Since the FDA issued an initial warning 3 years ago, complaints are on the rise yet again. Today, November 18, 2011 the FDA issued another warning to dog owners.

Dogs affected may show signs ranging from a mild illness to Fanconi Syndrome.

Over the last year, increasing numbers of complaints have been reported to the FDA due to dogs eating chicken jerky products imported from China.

These complaints have been reported to FDA by both dog owners as well as veterinarians.

Pet owners feeding their dogs chicken jerky treats are advised to watch their dogs for any of these signs which may occur within hours or even several days after feeding  jerky pet products: loss of appetite, sluggish, vomiting and/or diarrhea with or without blood.

Some dogs may also show signs of canine kidney failure such as increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

If your pet shows any of these signs, stop feeding  dog chicken jerky’s, report this to the FDA and see your veterinarian.

Pet Blood tests may indicate canine kidney failure and urine tests may reveal sugar indicative of Fanconi syndrome.

Although most canines seem to recover, some dogs have died.

Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher,  Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations for dogs and/ or cats.

Contact Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your dog and/or cat today.

About Dr Carol:

CAROL OSBORNE, D.V.M., is recognized as an authority on alternative and holistic veterinary medicine and the new clinical science of aging-related pet diseases. A Board Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, she has pioneered the exploration of new therapies for the treatment and prevention of age-related degenerative disease, as well as promotion of optimum health and performance for pets.

Dr. Osborne created and patented PAAWS, Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System and authored Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats. She has been featured in USA Today, The Los Angeles Times and the New York Daily News.

An Emmy-nominated television journalist, Dr. Osborne has gained national prominence through her frequent appearances on popular shows including Today in New York, Good Day L.A., and Discovery’s Animal Planet.

Currently, she devotes much of her time to the research and development of advanced biosciences for the benefit of animal health and welfare.

Pet Products to remove Excess Phosphorus for Dogs & Cats with Kidney Disease

Aluminum hydroxide (ALOH) is currently recommended by Board Certified Veterinary Internists at the University of Davis, veterinary hospital as the product of choice to use in pets to effectively bind and eliminate excess phosphorus from the body. It has effectively replaced Epikacin for this purpose.

The Pet Kidney Dialysis Center at University of Davis in California is top notch, offering state of the art treatment, dialysis and kidney transplants for pets with advanced kidney failure.

Azodyl is an over the counter product made in France and distributed by a company called Vetoquinol for pets. Another company Kilbow Biotics, sells Azodyl for humans. Azodyl, contains three varieties of “good bacteria”, or what we refer to as probiotics, (also found in organic yogurt, such as “activia”)  specifically E. thermophilus (KB 19), L. acidophilus (KB 27), and B. longum (KB 31), along with some Psyllium husk.

The Vetoquinol web site suggests that using Azodyl, along with another product, called Epikacin they also manufacture helps to reduce nitrogenous waste and flush “uremic” toxins from the bodies of dogs and cats with kidney problems, therefore lowering BUN and Creatinine blood levels.

Epikacin, made by the same company, is a Calcium based product, labelled to bind excess phosphorus and help eliminate it from the body, in pets with kidney failure. Unfortunately, excess calcium blood levels are usually also present in pets with kidney failure and because of this, newer products specifically Aluminum Hydroxide is considered to be the best product available to reduce excess phosphorus and calcium blood levels.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest news, tips and pet anti-aging updates for your dogs and cats.

Holistic veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM is available for pet health care consultations and pet health questions.

Call Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your pet.

Natural Pet Kidney Therapy for Dogs and Cats

Herbal Pet Kidney Remedies

Fish oil is a source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Rhubarb (Rheum Officinale)

B Vitamins and Iron

Balanced, comprehensive, natural pet vitamin mineral supplements including PAAWS Pet Vitamins and VitaLife Pet Supplements

Glandulars or dietary beef kidney

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) one tablet per 30 pounds of body weight given once daily may help strengthen kidney tissue.  Crush and mix with food.

Fresh parsley is a diuretic herb which promotes urination and may be useful in certain cases.

*Kidney Essentials is a natural herbal combination of superior plant based phytonutrients that help to maintain and restore normal kidney function in dogs.

Mastica soothes sensitive stomachs for pets with acute and chronic pet kidney disease.

Homeopathic Pet Remedies for Companion Animal Kidney Disease

Kali chloricum is recommended for long-term pet kidney disorders

Arsenicum album 30c counteracts vomiting in acute pet Kidney Disease

Silicea 30c helps to slow down degeneration of pet  kidney tissue in long-term cases.

Pet Products to Remove Excess Phosphorus for Dogs & Cats with Kidney Disease:

Aluminum hydroxide (ALOH) pictured below, is currently recommended by Board Certified Veterinary Internists at the University of Davis, veterinary hospital as the product of choice to use in pets to effectively bind and eliminate excess phosphorus from the body. It has effectively replaced Epikacin for this purpose.

The Kidney Dialysis Center at University of Davis in California is top notch, offering state of the art treatment, dialysis and kidney transplants for pets with advanced kidney failure.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest news, tips and pet anti-aging longevity updates for your dogs and cats.

Holistic veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM is available for pet health care consultations and pet health questions.

Call Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your pet.

DOG URINARY INCONTINENCE  IS NOT UNCOMMON

If your housebroken dog starts having indoor URINARY accidents, a medical problem called canine urinary incontinence could be responsible.  All forms of PET urinary incontinence should be diagnosed and treated promptly by your veterinarian.  Extended exposure to urine on your pet’s skin is irritating and can lead to secondary complications including pet skin ulcers which are also very common in dogs that are immobilized and/or inactive.

CAUSES OF PET URINARY INCONTINENCE

Estrogen-responsive Canine Urinary Incontinence is a common problem affecting older spayed female dogs.

Canine Cushing’s Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, and Chronic Dog Kidney Failure result in the production of excessive amounts of urine which may cause indoor urinary accidents.

Canine Urinary Tract Infections can cause dogs to feel the urge to urinate frequently because of bacterial irritation to the bladder wall.

Other conditions that may cause canine urinary incontinence are kidney and dog bladder stones as well as polyps of the urinary bladder and pet cancer of the urinary tract.

Certain medications contribute to increased dog urine volume.  Diuretics, like Lasix, are often used to promote urination in certain types of Canine Heart Disease, which helps prevent excess fluid from accumulating in your dogs lungs.

SIGNS OF PET URINARY INCONTINENCE

In estrogen responsive canine urinary incontinence the primary complaint is that dogs urine leakage occurs unconsciously while the female dog is sleeping and/or resting.  The dog leaves a  “wet spot”.

Canine urinary tract infections cause dogs to produce small amounts of urine more often than normal, which causes dogs to pass small amounts of urine several times a day.

Excessive urinating and drinking are hallmark signs of Canine Diabetes, Cushings Disease and Dog Kidney Failure.  Proper diagnosis is essential to confirm the exact problem so that treatment will be effective.

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Dr. Larry Nagode (DVM, Ph.D.) professor at  The Ohio State University Veterinary College recommends treating pets in chronic kidney failure with phosphorus values over 6 with aluminum hydroxide binders, rather than using calcium based binders like Epikacin.  Dosage is based on your pet’s body weight.

Generic Aluminum Hydroxide Dry Gel Powder (USP) may be purchased from local compounding or hospital pharmacies or by mail order.  This is the most convenient phosphorus binder because it is tasteless and easy to mix with wet pet food and may also be mixed with dry pet food.

To mix aluminum hydroxide with dry pet food simply place the aluminum hydroxide binder and dry pet food in a plastic baggie and the dry pet food will absorb the aluminum hydroxide binder overnight.

Alternatively pet owners can slightly warm the dry pet food in the microwave for 5-8 seconds. Then shake the aluminum hydroxide powder with the pet food in a baggie like a “shake and bake”. The outer fatty coating of dry pet food which is called digest, softens with warming and that allows the aluminum hydroxide powder to attach more readily to the pet food.

The dry gel powder is non-prescriptive but some pet compounding pharmacies and other vendors may insist upon a veterinary prescription.

For a dog or cat in chronic kidney failure that will need to be on phosphorus binders for a lifetime, aluminum hydroxide is most effective and least expensive option.

Three brands of aluminum hydroxide dry gel powder are readily available: PCAA, Spectrum and Gallipot.

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Pet Kidney Disease affects thousands of dogs and cats each year. Because many pet medications offered for dogs and cats suffering with kidney failure can be confusing, and since online information often offers conflicting recommendations, here are some tips to help pet owners address their dog and cat’s kidney health.

One of the problems that is very common in pets with chronic kidney failure other than elevated BUN and Creatinine levels is Phosphorus and Calcium. This discussion will address binders available to reduce or lower elevated blood Phosphorus levels in dogs and cats with kidney disease.

Calcium-based Pet Phosphorus Binders such as Phos-Lo and Tums are readily available and inexpensive.

But they’re not as effective as the pet Aluminum Hydroxide (ALOH) binders, because they require large doses and they are not as safe.  There is also the risk that supplementing Calcium in a dog or cat with Chronic Kidney Failure can lead to serious problems such as excessively elevated blood Calcium levels, called Hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia or high calcium in your pets blood, can lead to calcium deposits which are referred to by vets as “soft tissue calcification.” Calcium based stones like the one in the photograph below, can form in various areas of your pets body, including the urinary bladder, kidneys and heart.

Elevated Calcium can also cause pet kidney failure and pet cancer including kidney cancer and lymphoma cancer in dogs and cats.

Epikacin is an example of a calcium based phosphate binder, often prescribed for dogs and cats in kidney failure.

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Your pets kidneys serve many vital pet functions.  They filter and remove toxic wastes from the body via the urine, regulate Calcium and Vitamin D levels, maintain fluid levels, and secrete the hormone responsible for red blood cell production.

Anything that interferes with the kidneys’ ability to function properly can cause pet kidney disease, which is the second only to cancer as a leading cause of death in pets.  In most cases, progressive age-related deterioration is responsible, with no apparent cause.

Other causes of pet kidney disease in dogs and cats include bacterial and viral infections, nutritional factors, immune system defects, toxins such as excess Vitamin D currently in Blue Buffalo recalled dog food and Antifreeze, as well as inherited pet breed disorders.

“Acute” pet kidney disease occurs suddenly, is much less common than chronic kidney disease in pets, and with prompt treatment is generally reversible.

Long-term “chronic” kidney disease referred to as chronic pet renal disease is the most common form in dogs and cats.  It is usually the result of slow age-related deterioration of the kidneys.

Signs of Pet Kidney Disease

Initially dogs and cats drink water and urinate excessively.  The urine produced is dilute so dogs and cats become dehydrated and drink a lot to try to replace the lost fluids.

No matter how much pets drink; they are unable to maintain normal hydration.

Advanced signs of Pet Kidney Disease include weight loss, vomiting, depression and loss of appetite.  Signs are not apparent until 80 percent of your pets kidney function is already lost.

Routine diagnostics for pet kidney disease include blood and urine tests as well as abdominal x-rays.

A kidney biopsy is generally necessary to confirm the exact cause.  In most cases, a biopsy is not obtained and treatment is symptomatic.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest news, tips and pet anti-aging longevity updates for your dogs and cats.

Holistic veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM is available for pet health care consultations and pet health questions.

Call Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your pet.

After being part of the 2007 MENU Pet Food Recall, today, Monday, October 11, 2010: The Blue Buffalo Company Ltd. of Wilton, Ct., is once again recalling Blue Buffalo Dog Food.

This time recalled Blue Buffalo dog foods are those being sold under the names of Wilderness Dog Chicken, Basics Salmon for Dogs and Large Breed Adult Chicken Dry Dog Food.

Today’s dog food recall announcement is not associated with Chinese Gluten or Melamine as it was in 2007 but instead it is due to excess Vitamin D.

So far, Blue Buffalo has received 36 reports of dogs sickened. The excess Vitamin D in the dog food is called Vitamin D Toxicity, or Hypervitaminosis D.

Too much Vitamin D in your dogs diet causes canine bone loss and abnormally high blood calcium levels. Excess calcium can lead to canine kidney stones as well as calcium deposits in other organs including your dogs heart and kidneys.

Dogs affected by the recalled dog foods with excess Vitamin D levels, generally show signs of excess blood Calcium. Excess calcium is referred to as Hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia is often associated with various types of pet cancer specifically Dog Kidney Cancer and Canine Lymphoma Cancer, both of which may also be fatal in dogs.

Signs of excess calcium are initially those of Dog Kidney Failure and include increased thirst, increased urination, stomach upset, lethargy, and/or appetite loss.

If your dog has eaten Blue Buffalo Dog Food and/or is showing any of these signs,

call your veterinarian and/or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toll free at 1-888-426-4435.

A $65 consultation fee may apply for pet owners calling the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center.

Canine Hypercalcemia or excessive blood levels of Calcium in dogs has a negative on the kidneys, heart and nervous system in dogs.

Specifically excess calcium in dogs can lead to acute kidney failure and may also damage your dog’s heart and/or the canine nervous system.

Untreated cases of hypercalcemia in dogs can lead to pet cancer, coma and death. Be sure to check exactly what type of dog food you are feeding your dog!

Blue Buffalo may be contacted by phone at 1-877-523-9114 to arrange for return of the recalled dog food and financial  reimbursement.

Apparently, Blue Buffalo found that their ingredient supplier had made a scheduling error and produced a Vitamin D Supplement immediately prior to preparing the ingredients for the recalled BLUE dog food products. Blue Buffalo’s spokesperson said, “We believe that some of the Vitamin D supplement may have been carried over into our products, resulting in more Vitamin D than is called for in our formulas.”

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What Pet Owners and Vets Can do for Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats

Fluid therapy is the single most important factor in the treatment of pet kidney disease. Your pet’s kidneys normally function to maintain fluid levels by concentrating the urine.  With pet kidney disease, excess fluids are lost into the urine so dehydration becomes a major problem. Severe fluid losses can lead to shock and ultimately death.

Good pet nutrition is also critical!

The goal is to decrease the workload on your pet’s kidneys by decreasing the amount of waste the kidneys must eliminate.  Excess dietary protein, phosphorus, calcium and salt create a lot of waste. Pet diets should therefore contain small amounts of high-quality proteins, low salt (use salt substitute), and minimal phosphorus. Home-made pet kidney diets are ideal and can be tailored specifically for your dog and/or cat.

The most important parameter with respect to pet dietary protein is quality rather than an absolute amount. For example human dialysis patients eat eggs. Why? … Each egg contains 7 grams of pure protein on which the kidneys do not work at all to utilize.

Home-made pet kidney diets can be easily tailored to meet your pets specific needs. Balancing home-made pet kidney meals by adding a comprehensive, natural pet vitamin supplement.

Adding natural, herbal kidney nutrients has also proven beneficial to many pet patients with kidney disease in this veterinarians clinical experience.

Trying to determine protein pet food levels, by reading pet labels can be quite misleading. For example, a chemical called Cyanuric Acid, used as a pool cleaner is approved as a pet food additive to artificially elevate pet food protein levels.

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I wanted to share another note I received from a diabetic pet owner:

Dear Dr. Carol,

You are so kind and dedicated to your field to even email me as a total stranger. I congratulate you for this- you are obviously one of the few whom are truly dedicated to your practice.

I am an emergency room, registered nurse of 27 years. It has been extremely hard on me and my husband this past year with Winston. When you are use to treating and healing others, it truly is hard when your own are sick and your hands are tied and you want to help. I never was comfortable with Vetsulin and wondered why not the other insulin. Felt like I could get a human’s insulin under control within hours, why can’t I get Winston’s better controlled?

If only we were informed as soon as this FDA warning came out 11/2/09, this possibly could have been prevented. Whose responsibility is this? I think it is the manufacturer and the prescribing veterinarian and dispensing facility, whether the pharmacy or the vet’s office.
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