Seven of eight King Charles Cavalier Spaniel puppies have died; they were eight weeks old. The last baby is barely hanging on. While there has been no confirmation as of this writing, NutroMax Puppy food is under suspicion.
Judy V. filled out the Vindication Memorial form to remember the first five puppies (only five had died at this point). When I received the notice, I immediately picked up the phone and called her. We connected a day later; two more puppies had since died.
The puppies were eight weeks old, born in two different litters on the same day. All were ‘fat and sassy’ until June 23, 2010.
Judy’s veterinarian suspected Parvo virus when the puppies first became ill. Suddenly, from one day to the next, fat playful puppies turned to skin and bones. Constantly vomiting bile with a high thirst drive. The Parvo tests were negative. Judy’s family veterinarian sent her to Dr. Greg Campbell DVM of Oklahoma State University Vet School. At first look, Dr. Campbell agreed this had to be Parvo, despite negative results from previous testing. Dr. Campbell did extensive Parvo testing; negative again.
Liver biopsies of several of the deceased puppies show “yellow livers”; liver enzymes were extremely high. Judy V. (the co-owner of the two litters of puppies) explained that the only thing different was a new bag of NutroMax Puppy Food was opened and fed on June 22, 2010; the very next day the first of the puppies became ill. She assured me that both families had gone over every inch of the puppies ‘area’, “there was nothing…nothing they could have gotten in to. The only thing different was that bag of food, a new bag.”
The puppies were weaned around five weeks and had been eating NutroMax Puppy Food since weaning without incident. The new bag of pet food is the suspect bag. But again, this has NOT been confirmed.
Dr. Campbell requested the pet food for testing; it is unknown when the food will be tested or if Dr. Campbell has spoken with the FDA or the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. A phone request this morning (6/29/10) for a statement has yet to be returned.
Needless to say, Judy V. is devastated. We spoke for thirty minutes or so last evening; she promises to provide me (us) with information as this story further unfolds. When I hear from Dr. Campbell, I will post his information.
One more time, this story is shared with all not to cause panic but only to alert of the possibility of a puppy food problem. Nothing has been confirmed at this point. However I do believe that because Dr. Campbell has numerous tissue samples of these puppies plus has the pet food in the original bag, if there is a problem Dr. Campbell and the Oklahoma State University Vet School will find it.
To Judy V. and the Co-Owner of these babies – I am so sorry. I’m confident you have the sympathies and support of countless pet owners who have suffered as your families must be now.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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