DeHaven discusses the heat waves that hit the Northeast earlier in July, and says dogs and cats are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans are during such a time. Reasons include pets’ fur coats, inabilty to sweat and limited abilty to cool off through panting and drinking water.

Click here to view

Click here to listen to the AVMA Podcast

Clinical cryptococcosis has been reported worldwide in multiple animal species. It is the most common systemic fungal infection in cats and is often described in dogs. Other domestic species diagnosed with cryptococcosis include ferrets, goats, llamas and alpacas, horses, sheep, and numerous species of birds. Koalas have been identified to have both clinical disease and subclinical infections. There are numerous reports of cryptococcosis in nonhuman primates and isolation of Cryptococcus spp. has been reported from other wild animals, including a fox, dolphins, a cheetah, and an eastern water skink.

In December 2004, a case of human C. gattii infection was reported in Oregon, associated with an outbreak on Vancouver Island and in mainland British Columbia, Canada. A second C. gattii case was reported in Oregon in 2005, and 12 more cases were reported in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, in response to the emergence of C. gattii in the United States, CDC, state and local public health authorities, and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) formed the Cryptococcus gattii Public Health Working Group.

During 1999, C. gattii began appearing in animals and humans on Vancouver Island and, beginning in 2004, among mainland British Columbia residents who had no exposure to Vancouver Island. By the end of 2007, a total of 218 human cases had been reported to BCCDC.

During January 1, 2004–July 1, 2010, a total of 60 human cases of C. gattii infection were reported to CDC in the U.S.: 43 from Oregon, 15 from Washington, one from California, and one from Idaho. Approximately half (54%) of the patients were male; patients ranged in age from 15 to 95 years, with the highest proportion of patients (45%) aged 50–69 years. Among 47 patients for whom such information was known, 38 (81%) had an underlying condition that might have predisposed them to infection.

Among the 45 patients in the U.S. for whom outcome was known, nine (20%) died because of C. gattii infection and six (13%) died with C. gattii infection; two of the nine who died from C. gattii infection had no predisposing condition. In addition to human cases, 52 veterinary cases (among cats, dogs, ferrets, sheep, camelids, elk, horses, goats, and porpoises) were reported to CDC from California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

Physicians and veterinarians should consider C. gattii as a possible etiology of infection when treating patients (particularly those who are HIV negative) who have signs and symptoms of cryptococcal infection, and should ask patients about recent travel to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, or other C. gattii–endemic areas. Physicians, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, should report suspected C. gattii infections and submit clinical isolates to their state health departments when requested.

Additional information

Emergence of Cryptococcus gattii— Pacific Northwest, 2004–2010

Clinical characteristics and predictors of mortality forCryptococcus gattii infection in dogs and cats of southwestern British Columbia

It’s called the “great imitator.” Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a disease with symptoms that are common in many other ailments, making diagnosis difficult and sometimes a process of elimination. But once Addison’s is correctly diagnosed, a properly treated dog can live a normal active life.

Click here to read more….

7/14 KELO-TV Sioux Falls, SD

7/13 New Kerala (India)

Customer Inquiries: (800) 664-7387

Other Inquiries: James Witcher, COO (806) 322-2806

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. 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 immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10084TL7 Best By Mar 24, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date. FDA collected a surveillance sample of “Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” (lot #10084TL7) which were purchased from a retail store. The sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.

(877) 399-5226

Media Contact:

Carey Phelps (770) 360-5292

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily expanding its recent recall of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement tablets for Dogs to include additional pet nutritional supplement products for dogs and cats due to possible Salmonella contamination. The list of recalled products is provided below. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The recalled products are sold nationally at various retailers. The products include various United Pet Group Pro-Pet and Excel branded products for dogs and cats, and certain other private label brands of the same products. All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form. These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between “01/2013″ and “06/2013.” Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Laboratory testing has revealed that some lots of some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling the additional products out of an abundance of caution.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. 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.

People who handle these products can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with them or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the product should contact their healthcare providers.

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-877-399-5226, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

Click here to see complete recall list.

Emergency treatment and first aid for pets should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care. But it may save your pet’s life before you can get your pet to a veterinarian.

Click this link to view the AVMA’s Pet First Aid resource.

See PetMD.com and Dr. Patty Khuly for full article – Published Jun. 28