Dogged Blog

If you love rescue, and hate puppy mills...

What do Greyhound rescue groups and puppy millers have in common? Absolutely nothing -- which is why I need your help.

The Greyhound rescue group from which I adopted my darling Val and Stella, GRACE, was offered the proceeds of a fundraising promotion run by a local puppy-selling pet store, part of a national chain. The donation was expected to be at least $500.

They declined to participate, even though they have just taken in, on top of all their usual retired racers, a 10-year-old former brood mama who needs costly medical care.

So I'd like to ask all my friends, family members, readers, as well as all YOUR friends, family, etc., to click over to GRACE Greyhound Rescue and donate to them -- even just a few bucks! Let's help that sweet mama get her needed medical care, and show the world that we don't need puppy mill blood-money to fund the great work our dedicated rescue groups do!

Thank you! (Oh, and yes, that pretty girl in the photo, Gypsie, is available for adoption right now!)

NAVC 2013: And now for a word from our sponsors

Who's buying and selling what your veterinarian knows?

I understand that veterinary conferences need to be paid for. I really do. But every time I attend one, I am overwhelmed by the rank and unabashed commercialism of the events.

I'm in Orlando at the North American Veterinary Conference. Every presentation is sponsored in some way. Every inch of wall and window space, and even a fair amount of air space, is  plastered with giant full-color ads for drugs, parasite preventives, equipment, and practice management tools.

One of my favorite things to do at vet conferences is track how many of the presenters formally disclose their conflicts of interest during their session. It's my belief that such disclosure should be required before anyone is allowed to present at any scientific conference, and many non-veterinary medical and scientific conferences do in fact have that requirement.

Many vets I ask about this, whether in the audience or presenting, seem honestly surprised at the question, and insist that regardless of conflicts, they would never taint or sway their data or opinion, nor believe any presenter would. This is hopelessly naive, and out of step with the entire body of scientific opinion outside of vet med.

When I have in the past asked speakers after their sessions for their conflicts of interest -- a standard question for anyone submitting to a journal or speaking at a human medicine conference -- I've often seen a startled response, followed by statements like, "Let me think... no, I don't think so."

Veterinary medicine needs to do better.

I'm off to my first session at this year's NAVC; maybe this year, the policy has changed. Maybe, even if it hasn't, this will be the year all the presenters disclose their conflicts voluntarily, because they know it's good science and good PR.

Hey. it could happen. And someday, it will.

RECALLED: Milo's Kitchen Chicken Jerky, Grillers; Purina's Waggin Train, Canyon Creek Ranch

Milo's Kitchen, owned by by Del Monte, announced today it is recalling its Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers treats from retailers nationwide, due to contamination with antibiotics.

From the company's press release:

On Monday, New York State's Department of Agriculture informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Company that trace amounts of residual antibiotics had been found in several lots of Milo's Kitchen® Chicken Jerky.  After consultation with the New York Department of Agriculture and FDA, the company decided to voluntarily recall Milo's Kitchen® Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers, which are both sourced from the same chicken suppliers.   

The use of antibiotics to keep chickens healthy and disease-free while raising them is standard practice in poultry production for both human and pet food. However, the antibiotics found in the products were unapproved and should not be present in the final food product.

The full release, which includes contact information at the company and directions on how to receive a refund, is here.

UPDATE: Purina has recalled its Waggin Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats, citing antibiotic residue as well. They also issued a statement insisting the products was safe, despite traces of antibiotics that are not approved in the United States. The treats are made in China. Read more here.

UPDATE: Publix Chicken Tenders Dog Chew Treats, a private label brand sold in the South, have also been recalled for antibiotic contamination. Read more here.