Updated 3/23/07

Currently we are in the "Confusion Phase" that is associated with any crisis. Remember that we really don't know very much rigfht now, and history has shown that most of the information released early on in any crisis is wrong, or at least incomplete.  So take this for what it is worth, and expect future updates.

Most folks think that, just for example, the Iams Company personally manufactures Iams petfoods.  Not so.  In many cases, companies contract with other specialty companies to manufacture their foods.  In some cases, the main company, in this example Iams, gives detailes specs and sometimes even provides the raw materials for the specialty company to use.  The specialty company then makes the food, and Iams, for instance, puts their label on it and distributes it.

We now know what happened.  It is reported  that the food was contaminated with aminopterin, a compound used as a rodenticide in foreign countries.  It's use is illegal in America.  It is the cause of the kidney failure.

Literally Hundreds of Brands and Foods are recalled.  So far, only canned and pouch foods seem to be affected.   Some of the more recognizable brand names include Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro, Science Diet, Western Family, Loving Meals, Best Choice, and Ol' Roy, but there are dozens of others.  Click the link for a detailed listing of Cat Foods Affected.  Click this link for a detailed listing of  Dog Foods Affected.

If your pet has had any of these lots of petfood, we need to test your pet to see if there is any damage.  The damage at this point seems to be fairly treatable.  Therapy will vary depending on the degree and severity of the problem, but often includes IV fluid therapy and diuresis.  The current recommendations for screening is blood testing and urinalysis.