News and Updates:

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* PSA: emergency facilities in our area are experiencing unprecedented demand for care and as such you may have a much longer wait time than usual. The nationwide shortage of veterinary care workers (including veterinarians themselves) has caused occasional disruptions in emergency room availability. We strongly recommend that if you are able, call the emergency facility of your choice before heading there with your pet to make certain they have a doctor available.

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTs:

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9-24-18:

FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease​

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     The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. These reports are unusual because DCM is occurring in breeds not typically genetically prone to the disease. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are investigating this potential association.

     Canine DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and heart valves may leak, leading to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen. DCM often results in congestive heart failure. Heart function may improve in cases that are not linked to genetics with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification, if caught early.

The underlying cause of DCM is not truly known, but is thought to have a genetic component. Breeds that are typically more frequently affected by DCM include large and giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards and Doberman Pinschers. It is less common in small and medium breed dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels. However, the cases that have been reported to the FDA have included Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog and Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds.

Diets in cases reported to the FDA frequently list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other “pulses” (seeds of legumes), and their protein, starch and fiber derivatives early in the ingredient list, indicating that they are main ingredients. Early reports from the veterinary cardiology community indicate that the dogs consistently ate these foods as their primary source of nutrition for time periods ranging from months to years. High levels of legumes or potatoes appear to be more common in diets labeled as “grain-free,” but it is not yet known how these ingredients are linked to cases of DCM. Changes in diet, especially for dogs with DCM, should be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.

    In the reports the FDA has received, some of the dogs showed signs of heart disease, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse. Medical records for four atypical DCM cases, three Golden Retrievers and one Labrador Retriever, show that these dogs had low whole blood levels of the amino acid taurine. Taurine deficiency is well-documented as potentially leading to DCM. The Labrador Retriever with low whole blood taurine levels is recovering with veterinary treatment, including taurine supplementation, and a diet change. Four other cases of DCM in atypical dog breeds, a Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu and two Labrador Retrievers, had normal blood taurine levels. The FDA continues to work with board certified veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the clinical presentation of these dogs. The agency has also been in contact with pet food manufacturers to discuss these reports and to help further the investigation.

    The FDA encourages pet owners and veterinary professionals to report cases of DCM in dogs suspected of having a link to diet.

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Contact FDA

240-402-7002

240-276-9115 FAX

Issued by: FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine

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5-09-18: We have been informed by one of our local emergency clinics that a dog recently died after eating a deadly species of mushroom, known as the "death cap" mushroom (or Amanita Phalloidies), at the Douglas Family Preserve. Photos of the species have been posted below. Be aware that the mushroom can be darker or lighter in color, and can even have a red cap with white dots. Please keep your dog away from ALL mushrooms you may come across on walks, and regularly check your yard for them. Mushrooms can be extremely toxic and even lethal to dogs--please be aware of your surroundings and take care when letting your dog off-leash!  

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     * An important update regarding prescription pet foods: if your pet eats a prescription diet such as Royal Canin's urinary diet or one of Hill's Prescription letter diets (z/d, k/d, c/d, etc), and is not a current patient of our hospital, a valid prescription from your regular veterinarian will be required if you wish to purchase prescription-only food from our hospital, or wish to order it from our website. Your understanding is appreciated.