Pet food - risk?

Gluten and Melamine. Many people are blaming wheat gluten, which is a high quality protein that is in most pet foods, as well as, an ingredient in people food. The problem was not the wheat gluten itself, but it was a substance found in the gluten. This additive was Melamine , a chemical used to make plastics. This substance, when ingested in an unknown amount, is toxic to the kidneys, resulting in renal failure .

Renal failure affects booth dog and cats. They can be of any age. It occurs from several processes:

• intoxication (as has occurred with the food contamination),
• a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys,
• infection, cancer,
• immune abnormalities, or from
• trauma.

Symptoms. Animals often become weak and sluggish. They will frequently drink more and in turn urinate more. Some may not want to eat as they may feel nauseous from the increase in toxins in the body that are no longer being excreted.

Diagnosis. The way renal disease present itself is similar to many other conditions, so a visit to your veterinarian is needed. A good history and physical examination will be done. A blood test and a urinalysis are also needed to determine the function of the kidneys.

Prognosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for renal failure, but early detection and good follow-up care can sometimes slow the progression of the problem. Sick animals require hospitalization for fluid therapy, management of blood abnormalities and control of vomiting. Diets and supplements are also used to preserve any functioning kidney that remains, slowing the progression of the disease.

Protection. There are no specific recommendations for preventing of renal disease. Therefore, keeping your pet’s environment safe, early examination and implementation of treatments are crucial if your pet is not feeling well.