|
|
03/26/07
ASPCA Sheds Light on Toxin Identified as Part of Tests on Tainted Food
Nationwide Pet Food Recall Crisis Continues
|
NEW YORK- Based on new reports issued by the New York State
Department of Agriculture and Markets that rodent poison was found in
laboratory testing of the tainted pet food recalled last week, the
ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals®), through its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), has the
following information to provide to the public:
Aminopterin, a toxin found in some rodenticides available outside
the USA, is a folic acid antagonist, i.e. it disrupts the body's
ability to utilize folic acid. In animals, this can result in loss of
appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. It may also cause leucopenia, which
is a reduction in white blood cells, as well as birth defects.
Aminopterin is closely related in chemical structure and mechanism
to a drug called methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers,
both in humans and animals. Renal failure has been reported in human
patients receiving methotrexate. We do not know if aminopterin can
cause renal failure in pets.
Based on these findings, the ASPCA does not recommend any change
in treatment of animals affected; animals currently being treated for
kidney failure suspected to be related to the ingestion of the
contaminated food should stay on such treatment. Please follow your
veterinarian's advice.
It is unclear at this point in time how this toxin came into
contact with the affected food. The ASPCA will continue to analyze the
data on calls the APCC receives (which number between 400-700 daily on
a wide range of substances), and release any new information it finds
immediately.
In addition, pet parents may find the following information useful:
For a complete list of affected brands, please visit http://www.menufoods.com/recall.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has some excellent
advice and information on its Web site for both pet parents and
veterinarians at http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp
If your pet shows any signs of illness, including loss of appetite,
lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption or changes
in urination, please consult your veterinarian immediately. If you are
unable to reach your veterinarian and suspect your pet is gravely ill,
you may call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435
for emergency advice (a $55 fee applies).
To report adverse actions or other problems to the FDA, pet parents can go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to contact the FDA complaint coordinator in their state.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization
established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million
supporters. The ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the
prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The
ASPCA provides national leadership in anti-cruelty, animal behavior,
humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter
support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a
full-service animal hospital and adoption facility. The Humane Law
Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is
featured on the reality television series "Animal Precinct" on Animal
Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.
 |
|
