Hill’s pet food company announced a voluntary recall of some specific canned dog foods on January 31st. They have recently expanded that recall to include a few additional canned dog foods. The issue with the affected foods stemmed from a vitamin premix containing elevated levels of vitamin D; however, this mix was only used in specific canned products. Some animals eating the affected diets were developing symptoms of Hypervitaminosis D which include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, and increased thirst/urination. These symptoms resolved when the diet was discontinued. No dry food, cat food, or treats are affected by this recall. If your dog is eating one of the diets listed we recommend that you discontinue feeding the diet and contact our hospital or Hill’s directly with any questions. If your dog is showing symptoms of Hypervitaminosis D and is eating one of the affected diets, Hill’s is covering all costs for diagnostic testing and treatment. Please consult the tables below to see if your dog is eating one of the recalled canned diets. If you would like to read more about the recall from Hill’s or if you need to contact their consumer affairs personnel please click the button below.
WVH Winter Newsletter
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and this season's newsletter is all about dental health in our dogs and cats. Check out this edition for information on the most common type of dental disease in pets, why we recommend anesthesia for dental cleanings, and to learn about our dental special!
The American Veterinary Medical Association has additional information on periodontal disease in pets as well as video demonstrations on introducing your pet to brushing. Check out the links below for more dental information.
ATTENTION Voluntary Food Recall
ATTENTION RECALL NOTICE: 14 Hill's prescription diets and 11 Hill's Science Diet SKUs have been voluntarily recalled due to potentially elevated Vitamin D levels. Symptoms include lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst/urinating. These symptoms should resolve once the diet is discontinued but may require some veterinary care.
There are 6 additional diets that were also voluntarily recalled because the levels of Vitamin D do not meet the product specifications; however, the levels in these diets do not pose a safety risk to your pet.
If you are feeding your pet one of the diets on this recall list please discontinue using the food. If you purchased your food from Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital please stop in to return or exchange your food.
Only canned food was affected by the recall so there were no kibble diets affected. Please consult the lists below to see if you’re using any of the affected diets and then check the SKU and lot numbers to see if they match your cans.
Appendix A lists the diets that could cause illness in animals. If your pet has been eating one of these diets and is showing symptoms of being ill, please discontinue feeding the diet and call our clinic for assistance. For more information from Hill’s you can visit the website by clicking the button below:
Appendix B lists the diets that were voluntarily recalled but do not pose a safety concern for pets. These diets had levels of Vitamin D that did not meet the product specifications. We also recommend returning or exchanging these diets.
WVH Newsletter: Holiday 2018
The 2018 Holiday Edition of the WVH newsletter is here! Browse this newsletter for information on keeping your pet safe from toxic plants, food, and décor during the holidays and read the kitty corner section for the benefits of regular veterinary visits for your feline friends. Our holiday hours can also be found in this edition. Happy Holidays from all of us at Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital!
Canine Influenza Virus
In the month of July there have been two confirmed cases of Canine Influenza Virus H3N2 in Michigan. The dogs were at a kennel in Shelby, Michigan and neither were vaccinated for this virus. Many kennels and daycares in the area are now requiring this vaccine and we have a combination vaccine available that protects against both strains of CIV. Influenza viruses cause respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, fever, lethargy, ocular and nasal discharge, and occasionally gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
The following material is from the manufacturer of the CIV vaccine and contains valuable information about the two different influenza viruses we have in the United States and frequently asked questions.
