Nasty Chicken Jerky Treats from China Associated with Severe Illness in Dogs - Again - Poisoned Pets

The Gruesome History of Icky Poopie Dog Treats from China

In September 2007, the  American Veterinary Medical Association issued an alert that stated they had been receiving calls from veterinarians reporting Fanconi syndrome-like disease in dogs that appeared to be associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats made in China. These products are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips or treats.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was alerted and investigated the complaints, but testing of the products (surprise, surprise) did not identify any toxins or contaminants. The AVMA continued to receive occasional reports of suspected cases through February 2009.

September 2009, in Australia an outbreak in dogs of acquired proximal renal tubulopathy,  were associated with the feeding of chicken jerky treats from China.  The kidney conditions, also known as Fanconi-like syndrome caused the fatality of a number of dogs.

On June 15, 2011, the AVMA received notification from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) that they have received reports that mirror the cases reported in 2007. The AVMA issued an alert to its members on June 16, informing them of the situation in Canada and recommending vigilance for any suspected cases in the U.S. The AVMA also issued an alert on June 17 to the state veterinary medical associations and allied organizations represented in the AVMA House of Delegates. These products may also labeled as chicken tenders, strips or treats.

What, Me Worry?

The type of kidney failure associated with chicken jerky strips is called acquired Fanconi syndrome. Urine test results consistently show glucose and granular casts. Blood tests may show hypokalemia (low potassium), mildly increased liver enzymes, and acidosis.

Fanconi’s syndrome is a progressive disease, which, if not treated, ultimately results in transport system failure to the point where solute losses are significant enough to overwhelm other compensatory mechanisms and the dog can no longer maintain homeostasis. The most significant of these is the loss of bicarbonate (HCO₃^-). Proximal renal tubular acidosis subsequently develops and, if left uncorrected, will ultimately lead to death.

What the Experts are Saying About the Nasty Treats

• Several cases in Canada have been reported to the CVMA and they have notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).


• The FDA has been made aware of the cases in Canada and their resemblance to the earlier cases in the U.S.


• Based on very preliminary information, it appears that this problem is more likely to occur in small-breed dogs that are fed these treats regularly and/or in amounts exceeding the label-recommended frequency or amount.


• Dogs affected with this syndrome usually have a history of vomiting, lethargy and anorexia. A review by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine of the 2007 cases stated that blood chemistry in many cases revealed hypokalemia and a mild increase in liver enzymes. Blood gas analysis indicated acidosis, and glucosuria and granular casts may be seen. Fanconi screens on urine were positive. At the time, the ACVIM recommended treatment consisting of supportive care, electrolyte supplementation (including potassium supplementation) and blood gas monitoring.


• No recalls have been issued for any chicken jerky treat product (not surprising. And don’t expect one either).
  

I dunt know nuthing, I jus work here

• The brand(s) of chicken jerky treats that may be affected by this alert is unknown. The treats may involve flavors or meats other than chicken. The treats may also be sold as strips, tenders, chews, bites, pulls, sticks or whatever name they usually give that crap.


• The cause (contaminant, toxin or otherwise) of the problem and the exact mechanism by which it causes the illness (they have a pretty good idea, they’re just not talking, yet), is unknown.


• Whether or not the current situation is limited to Canada or is also occurring in the U.S. and if it is occurring in the U.S., if it is a recurrence or if the problem has been going on (but potentially unrecognized) since 2007.


• The toxic treats may not indicate on the package they were “Made in China”. If the imported product or ingredient undergoes any substantive changes after it is in the USA, the manufacturer is not required to label the actual country of origin on the package.

So, Just What the Hell Do I Do Now?

• Veterinarians who suspect a pet illness associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats should report the case to the FDA. Canadian veterinarians should report cases to CVMA Member Services unless directed otherwise by the CVMA.


• For more information about diagnosing and treating the condition, please refer to the ACVIM’s recommendations, which will be updated as needed.


• If a dog presents with a history of vomiting, lethargy and anorexia, coupled with a history of consumption of chicken jerky treats, the following tests may be indicated to indicate Fanconi syndrome-like disease: complete blood chemistry, blood gas analysis and urinalysis. A review by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine of the 2007 cases stated that blood chemistry in many cases revealed hypokalemia and a mild increase in liver enzymes. Blood gas analysis indicated acidosis, and urinalysis consistently showed glucosuria and granular casts. Fanconi screens on urine were positive.


• During the 2007 cases, the ACVIM recommended treatment consisting of supportive care, electrolyte supplementation (including liberal potassium supplementation) and blood gas monitoring.

Common Sense for Dummies

• It is up to you to decide whether or not you will feed your dog chicken jerky treats. If you choose to do so, we recommend that you feed them in small quantities and only on occasion. This is especially important for small-breed dogs. (Personally, I wouldn’t touch the crap with a ten-foot pole)
  


• If your pet is vomiting, lethargic, or does not want to eat, consult your veterinarian, especially if there is a history of chicken jerky treat consumption. If your pet is showing these signs, it does not necessarily mean that your pet has been made ill by chicken jerky treats (don’t take any chances, don’t walk – run to the vet ASAP) – your veterinarian will likely need to perform tests to determine the cause of the problem.


• If your pet becomes ill and you and/or your veterinarian suspect the illness may be associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats, discontinue feeding the treats and save the treats and packaging (storing them out of your pet’s reach and in a place where a family member will not mistakenly feed them to your pet) in case they are needed for testing.

Mollie’s Crazy Cat Lady Activist Advice

• Call the FDA and tell them to get their shit together. Not that it will do any good, but they still need to know, never-the-less. Report a problem here.


• Call the store you bought the crap from and give ‘em Hell.


• Call the store’s HQ and tell them you are going to boycott their store, tell everybody and his brother they suck, start an I hate _____ big box pet store Facebook campaign, write about it in your blog, picket the store, e-mail the store, go to their FB and Twitter pages and tell them they suck (just be sure to unlike yourself afterwards)


• Call & e-mail the manufacturer and give them a piece-o-yer-mind, that you’ve hired a lawyer and are going to bankrupt them for making your dog sick. Do not let the customer service person bullshit you – ask to speak to senior management or you’re gonna keep calling till Doomsday or until Hell freezes over, which ever comes first. Hopefully they speak enough English to understand you.

I Wanna Know More, Dangit!

Dog Treat Warning Snopes report: Yup, it’s TRUE (Snopes)

Remain vigilant for illness linked to chicken jerky treat consumption (ACVIM)

Fanconi Syndrome in Dogs (vet.uga.edu)

Jerky Treats Imported from China Reportedly Causing Kidney Failure in Dogs (DogAware)

How Dog Jerky is Made in China (WARNING: GRAPHIC)

Canadian VMA Cautions About Chicken Jerkey Treats (June 2011)

FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers (FDA December 2008)

POTENTIAL NEW THREAT TO PETS: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR VETERINARIANS (ACVIM 2007)

Related articles

• 
  Merrick’s Doggie Wisbone Pet Treat for Dogs Recalled for Salmonella Contamination (molliemorrissette.wordpress.com)

ALERT: Vets warn of new treats from China poisoning dogs - Poisoned Pets

Not so sweet potato

Despite repeated warnings issued by the FDA, veterinarians are reporting new cases of dogs developing symptoms of kidney failure (Fanconi’s syndrome) similar to dogs who have been poisoned by Chinese-made chicken jerky treats, but this time they are being poisoned with a whole new class of treats: sweet potato treats imported from China.

The brands veterinarians say are associated with the new cases of unexplained acute kidney failure are Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Yam Good Dog Treats (Nestle-Purina), Beefeaters Sweet Potato Treats (16 types of yam-related treats), Drs. Foster and Smith (exact item not specified in the report) and Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality (4 types of Veggie Life brands).

It’s not just jerky

It is important to remember that although the type of treat most often mentioned in the press is described as a jerky treat, the treats may also be called by a myriad of other names such as stix, chips, poppers, tenders, drumettes, kabob’s, strips, fries, lollipops, twists, wraps, bars, tops and discs (I wish I was making this up).

The report goes on to say that there is speculation the problems may also extend to pork treats and cat treats imported from China.

Phucking Phorate

In 2010 the FDA issued an Import Refusal Report and later issued an Import Alert for sweet potato dog treats imported from a company in China (whose main business is, oddly, in rubber and plastic raw materials) were contaminated with a highly toxic pesticide known as Phorate.

Phorate is an extremely toxic organophosphorus compound and is among the most poisonous chemicals commonly used for pest control. It is used in agriculture as a pesticide and Phorate is identified by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) and Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) as one of the “most toxic” set of pesticides known (aka a Bad Actor) in the world.

Although Phorate is known primarily as a neurotoxin and not classified as a nephrotoxin and therefore unlikely to cause acute renal failure in dogs, its presence in any food item is a disturbing indication that treats of any kind imported from China could pose a risk to the health and safety of pets and to the consumers handling them.

Veterinarians know better

Holistic veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve report on the sweet potato treats from China follows:

Sweet Potato Treats from China Causing Kidney Failure?

April 5, 2012

By jhofve77  (Dr. Jean Hofve of Little Big Cat)

On the Veterinary Information Network, several veterinarians have reported cases where dogs have developed symptoms of kidney failure (Fanconi’s syndrome) similar to dogs who have been poisoned by Chinese-made chicken jerky treats.

So far, the brands implicated are all made in China:

• Beefeaters Sweet Potato Snacks for Dogs


• Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Yam Good Dog Treats (FDA has issued a warning on this product)


• Drs. Foster and Smith (exact item not specified in the report)


• Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality

There was also speculation that the problem may also extend to pork products (pig ears) and cat treats made in China. Australian veterinarians have reported similar symptoms from chicken jerky treats, as well as several cases associated with “Veggie Dents,” a dog treat made in Vietnam by Virbac, an American company. Virbac recalled one batch of Veggie Dents in Australia in 2009.

The FDA still claims that there is no pending recall of Chinese-made pet treats, even though it has repeatedly issued warnings about the problems associated with chicken jerky treats since 2007.

Symptoms of Fanconi’s syndrome include:

• Increased drinking and urinating


• “Accidents” in the house


• Reduced appetite


• Weight loss


• Weakness


• Blood and urine tests show azotemia (high BUN and Creatinine), dilute urine, and glucose in the urine (that isn’t diabetes).

Most affected dogs have recovered over time with good supportive care.

We strongly recommend that you check the source of all cat or dog treats you may have purchased, and do not give them to your pet if they were made in China. It would be best to avoid any pet food or treat products made in China, and probably a good idea to avoid all dried animal parts, because they are not heated to a temperature that will kill pathogenic bacteria.

References
Phorate EXTOXNET (Cornell)

Related articles by Poisoned Pets
Dogswell slams Poisoned Pets over safety of Vitality treats (poisonedpets.com)
Canadian vets report of life-threatening dog illness linked to imported treats from US and China (poisonedpets.com)
Secret FDA document reveals test results of chicken jerky treats (poisonedpets.com)
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Nestle-Purina and Walmart over Waggin’ Train Dog Treats (poisonedpets.com)
Bombshell: the FDA is not looking for toxins in chicken jerky treats (poisonedpets.com)
FDA veterinarian confirms boots on the ground in China and asks vets for help (poisonedpets.com)
FDA inspectors are investigating jerky treat production facilities in China (poisonedpets.com)
Secret FDA document reveals test results of chicken jerky treats (poisonedpets.com)
U.S. Senator Brown Presses the FDA Over Inadequate Response to Tainted Chicken Jerky Inquiry (poisonedpets.com)
More dogs die as poisonous jerky treats remain on store shelves (poisonedpets.com)
Congressional Leaders Demand FDA Action to Protect Dogs from Poisonous Jerky Treats (poisonedpets.com)
Chicken Jerky Pet Treat Alert (poisonedpets.com)
Update: Thaxton family nightmare after dogs poisoned by jerky treats continues (poisonedpets.com)
A grieving family wants chicken jerky dog treats to be taken off the market. (poisonedpets.com)

Share the love

Fit "n" Furry Warns: Beware of Chicken Jerky Treats!

Are these jerky treats your dog’s favorite bedtime snack or good behavior reward? Most dogs would gobble up the hand that offered these along with the treats themselves as they are such a hit with pets. However, recent information from multiple veterinary associations as well as the FDA now warn pet owners against purchasing and feeding these types of chicken jerky treats to pets as there have been a large number of complaints of dogs becoming sick after consuming them. The treats in question are the jerky variety including chicken strips and chicken tenders that are supplied by manufacturers in China, including companies such as Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co. and Shanghai Bestro Trading. Testing has been done by the Food and Drug Administration and other veterinary diagnostic labs but a contaminant has yet to be discovered and it does not appear that the perpetrator is melamine, the same contaminant that was found in the massive pet food recall in 2007.

Complaints of pets having decreased appetites and activity level, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption and urination, and lethargy have been associated with dogs ingesting these types of treats. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure in some pets and urine tests may show Fanconi syndrome in others; most pets were reported to have recovered from their illness, but the FDA has received some reports of dogs passing away after continued consumption. The FDA, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) have all received complaints and are conducting testing to determine the cause, monitoring the situation and posting any updates on their respective websites.

If your precious pooch has consumed any of these types of treats and has displayed any of the symptoms shown above discontinue use and have your veterinarian examine them for a suspected cause for their illness. If the treats seem to be the cause notify the FDA in your region by visiting this website. The FDA has not issued a recall on these products nor have they identified which companies may be involved but are cautioning pet parents to use their best judgement when purchasing treats for their dogs.  Updated information on this issue can also be found at the AVMA’s website here.

0.000000 0.000000

Filed under: dog, Dog food, Dog health, dog tips, losing a pet, Vet, Veterinary Tagged: | American Veterinary Medical Association, dog, Food, Food and Drug Administration, Pet, Shopping