<![CDATA[Animal Care Clinic of Holland Road, Virginia Beach VA3501 Holland Road, Suite 107 Virginia Beach VA 23452 Tel. 757-340-6996 - Appointments, Emergencies, and Refills - Blog]]>Thu, 24 May 2012 20:59:39 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[The Recall Has Been Expanded to Include Cat Food]]>Thu, 24 May 2012 16:26:31 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2012/05/the-recall-has-been-expanded-to-include-cat-food.html
This note just came in to me from the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.  
Adding to the list of pet food recalls voluntarily posted recently by Diamond Pet Foods, the company has issued yet another recall in their product lines — catfood, specifically — because of salmonella.
Diamond added the products to the list to alert pet owners to the potential cat food contamination with a general edit to the information on its recall website regarding the Kirkland brand. The company's website said the recall involves its Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula and Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula dry cat food. No illnesses with pets have been reported.

 Distribution reaches to customers in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia, as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico. Even if a state is not listed on the distribution list, the product could have made its way there via other pet food channels, the company indicates.

To determine if pet food is recalled, check the production code on the bag. If the code has both a “3” in the ninth position AND an “X” in the 11th position, the product is affected by the recall. The best-before dates for the recalled products are Dec. 9, 2012 through Jan. 31, 2013. Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact Diamond Pet Foods via a toll free call at 866-918-8756, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (EST). Visit www.diamondpetrecall.com for more information.

 For a full list of recalled dog food, click here  Recall]]><![CDATA[CDC Information for Pet Owners]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 22:18:31 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2012/05/cdc-information-for-pet-owners.htmlThis link is to the Centers for Disease Control.  It provides information for pet owners concerned about the Salmonella outbreak.  If you have any questions about your pet, call us first.  Dr. Silverstone
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/pet-owners-info.html
]]><![CDATA[Purina Announces a Voluntary Recall of OM Canned Cat Food]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 19:06:30 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2012/05/purina-announces-a-voluntary-recall-of-om-canned-cat-food.htmlPurina has just announced a recall of their canned Purina Veterinary Diets OM (Overweight Management) Feline Formula.  The can size is 5.5 oz, Best by date Jun 2013, Production Code 11721159.  The Can's UPS code is 38100 - 13810.

The recall is due to a vitamin deficiency of B1 (thiamine).

Please contact us should you have further questions.  Provided is a link to Purina's announcement.  http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/getresource.axd?category=content&id=1367]]><![CDATA[The Recalled Food is Here in Virginia Beach!]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 15:55:05 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2012/05/the-recalled-food-is-here-in-virginia-beach.html
Picture
This is a bag of the recalled food, brought in by one of our clients today. A quick blood test showed everything is normal in their dog. If you recognize this bag, please contact us so we can make sure if it is on the recall list. Dr S
]]><![CDATA[Solid Gold Pet Food Recall]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 13:07:20 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2012/05/solid-gold-pet-food-recall.html

Here is information on an additional pet food recall.  If you have any concerns about your pets, please contact us.  We are here to help.
Solid Gold Health Products for Pets, Inc., El Cajon, California, announced a voluntary recall of one batch of WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food and one batch of Solid Gold WolfKing Large Breed Adult Dog, both with a Best Before date of Dec.  30, 2012, and an “X” in the 11th digit of the date code.

Solid Gold is voluntarily recalling the products below, distributed in the United States and Canada. This voluntary recall is being done out of an abundance of caution as these products were produced at the facility that has been linked to recent recalls of Diamond brand pet foods due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected bySalmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer.

The products involved in this voluntary recall are:

Solid Gold WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food, 4 lb, 15 lb, and 33 lb, with a best before date of December 30, 2012 and batch code starting with SGB1201A31X.

4 lb identifying UPC 093766750005

15 lb identifying UPC 093766750012

33 lb identifying UPC 093766750029

Solid Gold WolfKing Large Breed Adult Dog Food, 4 lb, 15 lb, and 28.5 lb, with a best before date of December 30, 2012 and batch code starting with SGL1201A32X

4 lb identifying UPC 093766750050

15 lb identifying UPC 093766750067

28.5 lb identifying UPC 093766750081

Best by dates (lot codes) can be found on the back of the bag in the bottom right-hand corner of 33 lb, 28.5 lb and 15 lb bags and the bottom of the 4 lb bags.

Other Solid Gold recipes, sizes or brands of food are not impacted by this voluntary recall.

Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, would like replacement product or have additional questions, may call us at (800) 364-4863 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Pacific time).  5-8-12

]]><![CDATA[Koi Herpes Virus Vaccine]]>Sun, 06 May 2012 20:33:30 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2012/05/koi-herpes-virus-vaccine.htmlKoi Herpes Virus:  There is now a vaccine for this deadly Koi disease.  Please contact us for all your fish health concerns.  We are proud to be one of the first veterinary hospitals to have this vaccine available.  You can read more about the vaccine on the manufacturer's web page Cavoy.com link.  Please contact us for all your fish health concerns.  Please contact us for all your fish health concerns.  
]]><![CDATA[Important Dog Food Recall Update - Salmonella Poisoning Confirmed in People]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 19:28:46 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2012/05/important-dog-food-recall-update-salmonella-poisoning-confirmed-in-people.htmlSee the article below from Food Safety News re: the CDC findings on salmonella poisoning in humans from Diamond Dog Food. NC has three confirmed casesrelated to the dog food salmonella outbreak. Foodborne Illness OutbreaksTainted Dog Food Sickens 14 PeopleSalmonella in Diamond Pet Foods
by Mary Rothschild | May 04, 2012
Fourteen people have been sickened with Salmonella Infantis infections in a 9-state outbreak linked to dog food.  At least five of the individuals have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reported Thursday that multiple brands of Diamond Pet Foods dry dog food - including several that have been recalled in recent days - are the likely source of the human illnesses, either through contact with the contaminated food or through handling an animal that has eaten the tainted kibble. The dog food was produced at a single manufacturing plant in South Carolina.

How many dogs may have been sickened was not mentioned in the CDC report. In some recall notices, Diamond Pet Foods has claimed that no dog illnesses have been reported. Those recall alerts from the company did not reveal that human cases of infection were being investigated.

According to the CDC, routine tests by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development first detected Salmonella in an unopened bag of Diamond Pet Foods Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice dry dog food on April 2. 

PulseNet, the national surveillance system for foodborne illnesses, then spotted several cases of human Salmonella Infantis infections with a genetic fingerprint identical to that found in the dog food, the CDC said.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis was isolated from an opened bag of Diamond Brand Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food, found in the household of an ill person in Ohio. The outbreak strain was also isolated from samples taken from an unopened bag of the dog food obtained from an Ohio retail store.

A sample of Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food collected by the Food and Drug Administration during an inspection at the South Carolina production plant yielded Salmonella, the CDC said.

Seven of 10 outbreak victims interviewed said they had contact with a dog during the week before they became ill. Of five people who could remember the type of dog food they had handled, four said it was a Diamond Pet Foods brand.

Missouri and North Carolina each confirmed 3 cases related to the dog food outbreak. Ohio reported two cases while Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Virginia each reported single cases.

The first onset of illness reported was Oct. 8, 2011 and the most recent illness onset was April 22 -- more than two weeks after the first pet food recall. The case patients range in age from 1 to 82 years old with a median age of 48. Seventy-seven percent of the ill people are female.

Diamond Pet Foods recalled certain batches of its Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice dry dog food on April 6 as a "precautionary measure" and stated then that "no illnesses have been reported and no other Diamond manufactured products are affected." That was four days after the Michigan test results.

Then a second recall was announced April 26 for certain production codes of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Adult Light formula dry dog food. This time, the recall alert stated more narrowly that "no dog illnesses" had been reported.

On April 30, the company expanded the recall to include Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food and again said there were no reports of dog illnesses related to the product. No mention was made of human infections in the recall announcement.

"There have been numerous human outbreaks linked to pet food," said food safety attorney Bill Marler, managing partner at Marler Clark (publisher of Food Safety News). "It again shows how important food safety is, both to your pet and your family."

According to the CDC, dogs and cats infected with Salmonella usually have diarrhea and may seem lethargic, but they also can carry the infection and not appear to be sick. Humans can become infected by touching the animals, their food, or their environments such as food bowls, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after the contacts.

The CDC offered this advice for pet owners:


- Consumers should check their homes for recalled dog food products and discard them promptly. Consumers with questions about recalled dog food may contact Diamond Pet Foods at telephone number 800-442-0402 or visit www.diamondpetrecall.com.

- Follow the tips listed on Salmonella from Dry Pet Food and Treats to help prevent an infection with Salmonella from handling dry pet food and treats.

- People who think they might have become ill after contact with dry pet food or with an animal that has eaten dry pet food should consult their health care providers. Infants, older adults, and persons with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness.

- People who think their animal might have become ill after eating dry pet food should consult their veterinary-care providers.

Additional information for pet owners can be found here.



CDC Outbreak Map


 
]]><![CDATA[Dog Food Recall Update]]>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:08:21 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2011/12/dog-food-recall-update.htmlThere was an update to a recent dog food recall.  While this food was marketed in Louisiana and not in Virginia, my concern is for any families that may have recently traveled there for the holidays.

Please contact us with any concerns.
Updated New Release With Corrected Lot Numbers
Petrus Feed And Seed Stores, Inc. Recalls Its 21% Dog FoodContact:
Consumer/Media 
318-443-2259

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 14, 2011 - Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry dog food – 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags. The product is being recalled because the product was manufactured with corn which tested above acceptable levels for Aflatoxin. The affected products were manufactured at Cargill’s manufacturing facility located in LeCompte, Louisiana between December 1, 2010 and December 1, 2011.

The recall only applies 21% Dog Food, packaged in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags with the following packaging Date codes (lot numbers) 4K1011 through 4K1307. Updated lot numbers are 4K1011 through 4K1335.

The affected dry dog food was distributed in Petrus Feed and Seed in Alexandria, Louisiana.

While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, Petrus Feed and Seed Store, Inc. is implementing this recall as a precautionary measure. Consumers are urged to return affected products – whether in opened or unopened packages – to their place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact 318-443-2259, Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturday, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM.

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product. Pets that have consumed any of the above recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

]]><![CDATA[Pet Holiday Travel Tips for Driving and Flying.]]>Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:09:39 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2011/12/pet-holiday-travel-tips-for-driving-and-flying.html
If you are planning on taking a trip with your pet for the holidays (or any other time), we can be of assistance.

If your pet is anxious in the car, barks, meows, throws up, or is otherwise uncomfortable, we can help you.

Should your trip be taking you out of the state or the country, we can complete the necessary Health Certificates.  Remember, when traveling by air, you must book your pet's travel arrangements in advance with the airline.  At the airport be prepared to have to take your pet out of their carrier for security checks.  It is a good idea to bring a small bowl for water and a Ziploc bag of food in case of an unexpected delay.

When traveling we also recommend having your pet microchipped.  In the event your pet would ever get lost, this microchip is a permanent form of identification.  All shelters and vet clinics have microchip scanners, and we've united several lost pets who were microchipped.  

Contact us if you have any questions.

Happy Holidays from Dr. Silverstone and the Staff of Animal Care Clinic.

I'd like to share with you some holiday travel tips from the ASPCA.
 For some pet parents, a trip's no fun if the four-legged members of the family can't come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

  1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip. 

  2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop. 

  3. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive. 

  4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 

  5. What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. 

  6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please. 

  7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle. 

  8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side. 

  9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet. 

  10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Air Travel Tips

Top 10 Tips for Safe Air Travel with Your Pet   Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and the four-legged members of your family. But with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

The ASPCA urges pet owners to think twice about flying their pets on commercial airlines, especially if they plan on checking them in as cargo.

Unless your animal is small enough to fit under your seat and you can bring him or her in the cabin, the ASPCA recommends pet owners to not fly their animal. If pet owners have already committed to transporting their pets on commercial airlines, the ASPCA is offering the following top ten tips for safe air travel with your pet:

  1. Make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a checkup, and make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure. For travel outside of the continental United States, additional planning and health care requirements may be necessary. Contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for more information. 

  2. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and is wearing a collar and ID tag. Breakaway collars are best for cats. The collar should also include destination information in case your pet escapes. 

  3. Book a direct flight whenever possible. This will decrease the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel. 

  4. Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably. Shipping crates can be purchased from many pet supply stores and airlines. 

  5. Write the words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on top of and at least one side of the crate. Use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate. On the top of the crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination point, and whether you will be accompanying him or if someone else is picking him up. Make sure that the door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency. Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding; shredded paper or towels; to absorb accidents. 

  6. Affix a current photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the carrier, this could be a lifesaver. You should also carry a photograph of your pet. 

  7. The night before you leave, make sure you've frozen a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it can't spill during loading, and will melt by the time s/he's thirsty. Tape a small pouch, preferably cloth, of dried food outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.
  8. Tranquilizing your pet is generally not recommended, as it could hamper his breathing. Check with your veterinarian first. 

  9. Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. This way, they'll be ready if any additional considerations or attention is needed. 

  10. If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever feasible. In certain situations, removing the animal from the cargo hold and deplaneing may be warranted.
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]]><![CDATA[Recall: Iams dry dog food—unacceptable levels of the toxin Aflatoxin]]>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:05:50 -0500http://www.animalcarehollandrd.com/2/post/2011/12/recall-iams-dry-dog-foodunacceptable-levels-of-the-toxin-aflatoxin.htmlPlease review this urgent recall regarding Iams dog food.  If you have any questions or are concerned 

|MoreRECALLSRecall: Iams dry dog food—unacceptable levels of the toxin AflatoxinDec 6, 2011 2:30 PMOne lot of P&G's Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food is being recalled due to high levels of a naturally-occurring toxin that can sicken pets, Proctor & Gamble and the U.S. Food and Drug administration announced today.

According to the FDA, the recalled dog food was distributed to specific retailers in the following states: AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, SC, VA. The specific retailers are not named in the recall notice, but the FDA does say that it is a limited number. It is also unclear how many bags of Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dog food is included in one lot.

The FDA reports, however, that retailers have removed the affected dog food from store shelves, and that no health effects related to this recall have been reported. No other dry or canned dog and cat food (or dog and cat biscuits, treats or supplements), are affected by this recall.

The recalled dog food has a use by or expiration date of either February 5 or February 6, 2013, and includes the following specific products:

SizeCode DateUPC Code

7.0 lb bag12784177I619014023058.0 lb bag12794177D2
12794177D3190141020817.5 lb bag12794177K1
12794177K21901401848The toxin, Aflatoxin, is a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities. Pets which have consumed this product and exhibit symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea, should be seen by a veterinarian.

Consumers who purchased the recalled Iams dry dog food should stop using it and throw it away. Consumers can also contact Iams at the number below for a voucher toward a replacement bag of dog food. For more information, or a product replacement or refund call P&G at 866-908-1569, or visit www.iams.com.

P&G Voluntarily Recalls One Production Lot of Dry Dog Food [US FDA]

—Maggie Shader


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