AHL LabNote

Caution Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products

Number 21 May 18, 2012

Since 2007, there have been unproven concerns that the feeding of certain types for chicken jerky treats in North America has caused sickness in dogs. These concerns have been relayed to veterinarians in Canada and the United States. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking the lead on the investigations. Listed below are some links that are available on the issue. http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm295445.htm http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm280586.htm http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm http://www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/jerkytreats/default.asp The clinical signs that may be associated with chicken jerky products include decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption, and/or increased urination. These signs may occur within hours to days of feeding the products. Laboratory tests may indicate kidney problems, including Fanconi-like syndrome. Although many dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died. FDA continues to investigate the problem and its origin. Some of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. FDA is leading the charge on this issue - There is a group of Toxicology labs across North America (vet-LRN) that is working on the issue, and the FDA recently has sent someone to China to investigate. They have also recently issued an RFP for further work to be done. Samples collected from all over the United States and Canada have been tested for a wide variety of substances and, to date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. A full medical history with clinical signs and laboratory testing indicating Fanconi syndrome are a must for investigation. Jerky treat samples and the full history can be submitted to AHL (we are doing some testing for maleic acid - one of the possible agents that can produce Fanconi syndrome in dogs). Other diagnostic testing including a heavy metal screen can also be performed. Interpretation of results will be difficult as nothing is yet implicated. AHL submitting information is listed below http://www.guelphlabservices.com/AHL/SubmitSpecimens.aspx http://www.guelphlabservices.com/AHL/Submission_Forms.aspx Veterinarians may contact us if they have any questions at ahlinfo@uoguelph.ca or 519-824-4120 ext 54530 Jim Fairles DVM MBA Client Services Veterinarian Animal Health Laboratory

AHL LabNote 21

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May 2012