more than
1,000 deaths are now linked to toxic dog jerky treats that. according to an
update by the food and drug administration ((FDA))
the agency
said that since 2007, there have been together almost 5,000 complaints of
animal diseases to the goodies. the majority of symptoms reported
gastrointestinal or liver disease, and about one third were associated kidney
and urinary tract disease.
about 10
percent of the cases include other symptoms such as neurological,
dermatological and immunological symptoms, and about 15 percent of the kidney
and urinary tract disease cases also tested positive fanconi syndrome - a rare
kidney disease also associated with the pet deaths.
the (FDA) is
still unsure of the specific cause for the reported illnesses and deaths, but
most cases occurred after reports the pets had chicken, duck or sweet potato
jerky treats imported from china eaten. no specific brands were reminded in the
(FDA) latest version, but dr. jonathan levine, an associate veterinarian at
blue pearl veterinary partners in new york city, the owner should always check
whatever the labels of the foods they give their pets.
in 2007,
some pet food companies voluntarily removed some jerky treats from the market.
but at the time, said the (FDA) does not want to exhibit it to call back
without a definite cause. these products contain milo kitchen chicken jerky
treats and chicken grillers, made by del monte, and waggin 'train and canyon
creek ranch dog treats, made by nestle purina.
the (FDA)
has with the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) in order to find
out what foods can to contribute pet disease. the study will be the food sick
dogs to the dogs who have eaten not become ill ate compare to determine if the
jerky is really the culprit.
so far,
testing of jerky pet treats from china showed low antibiotics and the antiviral
drug amantadine in some samples chicken. pain control applications in humans
and in dogs although (FDA)-approved, the agency banned its use in poultry in
2006 to preserve its effectiveness.
the (FDA) is
not the opinion of amantadine contributed to the disease, because the side
effects of the drug do not correlate with the symptoms seen in pets; however,
amantadine should not exist in jerky treats.
chinese
authorities have agreed to additional screening and follow-up with jerky
enjoyment manufacturers, and the (FDA) has informed the u.s. treat makers of
the presence of amantadine in some jerky products. the agency is also testing
these products for drugs and other antiviral drugs further.
the (FDA)
warned pet owners that jerky pet treats not for a balanced diet are required.
if your pet is experiencing a sign of illness, including vomiting, diarrhea and
lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately.
