It is advisable that dog owners avoid feeding their canine companions chicken jerky treats after several cases of kidney disease have recently been reported in dogs after consuming these treats. An official warning has been sent out by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) as well as the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

The OVMA has received multiple reports at present of otherwise healthy dogs who are developing kidney disease after the consumption of chicken jerky treats. One severe case has resulted in the dog being euthanized. The autopsy of the euthanized dog indicated the presence a toxic substance. They are working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Pet Food Program division to determine if there is any connection between the chicken jerky treats, and an unusually high number of reports from OVMA members of pets falling ill with Fanconi syndrome-like symptoms of kidney disease.

The products in question appear to be manufactured in Canada, but imported from China or Thailand. Multiple brand names have been implicated. Symptoms include decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Blood and urine tests may show kidney impairment resulting in protein and glucose loss into the urine known as Fanconi Syndrome.

In the spring of 2007 "Jerky Treats dog snacks beef flavour" were voluntarily recalled after their North American distributor learned that a plant in China had been adding melamine to the product. The FDA and CFIA issued a recall on that particular product. Shortly after this, the American Veterinary Medical Association posted an alert that, "multiple brands of jerky treats made in China were making pets sick" based on complaints from pet owners and veterinarians. The symptoms exhibited in some of the pets that ate the jerky treats in 2007 were similar to those seen in animals with Fanconi Syndrome. The same symptoms have again been reported more recently by several OVMA members.

To ensure your dog's health is protected, it is advisable to refrain from feeding chicken jerky treats until more information can be found as to whether they are responsible for these potentially life threatening reactions.

Jackie, my other half has suffered from Fanconi for 2 years now due to eating chicken treats from China. Case after case has been proven to be linked directly with the consumption of these treats but NO BANS OR WARNINGS in the UNITED STATES which is ridiculous. Doctor Gonto is the expert on the Protocol to treating Fanconi.

If you have current concerns about whether you pet may be suffering any ill effects after consuming similar types of treats, please call one of our clinics to set up an appointment.



Sincerely,


Your Veterinarians and Staff,
Greenbank & Rideau Animal Hospitals