Urgent Health News

Pig ear treats recalled after dog sickened by Salmonella 

A sick dog in Missouri has prompted the recall of pig ear treats that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says could be contaminated with Salmonella. 

Pig Ears for Pets Treats, made by Keys Manufacturing Co. of Paris, IL., were distributed by truck in 100- count cases from September to October 2010, and in January 2011 throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisana, Texas and Minnesota. 

After the reported illness of the dog in Missouri, the Keys Manufacturing began working with the FDA to identify any products that could be contaminated with Salmonella. FDA's investigation on the source of the contamination is ongoing, according to the agency.

Customers who bought the affected product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions can be directed to Keys Manufacturing at (217) 465-4001. 

Low Thiamine Levels Prompts Canned Cat Food Recall 

WellPet LLC is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Wellness canned cat food due to low thiamine levels. 

The lots involved in the recall are:

* Wellness canned cat food (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR13 through 30SEP13  * Wellness canned cat food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 best by dates

No other wellness products are impacted. Cats fed only the affected lots for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency, according to the FDA. Thiamine, also known as B1, is essential for cats. 

Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature, according to the FDA. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetitie, salivation, voming and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which may inclued ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling and seizures. 

Cats that have consumed the recalled lots and exhibit these symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian, according to the FDA, adding that thiamine deficiency is typically reversible if treated properly.

Consumers should stop feeding their cats the food from these lots. To arrange for a product return and reimbursement, call 877-227-9587, Monday through Friday 9am- 7 pm EST. 

WARNING:  Don't let your dog's rabies vaccine expire!

The State Veterinarian has made it law that if your dog is overdue, even by 1 day, for his/her rabies vaccination it must be given a 1 year vaccine booster instead of the routine 3 year booster.  Check your pet portal account or call one of our Client Care Specialists @ 563.386.1445 to find out when your dog's rabies vaccine is due.  Then make an appointment for their booster before the expiration date to continue with the 3 year rabies vaccination schedule.