When Sue and Robin McGibbon took their beloved Labrador Abby for her annual check-up last month, they thought the most they had to worry about was slightly increased creakiness in her joints. "She’d had problems with arthritis for some time, but it was growing worse and we didn’t want to see her in pain," says Sue. "Our vet had always tried to treat her with homeopathic remedies, but this time he gave her an anti-inflammatory drug." The family took Abby home, hoping life would become more comfortable for her. Instead, she suddenly became seriously ill. For six days she suffered endless bouts of vomiting and diarrhea before suffering paralysis in her hind legs. Eventually, Robin and Sue, from Bickley, Kent, felt they had no choice but to have her put down. Now, the heartbroken couple and the vet who treated Abby are convinced the drug used to treat her actually killed her. The drug was Carprodyl, which is widely used to treat millions of dogs in Britain and around the world. Vet Paul Grant had believed the drug, whose active ingredient is the painkiller and anti-inflammatory carprofen, to be safe. He has decided to speak to the Mail in the hope of raising awareness over the drug’s potential dangers. "I’ve never seen a dog deteriorate like this from using a medicine that was supposedly safe," says the vet, who had treated 13-year-old Abby since she was a puppy. "Carprodyl is what we call a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, and Abby had been on a similar one before with no problems. But this was different. "I’m heartbroken for the family, and feel devastated by what happened. I’ll never prescribe that drug again." Such an impassioned reaction from a vet who deals with animal deaths on a daily basis is unusual, yet he does not believe owners or vets have been made properly aware of the drug’s potential dangers.
The vet who gave Carprodyl to Abby the Labrador has since said he will never prescribe the controversial anti-inflammatory drug again. This is exacerbated by the fact Britain has a complicated system of reporting reactions to animal drugs, so it’s almost impossible to gauge how many other dogs like Abby there have been. In the U.S., however, where the drug has been on the market for five years longer than in Britain and where the reporting system is more transparent, concerns have been raised for more than a decade. Shockingly, this supposedly "safe" drug is thought to have killed at least 3,200 dogs. Civil claims for damages have been settled with bereaved dog owners and campaigns have been waged to warn of carprofen’s potential dangers. On this side of the Atlantic, however, dog owners are kept worryingly in the dark, something that haunts the McGibbons. "We would never have allowed Abby to take this medication if we had known about the potential side-effects," says Sue. "She was a wonderful dog, full of personality. It is difficult to describe the horror of watching her deteriorate. She only went in for a check-up, but we lost her." Carprofen was first marketed in the U.S. in 1997 by Pfizer Animal Health as a treatment for arthritic dogs. It works by restricting the production of chemicals that cause inflammation. Marketed with the brand name Rimadyl, it was an instant success. In 2002 the drug was launched in Britain, where it has been similarly popular. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which licenses medicines, soon began receiving thousands of reports of adverse reactions. One complaint was from Jean Townsend, 75, from South Carolina. "I had a chocolate Labrador called George," she tells me. "My vet noticed he was limping and said Rimadyl could help." "But he began to go off his food and then started vomiting and passing bloody faeces." Within a month, George was dead. A post-mortem examination revealed he had liver damage, bleeding and gut ulceration. Jean sued and was joined by 300 other people in a class action that was settled by Pfizer in 2004 for $1,000 per owner, but the company didn’t admit liability. "We would never have allowed Abby to take this medication if we had known about the potential side-effects."
Dangerous: In the U.S., where Carprodyl has been on the market for longer, it has claimed that the drug could have killed as many as 3,200 dogs (stock picture). Subsequently, Pfizer was twice ordered by the FDA to beef up its warnings, eventually to include "death" as a possible side-effect.
"I have no doubt this drug does benefit many dogs, but others have a terrible, sometimes fatal reaction," says Jean. "The drug companies have never satisfactorily explained that and they should." In its defense, Pfizer points out that fewer than 1 per cent of animals react badly to Rimadyl, and that of those the vast majority recover. Pfizer and other drug companies also point out with justification that many of the dogs that benefit from taking carprofen would otherwise be in so much pain they would have to be put down. "For any medicine to be licensed by the regulatory authorities, it must meet rigorous quality, safety and efficacy standards," says a Pfizer spokesman. ‘Carprofen has been licensed in the UK for more than ten years and millions of tablets have been prescribed during this time. "We would encourage anyone who has a concern to speak to their vet, who can then report it." "I have no doubt that this drug does benefit many dogs, but others have a terrible - sometimes fatal - reaction." In Britain, animal pharmaceuticals are licensed and monitored by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), a branch of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It runs a system of reporting bad reactions to drugs called the Suspected Adverse Reaction Surveillance Scheme (SARSS), but this is discretionary, not compulsory. Harvey Locke, past president of the British Veterinary Association, says there might be a case for making reporting mandatory, but adds: "There would need to be strict guidelines laying down exactly when a report should be made. At present it is up to the discretion of the vet." Mr. Locke, in common with most vets, believes carprofen is perfectly safe in most cases, but he and his colleagues have no way of knowing how many animals are reacting badly to it. Here’s why. Carprodyl, the branded carprofen that was given to Abby, was given a license for Buckinghamshire-based Ceva Animal Health in 2008. Potential side-effects listed on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate website include: vomiting, soft feces/diarrhea, fecal occult blood, loss of appetite and lethargy, which in very rare cases may be serious or fatal. It also lists rare incidences of gastro-intestinal bleeding. However, as side-effects do not have to be reported to the VMD, there is no way of knowing the true scale of the problem. "I have treated dozens of dogs where these drugs have upset their stomach, but this would not come under SARSS reporting," says Mr. Locke. Disturbingly, when I repeatedly asked the VMD how many adverse reports it had received about drugs containing carprofen, I was initially told "it would not be simple" to find out. Later I was told I would have to make a Freedom of Information request for the figures, which could take six weeks. In the U.S., adverse reaction figures are freely available from the FDA to any member of the public. In Britain, pet owners are told the figures could be "commercially sensitive" even though the same drug companies operate in both countries. For any medicine to be licensed by the regulatory authorities, it must meet rigorous quality, safety and efficacy standards. Instead, it was left to Ceva Animal Health to tell me that in the case of Carprodyl, there have been just four SARSS reports, including Abby’s death. During the past year, the company has sold 1.7 million doses of the drug. "We think this is proven to be a very safe drug," says Martin Mitchell, Ceva’s global director of communications. "I have four dogs, and two of them are on Carprodyl. I would never put any animal at risk, least of all my own." In the case of Abby, Robin, 68, and his wife Sue feel certain carprofen caused her death. But they’ll never be able to prove it. In the U.S., however, one couple believe they have evidence directly linking carprofen to the death of their golden retriever, Sophie. Christopher Cooper and Shelley Smith filed a lawsuit against Pfizer last year after six-year-old Sophie was given the drug, as Rimadyl, to help recover from ligament surgery on a knee. "We were given the drugs without any information on potential side-effects," Christopher, a 45-year-old businessman, tells me from his home in Colorado. "If I had known, there’s no way we would have given her Rimadyl. She was in the prime of life." Instead, she suffered a similar reaction to Abby’s and had to be put down. ‘We have no doubt this drug killed Sophie,’ says Shelley. The couple’s solicitor, Jennifer Edwards, says: "Since I filed the lawsuit last July, I’ve been contacted by hundreds of dog owners who say they’d like to join a class action. When you consider that kind of response, the company’s safety claims for this drug don’t stack up." Sue and Robin McGibbon wish they’d known all this before allowing Abby to take Carprodyl. Martin Mitchell, of Ceva, sent me a copy of the leaflet his company issues with Carprodyl. It includes all the potential side-effects in full accordance with the law. However, the couple say the pills they got from their veterinary clinic, Tender Paws Ltd, in West Wickham, Kent, appeared to have been repackaged in a "fuchsia-colored" box with a slip of paper inside. I sent them a copy of the official instructions and Sue was shocked when she saw all the potential side-effects warning that the drug could be fatal. "We never got this," she says. "The only side-effects that it warned of was diarrhea." I approached Tender Paws several times, but no one would comment on the repackaging of this drug. All that remains to be seen is whether the Veterinary Medicines Directorate will take any action — and find out if the practice of re-packaging drugs without adequate warnings is widespread. Or will it simply hide behind secrecy and Freedom of Information requests? A watchdog without a bite or even a bark. For any medicine to be licensed by the regulatory authorities, it must meet rigorous quality, safety and efficacy standards. Instead, it was left to Ceva Animal.
Sometimes the weight of the world can seem overwhelming. But occasionally, if we're lucky, YouTube presents us with videos of adorable canine activities to ease the pain. If you're feeling down, spend a minute and a half with Geronimo the Dog, a.k.a. Double Dutch Dog. Geronimo isn't your average pooch. In addition to possessing camera-ready charisma, Geronimo can jump a mean rope. And we're not talking standard jump roping; we're talking double dutch jump roping. So heat up some popcorn, sit back, relax, and marvel in the wonder that is Geronimo the Double Dutch Dog.
Muscular dystrophy in dogs is seen in many breeds, but is seen the most frequently in Golden Retrievers. Muscular dystrophy occurs when the dog lacks dystrophin. Dystrophin is a protein necessary for the proper function of muscle membranes. There are several types of Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne is the most common form of MD in canines. Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms generally begin showing up between 6 to 8 weeks of age. Things you'll want to watch out for include:
Difficulty swallowing due to an enlarged tongue
Lack of interest in playing/exercise
Muscular weakness
Excessive drooling
Difficulty breathing
Muscle spasms
Difficulty moving tongue
Limb deformity
Tremors/shaking
Gait abnormalities
Treatment of Dogs with Muscular Dystrophy
There are no cures for muscular dystrophy. There are no therapies, either. Progression of the disease can be slowed, in some cases, with anabolic supplements – that is, steroid hormones. Muscular dystrophy in female dogs The most common form of muscular dystrophy in dogs and humans is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The dystrophin gene is located on the X chromosome, and, therefore, disease-causing mutations in dystrophin occur most often in males. Therefore, females with dystrophin deficiency or other forms of muscular dystrophy may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze dystrophin and a number of other muscle proteins associated with muscular dystrophy in humans, including sarcoglycans and laminin alpha2, in muscle biopsy specimens from 5 female dogs with pathologic changes consistent with muscular dystrophy. The female dogs were presented with a variety of clinical signs including generalized weakness, muscle wasting, tremors, exercise intolerance, gait abnormalities, and limb deformity. Serum creatine kinase activity was variably high. One dog had no detectable dystrophin in the muscle; another was mosaic, with some fibers normal and others partly dystrophin-deficient. A 3rd dog had normal dystrophin but no detectable laminin alpha2. Two dogs could not be classified. This study demonstrates the occurrence of dystrophin- and laminin alpha2-associated muscular dystrophy and the difficulty in clinical diagnosis of these disorders in female dogs. "Scientists have taken a step toward developing a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by successfully treating the condition in dogs using a novel genetic technique. The scientists used a method called exon skipping, which involves adding a genetic 'patch' to block transcription of a portion of the gene involved in DMD. This puts the remaining genetic sequence back in order, essentially creating a much less severe version of the condition. More work is needed before the treatment can be given to humans, however, because DMD sufferers often have different genetic mutations." The scientists recorded some remarkable video footage showing the resulting improvements in several dogs with naturally-occurring DMD. (Click twice on arrow to start video)
Muscular Dystrophy is an inherited, progressive, and non-inflammatory degenerative muscular disease caused by a deficiency of dystrophyin, a muscle-membrane protein. This generalized muscle disorder is primarily seen in newborn cats or those less than one year old. Domestic short-haired and Devon Rex cats are also more prone to this form of muscular dystrophy. Symptoms and Types
Vomiting Increased muscle mass Stiff gait Exercise intolerance Weakness Downward flexion of head and neck
Causes Dystrophin deficiency due to inherited defect. Diagnosis You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, including the onset and nature of the symptoms, to your veterinarian. He or she will then conduct a complete physical examination as well as a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood count (CBC). Creatine kinase enzyme levels may be elevated due to the dystrophin deficiency. Liver enzymes are also elevated in cats with this disorder. The most hopeful test for reaching a definitive diagnosis, however, involves taking a muscle biopsy. The muscle tissue sample is sent to a veterinary pathologist to verify abnormal levels of dystrophin. Treatment No treatment is proven to be effective. Glucocorticosteriods are often given to cats suffering from non-inflammatory muscular dystrophy, but their effectiveness is variable and their exact mode of action in this disease is still unknown. Living and Management Cats with this disorder are prone to aspiration pneumonia or cardiac disease and must evaluated at regular intervals for such complications. Be vigilant of complications and contact your veterinarian should problems arise. Unfortunately, the overall prognosis is very poor in cats with non-inflammatory muscular dystrophy. Often, your veterinarian will discourage breeding the animal, due to the genetic nature of the disorder.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says, that the Irish Setter is one of the most distinctive sporting breeds. The mahogany red Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog. That was originally bred to be red and white. The solid red color appeared in Ireland the 19th century and became a mark of quality and superior sporting ability. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the Irish is known for his style, powerful movement and clown-like personality. Facts about the Irish Setter: 1. One of the Irish Setter's most distinguishing characteristics is their flowing, shiny coat. While most all long haired breeds are prone to tangling or matting at least once in a while, for whatever reason it seems to be a much more prevalent problem for the Irish Setter. The Irish Setter needs to be brushed, and combed twice a week and trimmed every three months. 2. The Irish Setter gets along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets, and will enthusiastically greet visitors. However, even though they do well with household pets, small animals may pose a problem for this breed, as they are a hunting breed. Some Irish setters may have problems with cats in the house, and may be too rambunctious with small children. 3. Irish Setters are also widely used as therapy dogs in schools and hospitals. Therapy dogs are permitted in hospitals that allow service dogs and can visit patients on the assigned floors. 4. Caution: This breed can be reckless if they do not receive the proper exercise, and may be destructive. 5. The American Society for the Prevention of Curelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, that this breed tends to bloat. You should feed 2 to 3 meals a day instead of one big one. 6. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA) also says, that the Irish Setter is prone to blindness. 7. These dogs are not recommended for apartment living. They do best in a big yard. 8. Irish Setters life expectancy tends to be around 12 to 15 years. 9. It is important to obtain an Irish Setter from reputable breeder. 10. They must be allowed to run free in a secured area every day.
Animal control officers removed a 7-foot alligator from a Kansas City home Wednesday during an eviction, and the gator's owner says he`ll fight to get him back.
The adorably odd couple, who are named Jack and Diane, bonded together on an abandoned farm and were miserable when they were separated. Here’s a little story ’bout Jack and Diane. Jack, a male donkey, and Diane, a female emu, are an unlikely animal pair who have fallen in love. And although the two lovebirds (lovedonkeys?) are undeniably adorable, their tight bond is creating an obstacle for a North Carolina animal rescue. According to Jennifer Gordon, executive director of Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, the odd couple was discovered in “a very small pen together” on an abandoned farm in Kershaw, South Carolina, last week. Gordon told HuffPost that their extremely close relationship wasn’t apparent to rescuers at first, and the team decided to load Jack onto a truck before Diane. “The emu went kind of crazy,” Gordon said. “She was sticking her head through the fences and we were worried she was gonna hurt herself.” Gordon said she was a little worried about putting the two animals in a trailer together, but decided to try it and see what happened. “As we got on the road, we looked back there and they were both laying down together and snuggled up.” Once the duo arrived at the Indian Trail-based rescue, Gordon said they decided to pair Diane up with another emu. But it was a big mistake. The Charlotte Observer reports that Diane “got frantic,” according to Gordon. Jack “started crying” and “paced around like an expectant father.” “The donkey did not want other donkeys around the emu and the emu didn’t like [her new mate],” Gordon explained to HuffPost. “So we just decided to keep them together and they were very happy.” The Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is currently trying to find a permanent home for Jack and Diane together, but the task is proving to be difficult. They don’t want to split them up, but neither Jack or Diane get along with other donkeys or emus. Gordon also noted on Facebook that they “can’t be put in with other animals.” Gordon said she’d prefer placing the two in a nonprofit sanctuary, but will consider private adopters if that doesn’t work out. “It wasn’t easy trailering them and we don’t think it’s in their best interest to get moved multiple times all over the country,” Gordon wrote on Facebook.
If you have family members two- and four-legged joining your feast on Thanksgiving, it’s important to know who can eat what. Human food and dogs don’t get along that great, especially the flavorful, seasoned dishes served on Thanksgiving. Diarrhea in dogs is extremely common as a result of overfeeding rich foods. Too much of a good thing can result in pancreatitis, a painful inflammatory condition that is expensive to treat and can have lifelong effects on your pet. It doesn’t mean you have exclude your pets from the festivities, but it does mean you need to watch what they eat, and what you (and other guests) feed Fido. Whip up some Thanksgiving-themed homemade dog treats to distract your dog from the main meal, or take him for a pre-dinner walk around the block to tire him out. Certain Thanksgiving foods are safe and even healthy for dogs! However, only the pure, raw, unseasoned forms of these foods are acceptable to give to pets. These Thanksgiving foods are dog-friendly, but they should still be served only in moderation. Sweet Potatoes Typically served baked with marshmallows or in sweet potato pie, this seasonal superfood is a hit with dogs. Orange sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and many other much-needed nutrients. Feed your pup raw or dried pieces of sweet potato, not the canned mix. Never give your dog marshmallows, which contain xylitol – an artificial sweetener dangerous to pets – as well as large amounts of sugar. Turkey The main course, Thanksgiving turkey is a dog’s ultimate dream dish. Cooked turkey is safe for both cats and dogs, but it must be unseasoned. Turkey bones are also off-limits for dogs, as they can easily crunch and splinter, causing an intestinal obstruction or internal bleeding. The turkey’s skin is also out of bounds for dogs, as its rich flavor can cause gastrointestinal upset. Feeding too much fatty meat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs, an inflammatory disease of the pancreas. Green Beans Green beans are a Thanksgiving casserole staple for some families, but dogs prefer these snappy veggies raw. High in fiber and vitamins C and K, toss your pup a handful before you add Grandma’s secret seasoning. Mushrooms and onions – common casserole additions – are toxic to dogs, so avoid these vegetables. Carrots Another orange-hued veggie, carrots are also loaded with beta-carotene, vitamins and fiber. Raw carrots are a dog’s best friend thanks to their satisfying crunch, but cooked (unseasoned) carrots are also a tasty treat. This root vegetable is high in antioxidants too, beneficial for pets with cancer. Pumpkin Fall is full of orange, including its signature gourd. Pumpkins are perfect for pets raw or cooked, but always use fresh, pure pumpkin – not your leftover Jack-O-Lantern or canned pie filling! Full of fiber, pumpkin flesh and seeds add texture to homemade dog treats. Remember to avoid any sugar or spice when feeding pumpkin to pets. Rolls and Bread Bread and rolls are another Thanksgiving table staple. Chock full of carbs, there’s really no nutritional benefit to feeding your dog bread or rolls. A minute amount of fiber can be found in whole grain bread and dinner rolls, but who’s eating that on Thanksgiving. *Make sure your dog does not eat any of the above items that are highlighted.
When Sue and Robin McGibbon took their beloved Labrador Abby for her annual check-up last month, they thought the most they had to worry about was slightly increased creakiness in her joints.
