The Gang

The Gang
Ain't We Got Fun?

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Hi, gang,
 Just wanted to share some information gained from the Canadian Veterinary Assoc. on harm that
can happen to dogs fed beef jerky and other treats made in China.

Form your own opinions.

The Prez.



Dear Doctor,

Earlier this week, the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA) sent an e-mail blast to all veterinarians across Canada in regards to a CBC Marketplace episode airing tonight Friday, September 28, at 8 p.m. (E.T.). The episode called "Fighting for Fido" discusses the apparent association between feeding "jerky treats" imported from China and illness in dogs. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association was contacted by CBC Marketplace on this issue and Dr. Jim Fairles, CVMA President, was interviewed.

Once this broadcast airs nationally, veterinarians may receive inquiries from their clients, and possibly receive media calls. To aid in questions that may be asked, the CVMA has prepared the speaking notes below. The information below gives a background of the issue as well as the CVMAÕs involvement.

Please note, a French version of the notes will be available on Monday, October 1, 2012

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Information Regarding Jerky Treat Issue (September 28, 2012)

BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE
  • Since 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become aware of increasing numbers of illnesses in pets associated with the consumption of jerky pet treats. The majority of complaints involve chicken jerky (treats, tenders, and strips), but others include duck, sweet potato, and treats where chicken or duck jerky is wrapped around dried fruits, sweet potatoes, or yams.

  • The FDA has received approximately 2,200 reports of pet illnesses which may be related to consumption of the jerky treats. The majority of the complaints involve dogs, but cats also have been affected. Over the past 18 months the reports have contained information on 360 canine deaths and one feline death. There does not appear to be a geographic pattern to the case reports. Cases have been reported from all 50 states and 6 Canadian provinces in the past 18 months.

  • Although the FDA has been actively investigating the reports of illnesses, no definitive cause has been determined. The ongoing global investigation is complex, multifaceted and includes a wide variety of experts at the FDA including toxicologists, epidemiologists, veterinary researchers, forensic chemists, microbiologists, field investigators and senior agency officials.

  • The majority of the cases in dogs report primarily gastrointestinal signs, including vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood and/or mucus, and can involve severe signs such as pancreatitis or gastrointestinal bleeding. The next most common signs relate to kidney function, including frequent urination, increased urine, severe thirst, kidney failure and some cases resemble a rare kidney related illness called FanconiÕs syndrome.

HERE IN CANADA
  • In June 2011, the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA) notified CVMA members by email that several veterinarians in Canada had reported cases of dogs with Fanconi-like symptoms that could be associated with the consumption of chicken jerky treats manufactured in China.

  • The CVMA also notified the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), which transmitted the advisory to US veterinarians. At the time of the notification (June 17, 2011), AVMA had not received any reports from its members.
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  • To help us learn if there were similar cases in other areas of the country, CVMA asked veterinarians to report similar cases that they may have recently encountered involving jerky treats. (As of Aug. 31/2012, 50 incidents have been reported to the CVMA.)

  • CVMA has since been keeping a registry of reported cases in the event that this information would assist with current or future investigations. CVMA continues to monitor the situation and to communicate updated information to veterinarians so that they may warn and inform their clients.

  • The CVMA has been in communication with the Canadian Food Inspection agency (CFIA) and will continue to work with the CFIA (and FDA) on this matter as it is an ongoing concern. 

  • In Canada, pet foods are not a regulated commodity (unlike in the US through FDA). The CFIA does not have the regulatory mandate or resources to test pet foods. Nutritional content and safety of pet foods and treats is the responsibility of the manufacturer. Without a conclusive link to toxicity, CFIA will not cancel import permits for these treats

  • On Friday, September 28, at 8 p.m. (E.T.), CBCÕs Marketplace will air an episode called ÒFighting for Fido.Ó The episode will discuss the apparent association between feeding Òjerky treatsÓ imported from China and illness in dogs. This national broadcast may generate inquiries from pet owners about the issue.

For updated information on the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA investigation :http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm295445.htm

For more information on CVMA programs and initiatives, visit www.canadianveterinarians.net or contact us at admin@cvma-acmv.org.
This information is being distributed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for the benefit of all veterinarians in Canada.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Membership


Heritage Acres Fall Fair

Members of the Southern Alberta Working/Herding Dog Association travelled to Pincher Creek, Alberta, to provide some Canine Entertainment for the first ever Heritage Acres Farm Museum Fall Fair.

We had such fun.  Over 14 dogs were on hand for the performance, which included barrel racing, agility, and square dancing........yes, square dancing.  In between times, three of the dogs took advantage of the wide open spaces offered at Heritage to do some Draft work.  

Fall Fair organizer Deb Berg, had this to say about our efforts.

"Oh my gosh Judi.  People were SO excited about the dogs yesterday at our
Heritage Acres Fall Fair!  I was so happy to meet you and so sorry I
didn't get back.  We were so busy with the bench show and then the lunch
in Summerview Hall.  I was wearing a couple of hats yesterday and just
was busy, busy, busy.  All the buzz I heard was that people loved the
dogs being there and we couldn't be happier.  I don't know how we can
thank you enough.  Would love to hear feedback from your group.  Did you
like the event?  Was the space okay?  What else could we have done for
you?  I'm very happy we connected and we are very pleased to have had
you be a part of our first ever Fall Fair.  It wasn't as big as we'd
like but it will grow and your group certainly helped us make it the
success that it was this first year.  Thanks again. "

I think we can safely say that we were enjoyed by all who saw us.

"Today, I was in Walmart and a fellow stopped me and told me how much he enjoyed what
our group did and hoped we'd be back next year."

The best part about all this is that we do this for the fun of it, not for competition or prizes.
We all cheer each other on and enjoy every minute of what each dog does.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to come out and share their dogs and their time.   What a great Public Relations
opportunity.


Our wonderful info booth.



                               Barrel Racing .... check out the style!

Next is the High River Parade of Lights..... 

CSI BC...........

Our agent and her trusty Doberman have gone 'underground' in their search for 'missing' slow children.

Slow kiddies I do not see
They just are not where they are s'posed to be
Oops we see an abandoned trike
Where on earth is the little tike
That belongs to the bike
A bear in the area.....YIKE!

They have vanished somewhere, there's no doubt.
Go Denise and Viper and check this out!!!
CIS  BC 


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

New Draft Titles! And More.

What a fabulous weekend for Nicole and Sophie and Kim and Bosley at the Regina Draft Dog Tests last weekend.

Both teams passed their requirements... Nicole and Sophie ending with the DD title that gave them the right to earn the Bernese Mt. Dog Versatility award; and Kim and Bosley doing a wonderful job of nailing the requirements for the DDX, which is a much coveted title.

The Wascana club outdid themselves in providing a well-organized event at a fabulous venue with great volunteers and fabulous, and we do mean fabulous food.  Try pulled pork and chicken with rice, three kinds of salads, buns,  and mouth-watering deserts like cupcakes and hot apple crisp. YUM.

The contestants were the absolute best, giving the course their all every day.  And every dog had moments of brilliance to be celebrated around the supper circle each day.  what a pleasure to see so many breeds participating. Just super.
I cannot say enough about the weekend.

If you have a draft dog and want to put a title on it, think about Regina.  It's well worth the drive.


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SAWHDA BERNERS......THEY WERE WONDERFUL.
New DD
Sophie with Nicole  
                                                                    New DDX
                                                                   Bosley and Kim
  And NEWS FLASH..... Bosley now has his ATCHC!!! There's not stopping this boy.


Thursday, September 6, 2012