USA: Mystery illness sickening and killing dogs after eating imported chicken treats same as illness linked to irradiated treats formerly imported into Australia

[Emily]

http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/21/8885427-chicken-jerky-treats-linked-to-mystery-illnesses-deaths-in-dogs

Chicken jerky treats linked to mystery illnesses, deaths in dogs
By JoNel Aleccia
November 18, 2011
[snip]
At least 70 dogs have been sickened so far this year after reportedly eating chicken jerky products imported from China, FDA officials said. That’s up from 54 reports of illness in 2010. Some of the dogs have died, according to the anecdotal reports from pet owners and veterinarians.

Treats are sold as

• chicken jerky products
• chicken tenders
• chicken treats

This has been happening since 2008, when there were 156 reports of illnesses and deaths linked to chicken treats imported from China. Reports diminished for awhile, and now are rising again.

The dogs are becoming ill within hours to days after eating the treats via Fanconi syndrome and/or kidney failure.

http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=13936

Following product recalls, Fanconi-like syndrome outbreak abates in Australia
September 23, 2009
By: Edie Lau
For The VIN News Service

Part 1 of 6: Fanconi-like cases continue in Australia
Part 2 of 6: Mystery of illness associated with jerky treats persists
Part 3 of 6: New mystery arises in cases of Fanconi-like syndrome
Part 4 of 6: Virbac recalls VeggieDent chews in Australia
Part 5 of 6: Following product recalls, Fanconi-like syndrome outbreak abates in Australia
Part 6 of 6: Jerky treats for dogs still suspected in illness
An outbreak in dogs of acquired proximal renal tubulopathy, also known as Fanconi-like syndrome, appears to have ended in Australia since two different kinds of dog chews and treats were pulled from the market.

The kidney conditions, sometimes fatal, were associated with the feeding of chicken jerky treats made by KraMar and grain-based dental chews made by Virbac. Analysis of both products revealed no contaminants or toxicants, however.
[snip]
No cases of Fanconi-like syndrome have been associated with VeggieDents outside of Australia, so the product is still available in Europe, Asia and the United States.

The [grain-based] chews are made in Vietnam. Virbac has said that the product in Australia, unlike those sold elsewhere, is irradiated as required by the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service.

The FDA needs to examine whether there is a link to irradiation among the chicken treats consumed prior to Fanconi-like syndrome developing in dogs. If most chicken treats from China are irradiated, then the levels of irradiation should be examined for a link to the illnesses.

ETA: The FDA is investigating an irradiation link.
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/sho...21&postcount=6

[Emily]

Re: USA: Mystery illness sickening and killing dogs after eating imported chicken treats same as illness linked to irradiated treats formerly imported into Australia

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22058368

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2011 Nov;47(6):e178-87.
Fanconi syndrome in four non-basenji dogs exposed to chicken jerky treats.
Hooper AN, Roberts BK.
Source

Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Department, Cooper City, FL.
Abstract

Four small-breed dogs were diagnosed with acquired Fanconi syndrome. All dogs ate varying amounts of chicken jerky treats. All dogs were examined for similar clinical signs that included, but were not limited to, lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and altered thirst and urination. The quantity of chicken jerky consumed could not be determined; however, based on the histories obtained, the chicken jerky treats were a significant part of the diet and were consumed daily by all dogs. Extensive diagnostic testing eliminated other causes of the observed clinical signs, such as urinary tract infection and rickettsial disease. Glucosuria in the face of euglycemia or hypoglycemia, aminoaciduria, and metabolic acidosis confirmed the diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome. All dogs received supportive care, including IV fluids, antibiotics, gastroprotectants, and oral nutritional supplements. Three dogs exhibited complete resolution of glucosuria, proteinuria, and the associated azotemia; however, one dog remained azotemic, resulting in a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

PMID:
22058368
[PubMed - in process]
National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD, 20894 USA

[Emily]

Re: USA: Mystery illness sickening and killing dogs after eating imported chicken treats same as illness linked to irradiated treats formerly imported into Australia

http://www.washingtonpost.com/nation...d74_story.html

Mystery of pet deaths related to jerky treats made in China continues to stump FDA

By Brady Dennis, Published: March 28 E-mail the writer

Andy lost his appetite. Then came the vomiting, the unquenchable thirst, the constant need to urinate. Over several days last year, the spunky 4-year-old West Highland white terrier grew lethargic and lost more than 10 percent of his weight.

?It got bad,? said Andy?s owner, Alfredo Gude, a retiree in Cape Coral, Fla. ?I knew that he was in trouble.?...