We were at the vets today with one of our cats.  They did a blood and urine test on him and he's ok.  The vet said to watch the other cats carefully over the next few days and if they appear lethargic or overly thirsty, to bring them in.  He also said that the 10 cats that they are reporting that died from the bad food were Iams test cats.  It's no telling how many private pets have gotten sick or died around the country.


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hhopper wrote:

We were at the vets today with one of our cats.  They did a blood and urine test on him and he's ok.  The vet said to watch the other cats carefully over the next few days and if they appear lethargic or overly thirsty, to bring them in.  He also said that the 10 cats that they are reporting that died from the bad food were Iams test cats.  It's no telling how many private pets have gotten sick or died around the country.

"Test cats"? You mean the ones they do research on? What about the dogs? The news also reported that they were trying a new form of wheat (I think), which could be the cause of this.

Your vet said exactly what they did on the news. If you pets is lethargic, anorexic, won't drink, or drinks in excess, they should see a vet.

Sounds like your babies are out of the woods! I'm happy for you.


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SnickersPie

The vet also said to send a copy of the $130.00 bill to Iams... that they would pay it.  I think I'll also send them the $1,700.00 bill from my kitty that died in Jan. from kidney failure. That cat also most likely ate some of the same bad food.


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hhopper wrote:

The vet also said to send a copy of the $130.00 bill to Iams... that they would pay it.  I think I'll also send them the $1,700.00 bill from my kitty that died in Jan. from kidney failure. That cat also most likely ate some of the same bad food.

Well I suppose getting reimbursed for the $130 is good news. The $1,700 reimbursement also is good news, but I'm sure will never compensate for the loss of your kitty.

I'm not surprised. Reimbursing vet costs is much less expensive for Iams than going to court, which I'm sure will happen anyway.


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SnickersPie

SnickersPie wrote:

"Test cats"? You mean the ones they do research on? What about the dogs? The news also reported that they were trying a new form of wheat (I think), which could be the cause of this.

This was another reason I didn't buy Iams; when I found out they were doing "research testing" like this on animals. NOT COOL in my book, especially in light of the recall. If they knew the test animals were dying, why release it on the mass market while private pets could be affected the same way?


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LoriPA wrote:

SnickersPie wrote:

"Test cats"? You mean the ones they do research on? What about the dogs? The news also reported that they were trying a new form of wheat (I think), which could be the cause of this.

This was another reason I didn't buy Iams; when I found out they were doing "research testing" like this on animals. NOT COOL in my book, especially in light of the recall. If they knew the test animals were dying, why release it on the mass market while private pets could be affected the same way? :roll:

Agreed.

I don't buy Iams, but never knew about the "research" they do as I mentioned earlier in this string.

I'm still waiting for the story from the HSUS without the "horror factor" that PETA provides. But as far as I'm concerned, if you are mass producing pet food, your research should already be done! This just doesn't make any sense.

On tonight's news, they showed ... I'd say 1/2 dozen ... dogs who's organs are failing, and their owners. So sad ... so very sad ... These people probably don't have the money to save their pets, if they can be saved at all.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.


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SnickersPie

You're not going to believe this  ...

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_iams


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SnickersPie

OK it's only the moist food but my husband isn't taking any chances and throwing away the Eukanuba dry food and biscuits that Peaches eats all of the time. He said that he'll just cook up lean ground beef for her for the time being.


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What all yall said.  Especially for Tucker's recovery.  My dog eats Nutro for Older Less Active Dogs.  It is supposed to be free of by products.  I wonder.  Re Vet's recommendation:  my yapper's vet had her on Purina Pro or something like that.  When I changed her to the Nutro I did the gradual schedule before completely changing to the Nutro.  I am seriously considering making her food myself.  You can't trust anyone when money is the driving force...which is unfortunately all encompassing.  Good luck to all and your best friends.  JuJu

I cannot believe the ASPCA was monitoring Iams. I sent an e-mail, but haven't heard back. I'll let you know what they say.

I didn't realize how many brands are involved. We used to feed our first Pomeranian Mighty Dog. I heard on one of the entertainment shows tonight that Mighty Dog is on the list. Scary.

I feed the Pomeranian I have now Beneful dry. I just leave a bowl for her, and she eats when she wants to. I tried the moist food when it came out, she loved it, but her digestive system didn't. Trust me, I had to hose her down in the sink to clean her fur. As a treat, I'll let her lick my dish or bowl after I eat, depending on what I ate. I try not to give her "people" food, but a little bit of what I consider "clean" food, a cracker, piece of toast, a bit of cheese, turkey, chicken, and the like ... but always in moderation.

I'm so sorry for those of you who have been affected, and especially your pets. I guess before we grab pet food off the shelf, we better do our research. I have three cats and a dog, and if I fed them something that made them seriously ill, trust me, I would not only sue for the vet costs, but for emotional distress.


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SnickersPie

BARBCCRN wrote:

OK it's only the moist food but my husband isn't taking any chances and throwing away the Eukanuba dry food and biscuits that Peaches eats all of the time. He said that he'll just cook up lean ground beef for her for the time being.

The recipe that Tiredofbeingtired14892 is a good choice, and is pretty close to what my mom fed our second Pom.


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SnickersPie

From the Humane Society. Still haven't heard from the ASPCA.

Dear Sue,

 

Thank you for contacting us regarding Iams nutrition studies using animals.  Andrew Rowan, the Executive Vice President for Operations of The HSUS, was on the Iams external Advisory Board for the first two years and was actively engaged in discussions with Iams aimed at responding to public concerns about the use of animals in laboratory nutrition studies.  Dr Rowan was satisfied that Iams had made substantial progress in addressing the organization’s concerns during his time on the Advisory Board.  The issues we raised and Iams’ response are listed below.

 

We asked Iams to commit to ending the feeding trials that were done solely to satisfy AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) labeling requirements that the pet food is wholesome and nutritious.  They agreed to do so and wrote and informed AAFCO of this decision.  They also wrote to other pet food companies requesting them to take the same action.   This new policy is now becoming evident on pet food as they develop and use new packaging.

 

Iams agreed to limit their study protocols so that the techniques used would be no more invasive (e.g. taking a blood sample) than those used in a human outpatient clinic.

 

Iams committed to ensuring that all the animals used in their nutrition studies would enjoy life-time care in a home or in a home-equivalent environment once the study was completed.  Nearly all the animals that now complete studies are being adopted into private homes with the remainder going to a purpose-built retirement facility.  

 

Iams agreed to become a leader in promoting the welfare of all dogs and cats especially those in shelters and other non-home environments.  The company is actively investigating and studying enrichment opportunities for dogs and cats in a kennel/shelter environment and is sharing the results of those studies with shelters and other relevant organizations.  

 

Most significantly, Iams agreed to pursue the eventual elimination of animals in laboratory-based nutrition testing.   Today, a substantial majority of the dogs and cats involved in Iams nutrition studies are “in-homeâ€� animals and Iams continues to press its scientists to develop approaches so that the company can reach its goal of 100% “in-homeâ€� studies.  

 

Periodically, other issues have arisen over Iams’ use of other laboratory animals such as mice, rabbits and chickens.  We have found the company to be responsive to the concerns that we have raised and to be committed to the development of alternatives for all its nutrition studies.  In conclusion, we are pleased with the progress that has been made and with the company’s commitment to continued progress in this area.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Dawn McPherson

Research Assistant

Animal Research Issues

The Humane Society of the United States

2100 L St., NW

Washington, DC 20037

(301) 721-6439


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SnickersPie

Thanks for the recipe. I think we'll use it. Funny right before this Peaches hadn't touched her food or her biscuits for about a week. And she LOVES her biscuits. Think she knew something?


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Your very welcome for the recipe I add mini carrots to what I make for the dogs they love it.

They say animals have a sense of things so I wouldnt doubt thats why she wouldnt eat her favorites

There is a homeopathic remedy that works WONDERS on animals with renal failure. It is called #1 Detoxifier and is made by a company called Newton. It detoxifies the kidneys and liver, and it works! One place you can find it (quite inexpensively) is wonderlabs.com.  

Over four years ago, my then 12-year-old cat was diagnosed with kidney failure. His kidneys were 95% gone, and the vets later told me they thought he would live only a few days. I began giving him #1 Detoxifier, three drops twice a day, along with 100 ml of subcutaneous fluid. From looking like a ghost, Peter went on to live a healthy and active life for four years. My vet said that it was undoubtedly what kept him alive and healthy for so long.

My mother has used this medication for a number of cats she has had who have had renal failure, with such great success that the veterinary program at Colorado State University (which actually does research into alternative medicines) was in touch with her vet to find out more about it.

The remedy is available online or at some health food stores.. The "people" version and the animal version are exactly the same, just marketed differently. As many cats get renal disease later in life, use of this medicine is a good preventative as well. It is also beneficial for people who are taking medications, as these build up in your liver, and for anyone who has undergone anesthesia, as the liver also stores this toxic (though beneficial) chemical.