Thyroid Poisoning from Blue Buffalo & Wellness Dog Food

Don’t Wait for Symptoms-Have your Dog Examined & Tested

FDA consumer alert:

“Federal officials are warning consumers and veterinarians to be on alert for potentially deadly hyperthyroidism in dogs that have eaten Blue Buffalo Co. and WellPet food. The three separate alerts, posted Monday (March 27) by the Food and Drug Administration, include test results from three dogs and samples of “BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs” and/or “Wellness 95% Beef Topper for Dogs.”

“Investigators are sure the source of the active thyroid hormone in the food is from animal gullets — laryngeal tissue — in which the thyroid glands were not completely removed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits the use of thyroid glands and laryngeal muscle tissue for human food. Some flavors and lots of the two dog food brands are under recall, but there is concern that pet owners, veterinarians and other businesses may still have the dog foods in homes and elsewhere.”

“The FDA is issuing this alert now after a recent Center for Veterinary Medicine investigation into reports of three dogs in different households that showed signs of hyperthyroidism. In these cases, extensive testing on all three dogs conducted at a reference laboratory showed elevated thyroid hormone in the blood, but ruled out thyroid cancer,” according to the FDA alert. “After the dogs stopped eating these products for a few weeks, their clinical signs disappeared and thyroid hormone levels returned to normal.”

“If your dog has eaten either of these foods and is showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, discontinue feeding of these foods and consult your veterinarian, making sure to provide your dog’s dietary history, including what the dog has been eating, how much, and for how long, the FDA recommended.”

Signs of excessive thyroid hormone include weight loss, restlessness, rapid heart rate and recent onset of anxiety, and/or aggressiveness. Don’t watch and wait. Dogs fed either of these diets should be examined and thyroid tested ASAP.

Unruly behavior, barking, destructiveness, house soiling, biting, fighting: the list of canine shenanigans is almost endless. I’ll explain the problems and share the solutions at the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center, 4000 Montgomery Blvd NE in Albuquerque from 6-9 PM Wednesday, April 12. Cost: $50. To register call 792-5131. Bring plenty of questions. I’ll give individual help. Pet parents only, please.

 

Dr. Jeff Nichol treats behavior disorders at the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Centers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe (505-792-5131). Questions on pet behavioral or physical concerns? For answers, Like my Facebook page at facebook.com/drjeffnichol or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.