The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) sent the following message to practicing veterinarians. As well, below you’ll find confirmation and clarification from the CVMA.
The following message was sent to practicing veterinarians across Canada on June 3, 2011 (sent to me from one of you wonderful people out there – thank you!).
“Dear Member,
Recently, several veterinarians in Ontario have reported cases of dogs that have been showing signs similar to Fanconi syndrome. All dogs in the reported cases had been fed chicken jerky treats that were manufactured in China.
Signs of Fanconi syndrome can include decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Blood tests may show increased urea nitrogen and creatinine. Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose).
To help us learn if there are similar cases in other areas of the country, we would appreciate hearing from you if you have recently encountered a similar case involving chicken jerky treats. Please contact CVMA Member Services at admin@cvma-acmv.org or 1-800-567-2862 and let us know the date of the visit, the breed of the dog and the type of chicken jerky treats it has been fed.
You may wish to consider advising your clients to avoid feeding their pets chicken jerky treats. until more information is available.”
I emailed the CVMA for more information and below is what I received…
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your message. We appreciate you contacting us to verify this matter.
On Friday, June 3 we sent an email to our member veterinarians to advise that there was a possibility that chicken jerky treats were being connected to a few cases of dogs that have been showing signs similar to Fanconi syndrome. All dogs in the reported cases had been fed chicken jerky treats that were manufactured in China.
The purpose of Friday’s email to CVMA members was to find out if any veterinarians in Canada are seeing similar cases. At this point there is no scientific evidence directly connecting the reported illnesses to the jerky treats.
In the meantime, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for contacting us to verify this information.
Sincerely,
Kristin McEvoy
Manager, Communications and SCVMA Program / Gestionnaire, Communications et programme des ÉACMV
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association / Association canadienne des médecins vétérinaires
There is no current warning – to my knowledge – from the FDA regarding Chinese chicken jerky treats in the U.S. However the FDA did provide a warning in 2008; “Caution to Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products”
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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