Itchmo: News For Dogs & Cats

More than a dozen possible cases of feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease, has cat owners upset over the death of their cats and led an animal shelter to quarantine dozens of cats and kittens.

Three Gans residents said they unknowingly took home cats and kittens infected with the disease from the shelter. They said some of those kittens have died and spread the disease to their cats, which also died.

Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is caused by feline parvovirus and attacks body cells, making cats susceptible to bacterial infections and other complications. Infection occurs when cats come in contact with blood, urine, fecal material, nasal secretions or fleas from infected cats. Infected kittens younger than 16-weeks-old have a 25 percent survival rate, while older cats may show no symptoms and have a greater chance of survival with treatment. It is not transmittable to people.

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Pennsylvania kennel operators are upset over proposed new dog care regulations being considered by the state Department of Agriculture. According to Evan Heusinkveld, associate director of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the rules could force hundreds of breeders and kennels to go out of business. The new regulations would affect anyone who cares for 26 or more dogs during the course of a year.

Among the proposed regulations that critics are especially upset about is a requirement to exercise each of their dogs for 20 minutes a day on a leash. They object that hunting does not count as exercise, nor do field trials or other forms of sport. If a kennel owner does not exercise a dog for a day, an excuse must be obtained from a vet.

Requirements also call for air and floor surfaces to be maintained at specific temperatures. Cracked concrete floors must be replaced or fixed immediately.

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Mars Petcare is recalling the 50-pound variety of its Red Flannel-brand Large Breed Adult Formula Dry Dog Food due to salmonella risk. The Red Flannel dog food recall specifically covers only Pennsylvania. The salmonella risk applies to cats, dog as well as to humans.

A vague warning regarding salmonella was issued last week without the mention of Red Flannel dog food. We covered the dog and cat food salmonella warning on August 14th.

According to Mars Petcare, only three bags of Red Flannel dog food had been sold in Reedsville, PA and Richlandtown, PA. Only one bag has yet to be returned.

Full press release is below.

(Related News: Krasdale Gravy brand dog food was also recalled due to salmonella risk.)

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A Philadelphia woman says her dog died after eating tainted dog food treats (Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips) bought from Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart has quietly pulled the made in China dog treat from its stores named Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips. There has been no announcement to the public as of yet. It is also uncertain of how many tainted bags of treats there may still be out among consumers.

A recall has not been issued. There has not been any information on FDA’s website. Wal-Mart has told consumers if they have purchased Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips, they can return them for a full refund.

Kate Collins said it is hard to talk about what happened. Bella, her two-year-old Chihuahua, died suddenly on July 31 after eating Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips. Collins said that Bella died within a week after eating the treats. Her other dogs did not receive the same treats and were unaffected.

Bella’s owner had the animal hospital do an autopsy and they found that Bella died of a massive bacterial infection. The veterinarians suspected it was caused by E. coli or Salmonella.

“The vet said that, going by her autopsy, it could have been the treats,” Collins said.

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A Philadelphia cat named Cuffs is missing. He is the mascot for the South Street police station and was originally brought to the station to help with the mouse problem. Cuffs is known by everyone in the neighborhood and spent his days by the window or on one of the police bikes.

Last week, Cuffs was last seen on a bench outside the police station and police officers said a man with a red bike was petting Cuffs and may have mistaken Cuffs for a stray and took him away. Cuffs normally has a collar, but he had pulled it off on the day he went missing. The police officers have put up signs, checked with vets’ offices and animal shelters daily to make sure Cuffs is not there. Cuffs, we hope that you find your way home.

(Thanks Petconnection)

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month (apparently Menu Foods didn’t get that memo). To highlight this great month, ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) will be celebrating ASPCA Day on Tuesday, April 10 and are encouraging pet owners to “Go Orange For Animals”. Buildings and landmarks in several cities like New York, Chicago, LA, Austin, Washington, DC , Tampa and Philadelphia will be lit up orange in support of the day.

If you live in New York, come to the ASPCA Day Festival in Union Square on April 10 from 4-8pm. There will be music, pet tips, food, photos with your pet and much more.

How can you celebrate? Light up your house orange. Wear and hand out orange glow sticks (it will remind you of all those raves you went to). Tie orange bows on trees, doors or even on your dog. You and your dog can wear orange — get out all of that orange clothing that you thought was cool when you first bought it but haven’t worn it since. Don’t worry, people won’t make fun of you because it’s for a good cause.