substance of interest in the recall.

Imaging of feline urine crystals (Univ. of Guelph Laboratory Services Web site)

Recall of pet food leaves veterinarians seeking solutions (JAVMA News Express, March 30, 2007)

FDA announces new chemical found in recalled pet food (AVMA press release, March 30, 2007)

ISVMA recommendations for tissue sample collection and handling (March 29, 2007)

FAQ from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA Web site)

Aminopterin identified as possible toxic agent (March 23, 2007)

Data from The Animal Medical Center of New York City

More than 60 million pet food containers recalled after reported deaths

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. explains why some of the company's products are co-manufactured by Menu Foods, which issued a major pet food recall March 16. (AVMA News Bulletin, March 20, 2007)

Fact sheet for veterinarians from the Iams Company

Timely Topics in Nutrition: Aflatoxicosis in dogs and dealing with suspected contaminated commercial foods (JAVMA, June 1, 2006)

General

Q&A about pet litigation and non-economic damages (April 2007)

Sample Op-Ed letter, non-economic damages (April 2007)

Facts about wheat gluten in pet food (Pet Food Institute Web site)

Facts from the Pet Food Institute about pet food regulation in the United States

Pet food company contact information

FDA's Consumer Complaint Coordinators (FDA Web site)

FDA: Information on marketing a pet food product (FDA Web site)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Keeping Your Scottish Terrier Healthy and Safe

scottishterrier — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 21:29:34 CDT

Let's all make a pledge to stop buying any commercial dry, canned, pouched, treats, and tablets meant to squeeze the maximum profit from us to feed our animals trash and poison that is immediately or in the long run killing our pets.

There is a better way! Homefeed. It's easy and economical.

The thirty billion dollar pet "care" industry must indeed be taken to task. No longer should they play Russian Roulette with our dogs' health. Commercial Food Industry bite us once, shame on them. Commercial Foods bite us twice shame on us.

First learn what few human foods you should not feed your dogs. Avoid these and you are well on your way to keeping your dogs happy, healthy and living much longer than feeding any commercial foods.

Pawsitive Deals Blog

http://pawsitivedeals.blogspot.com/2007/03/poisonous-food-for-dogs-and-cats.html

Poisonous Food for Dogs

Keep in mind that the foods listed below are known to be toxic to dogs and cats because of the different ways animals metabolize them. If you have particular questions please contact your vet, a local trusted pet forum, or your best friends familiar with this new again way to personally care for our pets. Pets used to live longer. May they live healthy long lives again!

- Chocolate
- Onions & Garlic
- Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips
- Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
- Rhubarb leaves
- Moldy/spoiled foods
- Macadamia Nuts/Walnuts
- Alcohol
- Yeast dough
- Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine)
- Hops (used in home brewing)
- Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
- Broccoli (in large amounts)
- Raisins and grapes (damages the kidneys)
- Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars
- Nutmeg
- Raw Potatoes
- Turkey skin
- Voltarin (in arthritis medication)-Very Fatal
- Baby Food (can contain onion powder)
- Citrus oil
- Fat trimmings (Can cause pancreatitis).
- Human vitamins containing iron (can damage the lining of the digestive system)
- Large amounts of liver
- Mushrooms
- Raw fish
- Apple Seeds
- Apricot seeds/pits
- Avocado fruit/pits
- Cherry
- Eggplant
- Elderberry
- Green Tomatoes
- Potato
- Rhubarb leaf
- Tobacco
- Spinach

BonoFido 001

scottishterrier — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:59:15 CDT

BonoFidos

Do you have any current Dog News, Articles, Research, and Resources to share of Major Factual Importance to all Dog Lovers?

♦ Resource Hot Spot Topic Name ♦

? Activism ? or ? Something Else ?

Key Words:
Tammy Grimes, Dog Deserve Better, International Activist, euthanized, Dog law enforcement officials,
cited, court appearance, unlicensed, investigating, stole

♦ Citation(s) ♦
(Name of Original Work, Author, Name of Resource, Prior Posting Location, Date of Work, Date of Access, & Location Address.)

"Chow Takes Bite Out of Local Dog Activist"
State College.com., Penn State.
Originally Posted: 03/02/2007 10:14 am.
Accessed: 03/05/2007.

► ...
"... The founder of the Tipton-based international activist group Dogs Deserve Better has found herself in some more legal trouble after being attacked by one of her own dogs.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says 42-year-old Tammy Grimes was attacked by a 75-pound black chow in her kitchen Wednesday morning. Grimes was bitten in three different places and the seriousness of wounds required her to be taken to the Altoona Regional Health System by ambulance.

Grimes told investigators that a dispute over food led to the attack. The dog was taken to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, where it was euthanized Thursday. Dog law enforcement officials were called to investigate the attack, and later cited Grimes because the dog was not licensed. Agriculture officials are investigating whether or not more dogs living in Grime's care are unlicensed.

Grimes is scheduled to appear in Blair County Court next month after admitting to removing a dog named Jake from the home of an East Freedom couple last September. Grimes says the couple left the dog tied up outside and in pain. She called the removal of Jake an act of compassion, but police say she stole the dog ..."

Posted for Fair Use Archive Purposes Only giving proper citation credit to the originator.
The U.S. Copyright Office Code Title 17.10 > Chapter1 > Section 107 Any copyrighted work is distributed under Fair Use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for nonprofit research and probono educational archival purposes only.


American Veterinary Medical Association Resources for pet owners and veterinarians. http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp
Animal Ark - Pet Food Recall Database A group member who is collecting data to develop reports and statistics on the pet food recall. https://www.animalarkshelter.org//animal/PetFoodRecall.nsf/Contact?OpenForm
Another Blog with lots of info (mine) My Goal: The info we need, in the easiest way possible. http://playingbig.blogspot.com/
Cornell University - College of Veterinary Medicine Researchers at Cornell are leading the investigation to determine the causative agent in the pet foods manufactured by Menu Foods. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/
FULL List of Recalled Foods Includes UPC Flavor Date Size - 77 page PDF file http://itchmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/menufoods_recall_list_mar21.pdf
Flickr Pet Food Recall Photo Gallery A place to share your photos of the animals affected by the recall. Please join, we'd like to put faces to the stories and give support and information to future victims. Registration is free or go to group description to post photos without joining. http://www.flickr.com/groups/petfoodrecall/
HOWL911-Menu Foods Pet Food Recall Page The most comprehensive list of resources and news links http://www.howl911.com
I Forget Very Good Overview of Pet Food Industry, written in April 2006 http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/data/784/Patrick06.html
Iowa State University If you suspect that your cat or dog has been poisoned, veterinary toxicologists at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine can confirm the presence of toxins in the food or samples from the pet. http://cvmweb2.cvm.iastate.edu/departments/VDPAM/default.aspx?id=2784
K9KIDNEYS Yahoo Group The K9KIDNEYS list is a list for owners of dogs suffering from one or more forms of kidney disorders. Support and help for those whose dog has kidney failure. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9KIDNEYS/
Menu Foods Press Conference Fri 3/23 This is the raw footage http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/videonav/dayportNav.aspx?videoid=193689#top
Pet Connection Database Please report illness and death of pets here. Also report them to the FDA http://www.petconnection.com/recall/
Pet Food Recall Blog Spot Another centralized location for information pertaining to the recent Menu Foods Pet Food recall. http://www.petfoodrecall.blogspot.com
Pet Food Tracker Easier to use files and info of recalled foods http://petfoodtracker.blogspot.com/
Pet Lose Support Contains a Forum, chat and other things for support of a losing a pet. Has a memoiral area also. Great people to help anyone. http://www.rainbowbridge.com
Pet Memorials Excellent resource for Pet Memorials...keep their memories alive and preserve their spirit! http://www.rockitcreations.com
PetSupport.net The Online Pet Loss, Grief and Illness Support Network http://petsupport.net/articles/Recall.html
Petition to Hold Pet Food Companies Liable Request than the U.S. Congress enact legislation to require pet food manufacturers and the companies that market those pet food brands to be held financially liable... http://www.itchmo.com/read/petition-to-require-pet-food-companies-to-be-held-financially-liable-for-pet-deaths_20070321
PetsitUSA Blog - List of foods not made by Menu Foods Most complete list so far of Foods made and NOT made by Menu Foods. Includes links to food brands sites. http://www.thepetfoodlist.com/
Poop City New York City-based blog covering the recall http://poopcity.typepad.com/poop_city/
Press Conference on Pet Food Raw Footage of NY State Agriculture http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=193689
Progressive Law Group US Based class action suit filed out of Wisconsin, there is a form if interested in joining their suit. http://progressivelaw.ezsitelaunch.com/main.asp?id=12
Recalled Cat Food List of Menu Foods cat food that is recalled http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html
Recalled Dog Food List of Menu Foods dog food that is recalled http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html
There is a group on Myspace too. Post info you have for these people too please. You can invite them here. http://groups. myspace. com/ pet food recall
Vetcetera blog Covering the recall from a veterinarian's perspective http://catmanager.wordpress.com/
Wording of Pet Food Labels a handy definition list http://home.att.net/~wdcusick/02.html
itchmo blog Seattle-based blog doing investigative reporting on the recall and providing links and resources as well. http://www.itchmo.com/go/tagged/safety/


Add photo caption or credit here	Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here	Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here	Add photo caption or credit here

Add photo caption or credit here	Add photo caption or credit here

gone - Recently Updated Pages

Scottish Terriers

The Scotty Appeal Home

Safe Foods Research

What did they know and when did they know it?

Clerical error delays recall, Human food safety

Congressional Contacts > Foods

Copy Template

His Eye is on the Sparrow

For the Animals

All Pets Go to Heaven

The Lord's Prayer

Missing Link

Dangerous Foods and Substances

Pet Poisoning Research

Poisoned Scotties?

"NEVER AGAIN!" Series

Label BasicsThere are special labeling requirements for pet food, all of which are contained in the annually revised Official Publication of AAFCO.2 While AAFCO does not regulate pet food, it does provide model regulations and standards that are followed by U.S. pet food makers.

The Manufacturing Process: How Pet Food Is Made

Pet Food Ingredients

Danger Ahead

Pet Food Industry Secrets

What Consumers Can Do

For Further Reading about Animal Nutrition

Who to Write

References

Notes

Information on Reprints:

Best Friends Gallery

Letters to Leaders

Scottish Terriers Being Poisoned?

Keeping Your Scottish Terrier Healthy and Safe

BonoFido 001

Label Basics

There are special labeling requirements for pet food, all of which are contained in the annually revised Official Publication of AAFCO.2 While AAFCO does not regulate pet food, it does provide model regulations and standards that are followed by U.S. pet food makers.