doberlane

AN ANALYSIS OF COMMERCIAL DOG & CAT FOOD OVER A 12 MONTH PERIOD
by JSJ Odendaal & J Wessels - Dept of Veterinary Ethology, Onderstepoort

Introduction

According to field reports from veterinary clients and others, commercial dog and cat foods are often linked to clinical conditions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, metlaena, loss of appetite, choking, skeletal abnormalities in growing animals, allergies, urinary calculi, skin and hair coat conditions, anaemia, inactivity, hyperactivity, various behavioural problems, obesity, under weight, malignancies, decrease in performance, teeth problems, infertility, torsion, epilepsy and pad and nail conditions. The list is not meant to be complete, but the fact is that the veterinarian is often consulted about possible connections between the feeding of commercial foods and clinical symptoms.
It is common knowledge that any bulk manufacturing process of foods can cause variations in the nutrient contents of the final product, because of various practical factors. It is thus necessary to establish if the frequency of variations is of such significance that it may be a possible causative factor of clinical problems. The aim of this study was to analyse commercial dog and cat complete foods on the same basis as the manner in which the average consumer purchases pet food. Such an analysis over a period of time can indicate the frequency of variations in these foods.

Method

The method to mimic consumers' buying strategies of commercial dog and cat food, was to buy the foods at the end of the month, obtaining it from the shelves of the same chain store over a 12-month period. Standard methods of analysis (Weende analysis) were used to determine the moisture, crude fat, crude fibre contents as well as calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) (photospectro-metry analysis) to determine the Ca:P ratio. Every food container was tested in triplicate. The three specimens were taken from the top, middle and bottom of the container, which represented the method of feeding a dog and cat at home (i.e. from top to bottom of the container).

The results were compared to the advertised contents of the nutrients on the label of the container and a variation of 7% was allowed for bulk manufacturing. Commercial dog and cat foods are controlled by Act 36 of 1947 and only feeds which were registered by the Registrar of Animal Feeds and which were available countrywide, were included in the samples. No permission could be attained from any of the companies to use trade names in the report.

Discussion

The average frequency of deviations for all the foods, after allowing for bulk manufacturing processes, was 28,3%. The relatively high frequency of deviations may indicate a need for continuous analysis of commercial dog and cat foods by an independent laboratory. An accreditation scheme for food companies is proposed in which veterinary ap-proval of the contents of the food is added onto the label. This may have benefits for both veterinarians and food com-panies. For food companies such accreditation will improve customer confidence in the product and for veterinarians it will reflect their involvement in their clients' decisions on products for their animals (i.e. veterinary patients). Such a scheme is not a novel idea since it has already been implemented in Canada. It is expected that an accreditation scheme will boost the local pet food market.

With regard to variations in commercial dog and cat foods giving rise to certain clinical problems, it is still un-known if there exists such a correlation. A nutrient deficiency of excess often has to exist for a period of time before clinical symptoms are noticeable. With variations as established in this survey, however, veterinarians should consider to exclude nutritional causes as a possibility in some of the clinical conditions. The main areas of concern were the fat and fibre contents and the Ca:P ratios. A deficiency of the essential fatty acids may cause skin and coat problems and high fibre contents may cause digestive disturbances such as vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea. A too high fibre content may even contribute to a too lower energy intake, especially in con-junction with a too low fat content. Although Ca:P ratios may be less critical in adults than in growing animals, an in-correct ratio may affect the skeleton over a long enough period of time. It is obvious that not all connections between the feeding of commercial foods and possible clinical problems as it is often done by clients, are relevant. Furthermore, dogs and cats fed at home will most likely also receive other sources of food, which make linear linkage between the feeding of conventional foods and possible clinical problems even more difficult.

GENERAL SKIN CONDITIONS

There are a number of reasons why a dog has problematic skin and coats conditions, whether it be: psychological, food intollerance, toxicity, antoimmune skin diseases (some can be hereditary, even going back to 3 generations). Fungal infections, such as ringworm causes hair loss, but is a rare cause of alopecia and is contagious to humans too. Flea bites, mites and bed bugs may cause similar symptoms. There is strong evidence that more dogs are getting hypersensitive to alot of the ingredients of dog food, whether it be a yeast intollerance, lacking enzymes to break down high fat contents in: Soy, corn, beef, diary, high in histamine or saurine, preservatives also have adverse effects. A hyperallergenc diet trail of feeding one part fresh lamb and two parts boiled rice ONLY (the same total amount the dog is use to eating) using distilled water (water left to cool from a kettle is suffice), may be tried and tested. But it has been noted that rabbit may be a better option to use. The trial should last from 4 to 12 weeks, although it could take up to three months to notice any skin or coat improvement. If nothing changes, then the problem may not be food related.

BUMPS & LUMPS

Contributory causes of skin tumours (malignant or benign) have been recognised through: viruses, chemicals, hormones, genetic, immunology, solar & ionising radiation. These may appear during all periods of a dogs life, only a tissue biopsy of a tumour is the definitive method to obtain a diagnosis and the type of therapy recommended will depend on the tumour size, location and metastases (local or distant spread). The science of veterinary oncology is a constantly expanding field and new treatments are constantly evaluated for many types of tumour. So please watch the change of characteristics carefully on: Fatty lumps, mole, wart, couliflower bump, ulcer and erosion on the skin, inside the mouth, ears and internal abnormalilties that you can feel.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

A fairly common problem and means that the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormone to adequately maintain the dog's metabolism. It is easily treated with thyroid replacement pills on a daily basis. Thyroid testing (T3, T4, TSH and auto antibodies) can be performed by your vet.

Baeyer is presently doing a free clinical trial on dobermanns between the ages of 5-9 years, alongside the cardiomyopathy screening, please see the major UK Dobermann Health sites for further details.

Treatments

Without the knowledge of what one is treating, do not attempt to treat your own dog without professional guidance.

Virbac sells a fatty acid suppliment to help inflammed skin. Antihistamines are effective in one third of cases; products with clemastine (Tavist), diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (chlor-trimeton) are preferred in dogs. Special fatty acids known as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (gamma linolenic & eicosapenaenoic acids) are know to give relief to 20% of dogs. These can be found in borage, evening primrose and fish oils. The vets may use an old stand-by treatment if severe-'prednisone', a form of corticosteroids, unfortunate this may cause thinning the skin to causing further problems later in life, there are lots of other side effects too and requires regular blood tests. Allergy shots may take 6-8 months, although 25% go without benefits, but several testing laboratories that are selling these tests are not conclusively reliable.

ALBINOISM

In the 1970's a litter was sired by RASPUTIN VI to dam DYNAMO HUMM, a white female was registered by the American Kennel Club as the first Albino dobermann, named PADULA'S QUEEN SHEBA. Testing Sheba's hair and offspring have proven that she is "A TYROSINE POSITIVE ALBINO" which is a mutation and is not classed as WHITE at all. The AKC erroneously registered her as such. A white dog should have dark eyes, skin, nose and dark pigment. The Albino has pink skin, nose, blue eyes (or light yellow in a few specimens). The Albinos have "photosensitivity" to sunlight. They have problems related to sight due to this problem. This can be reflected in temperament or insecurity problems. The DPCA has the warning and recommendation that these Dobermans with blue eyes, pink skin, nose and pads, should NOT BE BRED from, and nor that the trait not be proliferated or propagated. Albino is a "Deleterious Genetic Mutation" and carries with it many traits that are harmful and not conducive to proper Doberman temperament and health. Albino is not a colour but a genetic condition. There are unscrupulous breeders that seek to "make money" and "exploit" the Doberman by telling the "PUBLIC" that the Albino is "RARE" and WORTH MORE THAN NORMAL COLORED DOBERMANS. Please study information about the Albino Doberman, before you make an uninformed choice and possibly a mistake in choosing an Albino. The DPCA's position on the ALBINO is that it should not be bred, promoted or propagated and should be given Limited Registration.

ALOPECIA COLOUR MUTANT

This usually occurs in Blue an fawn Dobermann’s which is a hereditary disease of the skin, occasionally seen in blue Great Danes, blue Newfoundlands, Chow Chows, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds. Puppies are born with normal hair and skin, as early as 4 months old. The dog's skin becomes rough and scaly, the coat becomes dry, brittle, thin, looks "moth eaten", and acne-type pustules generally appear on the skin. Some dogs do not exhibit these symptoms until several years old.

Treatment: There is no cure, so any treatment is aimed at relieving the skin conditions and keeping the dog comfortable. Specially formulated home made diets and warm water/peroxide baths can be helpful. Due to the hereditary nature of this disease, affected dogs should not be used in a breeding program.

CARDIOMYOPATHY

A genetically predisposed disease of the heart muscle. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the term for advanced failing heart muscle or valve. In essence, it is the inability of the heart muscle to contract the blood flow normally. Although the silent killer stops the heart rhythm altogether without any diagnosis. The best way to identify this condition is with an ultrasound of the heart and this is presently free for all Dobermann’s over the age of 5 up to 9 years of age who residing within the UK, Please get in touch with Carol Smith, The Health Co-ordinator of Midland Dobermann Club.

CHRONIC ACTIVE HEPATITUS (CAH)

This is diagnosed by the presence of continually elevated ALT values, and then by liver biopsy. The incidence of occurrence tends to be high in Dobermann’s, but it is also found in other breeds such as Bedlington Terriers, and Golden Retrievers. It is viewed as being a progressive inflammatory state that causes the liver to degenerate to the point of liver failure where the dog dies. Not a lot is known about this disease as there are no conclusive evidence that prove CAH to be inherited. Low fat, low protein diets may help, and some have used steroids with a degree of success. The steroids were originally given when researchers thought this was an autoimmune disease, because humans do have a form of CAH that is autoimmune, and liver comparison was visually similar. Leading researchers in the field no longer view CAH as an autoimmune disease in the canine. According to current research, there is usually an elevated level of copper found early on in the liver, but this seems to be a side effect, and not the cause. Symptoms usually show when a large proportion of the liver has been destroyed (at least half). The dog is usually very sick by that point in time, and demonstrating the clinical signs of CAH. This means that the dog is in the final stages of CAH. Symptoms of CAH include: vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice (yellow tinge to skin and whites of eyes), weight loss, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), and elevated alanine aminotransfersase (ALT).

EYES

GPRA (Generalised progressive retinol atrophy)
Visual acuity is diminished, first at dusk, later in daylight and then the disease progresses over months or years, to complete blindness. A screening test is available and can be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) BVA (British Veterinary Association) will certify eyes for 12 months from the date of evaluation, this is an inherited condition.

PHTVL/PHPV (persistant hyperplastic primary vitreous)
A hereditary eye disease affecting the lens of the eye, is a serious condition that may entail complications demanding veterinary care, and regular eye tests during the whole life of the dog.

Early in the foetal stage, there is a system of blood vessels coating the lens. These blood vessels normally regress before the puppy is born. But in a dog with PHTVL/PHPV this has not occurred the way it is supposed to, and also the vitreous body of the eye, has not developed normally. In its mildest form PHTVL/PHPV causes small pigmented dots in the posterior lens capsule. In more severe cases the dog has got fully developed blood vessels in the rear face of the lens and maybe a deformed lens. Then there is a high risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens) even young puppies can go blind.

What does it mean to the affected dog?
PHTVL/PHPV is sometimes graded on a scale from 1 to 6. The mildest form does not affect the eyesight. In grade 2 to 5 there is increasingly poor vision, and grade 6, the most severe form, means total cataract, i.e. the eye is completely blind.

Another complication that might occur is a haemorrhage inside the eye. This is rather difficult for the dogs’ owner to discover, but when it happens it is necessary with immediate treatment that is continued over a long period of time.

How is it diagnosed?
PHTVL/PHPV is not visible to the naked eye, but can be seen from the age of 8 weeks in an ophthalmic examination carried out by an ophthalmologist. The examination is completely painless. This disease is congenital and will not appear later in life. However, the gene carrying the disease can exist in a dog that has been tested clear.

Haemophillia. vWD (VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE)

This is an autosomally (not sex linked) inherited bleeding disorder with a prolonged bleeding time and a mild to severe factor IX deficiency. When dogs are tested through the Elisa assay blood test for vWD, they are tested for carrier status only, NOT the disease. It is believed that Elisa test can be inaccurate if a dog is ill, received any medication or vaccination within 14 days of testing, pregnant, or is a bitch in heat or lactating. Stress conditions (infections, parasites, hormonal changes, trauma, surgery, emotional upset, etc.) may have an effect on the outcome of the vWD blood test and might be a contributing factor for bleeding tendencies. vWD carrier status is quite common in Dobermans. If affected or carrier Dobermanns are to be mated, then ensure that they are mated to a genetically clear dog. If an affected dog is mated to a clear, there is no need to DNA/vWD test the litter because all pups will be carriers of vWD. However, if a carrier is mated to a clear, then the litter could be tested to identify the carrier and clear offspring.

The DNA kits for testing for vWD are NOT available from your vet but from

Dr. Jeff Sampson
The Kennel Club
1-5 Clarges Street
Picadilly
London W1J 8AB
Tel: 020 7518 1068 -Fax: 020 7518 1028
Email: jsampson@the-kennel-club.org.uk

KIDNEY DISEASE

Many cases of bacterial kidney diseases can be successfully treated. Leptospira is one bacterium that can cause acute renal failure. Other bacteria can also cause kidney infections, invading the urinary tract, the bladder or prostate for example, and ascending up to the kidneys. With proper diagnosis and treatment these infections can be treated effectively with antibiotics and, in most cases, result in complete recovery.

Unfortuantely Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals, a teaspoon can kill a dog and rat poison that contains a form of vitamin D causes inflammation and damage. Some antibiotics such as gentamicin, Cisplatinm Amphotericin can cause acute damage. Leptospira and other bacteria can invaded the urinary tract, bladder or prostate then ascends to the kidneys.

Dietary management of restricting protein, phosphorous, sodium is thought to help by slowing down the disease. Vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, Fish Oilshelps the well being alongside bicarbonate that aid changes in the acidity in the blood. Consult your vet first as this depends on the severity of the disease.

Smptoms

Increased thirst & Urine volume, Weight loss, weakness & exercise intolerance, Bleed/bruise easily.
Acute Failiure sees dehydration, stiff legged gait & arched back, little or no urine production.

LIVER DISEASE

Liver disease can affect just about any other part of the body and thus the symptoms of liver disease are typically unpredictable and non- specific. The liver controls every biochemical process required to run the body. and is the only organ which is capable of complete regeration.

Symptoms

Orange urine, pale grey faeces, jaundice, behavoural changes, depression, lethargy, abdomen pain, chronic weight loss, increased water consumption, aneamia, shock.

Cause

Toxic, viral or immune mediated. Infectious Hepatitus/herpes virus. Contaminated water (fungal), leptospirosis, Tuberculosis (can be transmitted to humans), parasites, copper intake, side effects from some drugs, drug injury, congenital defect, dietary deprivation, cancer.

BONE DISORDERS

HIP DYSPLASIA

Reputable breeders have done a good job of testing and decreasing the numbers of Dobermans with hip dysplasia. However, it is still a concern. It may vary from slightly poor conformation to malformation of the hip joint allowing complete luxation of the femoral head.

WOBBLER'S SYNDROME (Cervical Vertebral Instability)

In this disease, the vertebrae in the neck (usually the base) become unstable and move around, pinching the spinal cord. Wobbler’s rarely strikes young dogs, and can cause pain and/or paralysis. Surgical therapy is hotly debated and in some surgically treated cases, clinical recurrence has been identified.

DANCING DOBERMAN DISEASE (DDD)

Apparently this new disease was investigated by Dr Jan Steiss with a grant from Auburn University but is no longer with this institution http://www.dpfa.org/DancingDobeDiseaseFinal.html. I can only write what I have found but cannot verify that this as a true fact.

DDD can mimic many other conditions such as lumbosacral disc disease, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), inflammation of the spinal cord, spinal arthritis, cauda equina syndrome, some nervous system maladies, and spinal tumours. It is likely the condition is more prevalent than previously recognized because there is a general lack of awareness on the part of veterinarians and breeders, and therefore, the condition is often overlooked as a diagnosis.

The Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Ettinger and Feldman, 4th Edition, contains a description of this progressive disease, usually presenting with a holding up of one rear leg while standing. The age at onset can be anywhere from 4 months to 10 years. Both males and females are affected. Most affected dogs have normal findings on other tests, including blood counts, biochemistry, x-ray, and thyroid function. Over several months the condition progresses with a wasting of rear leg muscles, and a more constant shifting of weight on the rear legs to resemble a dog "dancing", hence the name "Dancing Doberman Disease". Frequently these dogs will knuckle over with their rear paws and ultimately prefer to sit or lie down rather than stand. The dogs show no sign of pain and are perfectly capable of running in the yard, chasing a ball or a squirrel, etc. Generally they live out their lives comfortably as pets although the condition is progressive, incurable, and at present, untreatable. It must be considered a genetic disease because it has never been reported in any mammal, let alone any dog breed other than the Doberman Pinscher.

GASTRIC DIALATION-VOLVULVUS (GDV) BLOAT-TORSION.

Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells/stretches, it may rotate from 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog. While the diagnosis is simple, the pathological changes in the dog's body make treatment complicated, expensive, and not always successful.

It is recommended that feeding times should be 2 hours before and after exercise to prevent gastric acids (wind) from building up and twisting and cramping the stomach muscles. Also gulping air while drinking copious amounts of water after food can cause simple gastric distention, introduce another bowl (upside down) or a non-toxic heavy ball in the middle of the dog's foodbowl to reduce the eating/drinking habit. Belching of gas or vomiting food usually prevents the problem. Simenthicone (Mylanta Gas) may prevent the gas build up. Try to stear clear from gassy food (soybean produts, citric acid, brewers yeast & alfalfa).

Bloat can be hereditary, it can also be brought on by stress, fear, aggression, being underweight, have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) who cannot digest food properly, some preservatives in dry foods, some dry food containing more fat, dilution of gastric juices by drinking too much water, Gulping down food/water and having a deep and narrow chest. A deep and narrowed thorax is thought to change the anatomic relationship between the stomach a d oesphagus such that the dogs ability to eructate (burp) is impaired.

Typical symptoms:

Attempting to vomit unsuccessfully, coughing, hunched/roached up appearance, hard abdomen, pale gums (dark red in early stages, white or blue in latter), licking the air, anxiety & restless, may curl up or refuse to sit or lie, foaming mucous, whining, looking at their sides etc.

This lovely 2 year old boy called Luka, use to scoff his food and drink quickly and was over anxious when he had been kennelled when his parents were on holiday. When they returned he was rushed into intensive care for a week with over £6,500 hospital fees. Luka is now fully recovered and is eating out of a special made food and water bowl to slow down his eating habit! Unfortunately not all dogs have been so lucky, so please be aware.

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