June 2007
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• Pet food recall update
• Meets Shawn's pets
• Mutation of a common cat virus
• Weight loss news
  

Pet food recall update
Sadly, the recall continues and  new products have been added to the list.  Ongoing investigations by the FDA have shown that the offending product, melamine, was actually in wheat flour which was mislabeled as wheat gluten.  The Chinese companies responsible are no longer in business and officials with these companies have been detained, according to the FDA.  Since March of this year, there have been recalls of about 5,500 pet food products.  Concerns of cross-contamination of pet food brands that were not in the initial recall have contributed to the expanding list.
The melamine-containing products that came from China have also been traced to food animal and fish feed operations in the US.  This has caused a concern for human health.  A risk assessment has been made by a conglomeration of government agencies including the FDA, the Department of Agriculture, and the Food Safety and Inspection Services.  Their conclusion was that fish, poultry, and swine that consumed contaminated feed would not pose a human health risk because of the diluted nature of the chemical (melamine) at the point of human consumption.
Because of the ongoing nature of this situation we would highly recommend checking this website regularly for updates on product recalls.  It is compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association - www.avma.org/aa/petfoodrecall/products.asp.

Meet the pets of Shawn Hopkins
My name is Sylvester. I am seven years old and was a stray kitten when Shawn's wife, Jamie, found me. I like to spend my days looking out the windows, eating, and I especially enjoy keeping a close eye on the other critters that live in my house. I once weighed over 19 pounds, but with some great help from Dr. Sue, I now weigh under 15 pounds and I'm still losing. Thanks Dr. Sue for changing my life. I feel and act like a whole new cat!
My name is Homer. I was Shawn's first ferret. I live with my brothers Ned, Ralph, Barney, and Lenny and my sisters Maggie and Patty. We spend our time playing, eating, and sleeping. We especially enjoy sleeping. Patty, Lenny, and I are all deaf, but we manage just fine. Ned is the oldest at four years and the leader of our group. Patty is the smallest member of our group, weighing just one pound. Barney, Ralph, and Lenny all weigh over three pounds. We all live in the same cage and we get along great. It is not uncommon to see all seven of us sleeping in one big pile. When one of us is ill, Shawn takes us to see Dr. Chris. She is very knowledgeable of our needs which is a big comfort to all of us.

Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is common.  Protection against FCV has been included in the annual vaccine given to cats for many years.  Symptoms of FCV include upper respiratory tract symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, and ulcers on the tongue.  It is the most common disease seen in multi-cat settings such as animal shelters and catteries.  Typically, FCV infection is mild and often clears without veterinary care. 
Within the past ten years a new strain of FCV has been observed - virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV).  It is highly contagious and has a mortality rate of 50% or higher.  Mortality has been higher in adult cats than kittens.  In some cases, death has occurred within 24 to 48 hours!  All cats are at risk. 
Clinical signs include a high fever, facial and limb swelling, and ulceration of the ears, face, muzzle, and feet.  The virus may be shed in the feces, sloughed skin and hair, and nasal, ocular, and oral secretions.  A cough or sneeze can send virus particles out as far as six feet.  The virus can be carried on clothing and shoes so it is easily transported to another location. 
Because of its severity and high rate of transmission several veterinary research facilities are focusing their efforts on VS-FCV in an attempt to better understand this emerging threat.   As a result of this ongoing research Ft Dodge Animal Health has developed a vaccine against VS-FCV.  Studies on more than 700 client-owned cats have proven the vaccine to be safe and effective.  East Hilliard Veterinary Services will be using the new vaccine soon.  For the greatest protection the vaccine must be boostered three to four weeks after the initial vaccination.  Please don’t hesitate to discuss this new vaccine with your veterinarian at your next visit.

New weight loss medication
It is estimated that about 17 million dogs in the US are obese and that number is on the rise.  What causes obesity?  Simple: too much food and too little exercise.  There are other factors that can play a role including breed, age, and sex.  Why should you care about your dog’s weight?  As is true in humans, there are major health risks associated with excess weight.  Heart disease, osteoarthritis, cruciate rupture, increased surgical and anesthetic risks, respiratory problems, and insulin resistance can all be associated with obesity. 
Pfizer Animal Health is introducing a brand new product called Slentrol, a once daily medication for the management of canine obesity.  When you visit your veterinarian a weight loss program can be established exclusively for your dog.  On average, ideal weight is achieved in four to six months.  Before starting the program a panel of blood tests will be performed. 
Pfizer has prepared a quiz to help you establish if your dog is overweight.

1. Is your dog of a breed that is prone to obesity, such as Labs, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Shelties?
2. Do you have a multi-dog household?  (Dogs in multi-dog households tend to eat more and faster than those in single-dog households.)
3. Is your dog over five and still being fed the same type and amount of food as when he or she was younger?
4. Feel your dog’s ribs.  Do you find it difficult to determine where one rib ends and one begins?
5. Looking at your dog from the side, is the area between the rib cage and the hindquarters “tucked up” or is the line more straight?
6. Do you regularly feed your dog table scraps and/or multiple non-meal treats each day?
7. When you feed your dog, do you just pour the food into the bowl (rather than giving a specific measured amount each time)?
8. Does your dog have difficulty jumping on the couch or getting up after laying down?
9. Does your dog get less than 20-30 minutes per day of outside exercise/play time?

How many times did you answer yes?
1-3 times – There is a low risk that your dog is overweight or obese.  You may want to take this survey every few months, especially if you see changes in your dog’s weight.
4-6 times – Your dog may be overweight or living a lifestyle that could be leading him or her to become obese.  You may want to discuss your dog’s weight at your next visit.
7-9 times – Your dog is at a very high risk for being overweight or obese.  See a veterinarian immediately to discuss an action plan for your dog.

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