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Food Poisoning TotW - Long-term Effects?

5K views 44 replies 13 participants last post by  Liffey 
#1 ·
Hey guys, I've been lurking around on the forum for some time and decided to see what you think about my dog's problem.

My 3.5 yr old white GSD on Taste of the Wild bison flavor got super sick on November 30th, 2016 out of the blue after eating 7/8 of the 33lb bag. (I now suspect some type of mold, but not sure.) Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea (looked like BBQ sauce) in that order of appearance chronologically. Went to the vet several times - he got better when off the dry food and immediately worse when given more TotW food. Vet tried to give me Hill's Science Diet - of course I will not feed that and did not offer it... He lost about 8lb in two weeks but has since gained at least 6lb back.

No fever, no blood in stool/vomit; tested negative for giardia and parasites; did two abdominal X rays, both normal; metronidazole and sufulcrate did not really help as far as I could tell; Idexx "total health" blood tests showed extremely low lipase levels (27 when the lowest normal is 138) and very slightly low protein levels (could be from not eating for a week?) otherwise normal; did Spec cPL and TLI and Cobalamin and Folate blood tests, all results were normal.

In short, vet could not find anything medically wrong with him and was not concerned about lipase levels. I switched him to Fromm Adult Gold which has oats/barley/rice and is causing minor itching due to the grain, but he got better slowly and was eating it and seemed to do fine. Gave him a bully stick which plunged him back into stomach upset and he vomited 7 times in one day. Recovered from that, then was feeling ill after a long car ride; got better, then I saw him licking what was probably road salt or worse, off his paws, and now he has vomited and lost his appetite and is lethargic again.

During this time I have been feeding (or offering) things like sweet potato, boiled white rice, boiled chicken, scrambled egg, yogurt, pumpkin, cottage cheese, regular cheese, the list goes on... Some of which he would eat, some not (yogurt, pumpkin).

My question to you is: should I continue to look for different blood tests or diagnostic procedures, or should I cautiously assume that this is lingering effects and sensitivity from having a severely compromised digestive system after being sick from the Taste of the Wild food? I did run into a gentleman the other day whose older German shepherd also got sick from TotW and was sick for 3 months. Can anyone weigh in with their own experiences or advice? I would appreciate any kind of moral support or peace of mind! I have been in a state of constant worry for 5 weeks now although much of that time he has been his normal self with ups and downs. Thank you!
 

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#2 ·
I have no idea on giving any advice but just hang around a little while. We have some very knowledgeable folks that should reply when they see your post.

I saw the foods you were giving your dog. It was basically the same diet I had to give mine when he had kidney failure so my heart goes out to you right now.

BTW: Great looking Shepherd!!
 
#5 · (Edited)
Or...you could suspect 5300 other reasons


Remember the Melamine scandal that was killing pets in 2007
Well here is an recent FDA update to this ongoing issue ---updated Nov. 21/2016


Import Alert 99-29


^^^^


(Note: This import alert represents the Agency's current guidance to FDA field personnel regarding the manufacturer(s) and/or products(s) at issue. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person, and does not operate to bind FDA or the public).

Import Alert # 99-29
Published Date: 11/21/2016
Type: DWPE
Import Alert Name:
"Detention Without Physical Examination of All Vegetable Protein Products From China for Animal or Human Food Use Due to the Presence of Melamine and/or Melamine Analogs"

Reason for Alert:
In recent weeks, there has been an outbreak of cat and dog deaths and illness associated with pet food manufactured with vegetable proteins contaminated with melamine and melamine related compounds. In response to this outbreak, FDA has been conducting an aggressive and intensive investigation. Pet food manufacturers and others have recalled dog and cat food and other suspect products and ingredients. This has been one of the largest pet food recalls in history, a recall that continues to expand. Thus far, 18 firms have recalled product, 17 Class I and 1 class II, covering over 5,300 product lines.



As of April 26, 2007, FDA had received over 17,000 consumer complaints relating to this outbreak, and those complaints included reports of approximately 1950 deaths of cats and 2200 deaths of dogs. The Agency is working with federal, state, and local governments, academia, and industry to assess the extent of the outbreak, better understand how melamine and melamine related compounds contributed to the pet deaths and illnesses, and to determine the underlying cause of the contamination.
 
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#4 ·
My dogs did not like TotW - fed maybe 2 bags 8-10 years ago.....

I do not give ANY - NO - NONE - smoked or cured "treats"....no ears, no rawhides, no hooves, no bully sticks.....many are cured with formaldehyde and other crappy chemicals....

What area are you in of Pittsburgh? Who are you using for a vet????


Lee
 
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#6 ·
wolfstraum
"I do not give ANY - NO - NONE - smoked or cured "treats"....no ears, no rawhides, no hooves, no bully sticks.....many are cured with formaldehyde and other crappy chemicals...."
Nothing smoked ever -- and these treats tend to come from China .

Liffey
" blood tests showed extremely low lipase levels (27 when the lowest normal is 138) " and
"vet could not find anything medically wrong with him and was not concerned about lipase levels."

wow -- that is low . There is something wrong . Lipase is the enzyme critically IMPORTANT for breaking down fats .

please read "Low Levels
There are quite a few dog health problems that might be associated with low lipase levels. Some of the commonly diagnosed problems of those include, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure levels, vitamin deficiency, pancreatitis, kidney diseases, fatty liver disease and other such health conditions that are caused by reduced digestion of fats. When a dog is suffering with low lipase levels, he might show some common signs and symptoms. Some of these common signs include, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), frequent urination, bladder problems, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, obesity, hair loss, etc. When a dog shows a combination of these signs and symptoms or either of these problems, it is very important to consult a professional veterinarian. He/she is the best person to diagnose the exact health issue of the dog and prescribe the proper medications and dietary changes for the betterment of the dog's health.
READ MORE Lipase Levels in Dogs

That low level may indicate organ damage where the pancreas can not produce lipase .
If that is the case you MUST provide lipase enzymes .
It can also be an indicator of some chronic disease.

A culprit could be RANCID fats .

Liffey
" (I now suspect some type of mold, but not sure.) "

Yes moldy food, spoiled meat (used in the ingredients) , rancid , denatured fats .
Your November 30 is close to the US Thanksgiving?
Maybe a response to being fed a lot of cooked , greasy left over turkey treats.

Turkey and meat high in tryptophan stimulate the pancreas

I would wait a week and do a redo on the enzyme test to see if levels are more normal.

l would think a digestive enzyme is in order to supply the lipase which the body is not providing. Those would include the standard amylase, protease, cellulase , lactasand LIPASE -- but would also provide bromelain , papain, betaine .
Plus anti inflammatory vit C , E. and selenium.

In any case it would give the pancreas a rest.

Several small meals a day -- the pancreas needs time to reset. NO pizzles which are calorie rich and depending on the quality and source may be teeming with bacteria which is just not good for the dog and sets you back . (as you found out)

I would think probiotics are in order - again to assist the body with digestion -- and give the pancreas a break.

ask your vet why he thought lipase levels that low were alright .

----- and then there is always another vet.

and another food choice
 
#7 ·
Thank you for the responses so far!

I have been giving Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes & Probiotic which includes lipase, when he will eat (he has not had any appetite for 48 hrs so has not received this)

I do not eat meat and therefore he gets no meat tablescraps.

I'm using East End Vet in Pittsburgh mostly because I was panicking and they would see me the same day that I first called them. Not thoroughly impressed with them as they tried to sell me BS Science Diet and then didn't even suggest a food poisoning type situation (other than does he eat garbage - no).

I only feed him treats made in USA (or so they say); actually really the only treats he ever gets are Trader Joe's dog beef jerky treats, and cheese.

I have samples of Grandma Lucy's and Sojo's waiting for him when he starts to feel better. Would really not like him eating any kibble.

As of now, he has drank some water and held it down - I'm giving very small amounts frequently. No food for 48 hrs but he has gone longer than this without eating. No poop today. Took him for a very short walk and he found some dogs to bark and get rowdy at, so at least there's that...

Any more suggestions would be helpful. I did leave the vet a message and am awaiting a return call. Very upset and worried about this whole situation, but more common things seemed to have been ruled out by blood tests. I could be wrong. Any idea what the next step would be if he does not improve?
 
#8 ·
Ok - you are using a clinic that is basically a shot and spay, minor surgery/suture, clean ears type of place.....not a place geared to practicing medicine ....

I know a couple of vets you might want to move on to - I know all these personally and have used them at various times.....in Murraysville, Dr Jeff Pope; in Murraysville opening soon, Melissa Ackerman, in Greensburg, Dr. Alex(andra) Koneggoer...specialty clinic on 579 PVSC, I also use a clinic in Saxonburg (since the 70s) and a repro specialist in Washington PA...a couple of my puppy people use a clinic on 19 in Peters (the name on the tip of my tongue)

Carmen is far far far more knowledgeable than me on the nutrition info.............probably more knowledgeable than many vets too. I put my ex through vet school, have alot of friends in vet med and live near Monroeville....so giving you a few in the east suburbs.


Lee
 
#10 ·
Oh so didn't even know abou this, I would think its the food but otherwise that's a big coincidence. Best though to not rule anything else out at the same time. Sometimes things happen like this that can interfere and make more puzzling for a diagnosis. Hope your boy feels better soon.
 
#11 ·
I don't think I would be taking him for any walks.
He needs all his resources directed to healing.
Home-rest.
That is prophylactic precaution so that he doesn't catch some challenge to his immune.
Can you make a bone broth?

I can't get the image of stool described as being like bbq sauce out of my mind.
Was it the colour ? Was there blood ?
Blood in stool can be a darker colour . The brightness indicates the freshness of the cut.
Dark blood could come from a stomach bleed , or some bleed in the upper GI tract which
is not out of question giving that the dog had a strong reaction (possible food poisoning)
to food.
Make notes on volume , form, SMELL.

You wouldn't have taken a stool sample with you when you first visited the vet?

Next movement the dog has collect the stool.
 
#12 ·
Here is where other forum members could be of help.
I don't feed kibble .

Since the company has had issues in the past, and this goes for any other kibble manufacturer , where does one send
a suspect "spoiled" bag or samples to have it analysed . Impartial lab I would hope. Then how does one lodge a complaint .
 
#13 · (Edited)
Since the company has had issues in the past, and this goes for any other kibble manufacturer , where does one send
a suspect "spoiled" bag or samples to have it analysed . Impartial lab I would hope. Then how does one lodge a complaint .
When I know of this being done, the vet sent it off to the lab on behalf of the client. The cost was about $100. This is important because it gives the vet the information needed to file a claim both with the FDA (in the United States), or whatever regulator there is in the home country, and the manufacturer (including asking to have the manufacturer cover the cost of care...). Both the government regulator and the manufacturer will pay a lot more attention when they hear from vets with lab reports than consumers with mere suspicions.

Even without a lab report, in the United States, consumers can also lodge complaints with the FDA directly (you'll need the code from the bag). Here's the link for an FDA complaint:
How to Report a Pet Food Complaint

Here's a list of labs that can do toxicology testing (they have labs listed in several countries):
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) > Testing Laboratories
 
#14 ·
Stool sample - I took two to the vet. He said the dark color (when it was older - maybe 5hrs old) could be from ulcers. Gave sufulcrate to "treat" that? Didn't help. In any case, stool returned to normal...

I don't walk him when he's feeling sick other than just far enough to pee and give him the chance to poop. 1/10-1/8 mile maybe? Literally around the back yard and to the end of the street and back.

I did call Taste of the Wild and report the issue. They wanted me to have my vet forward all pertinent info to their office, which I had them do. They have not contacted me or my vet since.

He seems much better today! Bouncing around, no throwing up, small amount of stool (well, he hasn't eaten in 48 hrs) but normal color and just a little squishy. No blood. The steak sauce color is something I used to describe it because it was the same consistency and very deep brown with a hint of reddish hue but not like bands, specks, or drops of blood. I never saw anything readily identifiable as blood; fresh, dried or otherwise. But I have been keeping (very!) detailed notes... Fed him some canned food (that he has eaten before) with sweet potato, a little bit of cottage cheese, and boiled white rice with chicken today. His appetite was good and he was alert and playing.

My cousin, who just finished vet school, suggested a cortisol and ATHC test to rule out Addison's disease. My dog trainer has a dog with Addison's and said her dog had to be hospitalized due to how badly he was shaking and vomiting. Anyone with Addison's knowledge?

Thank you for the link for the companies that will test dog food. I did save a sample, as well as record the production code and expiration date of the food.

I got an appointment with Pittsburgh East Animal Hospital on Monday for a second opinion, is there any other test I should ask them to perform?
 
#15 ·
Going to get him tested for Addison's on Monday and go from there. Waiting for a call back from the vet to schedule the test, after which I will call a holistic vet recommended to me by someone I trust who has been taking her 7 dogs there for 10 years. Not sure about Pittsburgh East Animal Hospital as they tried to sell me Science Diet over the phone......

Last night my pup was totally fine, eating, drinking, and playing; today he pooped on our walk which was normal color but more of the consistency of paste. Then came inside and has loud tummy noises and absolutely no appetite for the things he was eating last night. :crying: We're skipping our weekly group training class.

Any more thoughts or advice? Open to all suggestions.
 
#16 ·
You seem hung upon the Science Diet thing. The Hills I/D and A/D prescription canned foods are commonly used by lots of vets, and the I/D is a reasonable recommendation after what you've described. I wouldn't discount a vet based on that. That wet food is bland, easily digested and pretty effective at settling tummies after a bad GI episode -- it's not something to keep a dog on long-term, but a few days of it can help get them settled down when they're having trouble, particularly for homes that normally feed kibble.
 
#17 ·
Re Science Diet - in either case, he will not eat it. :(

I made an appointment with the holistic vet but the soonest they had was a month from now and it's $200 for a one-hour consult. I'm a college student.. I will pay what I have to, but that's a lot of money... Meanwhile I am just worrying myself into a mess :crying: trying to get in touch with someone who will test for Addison's on Monday (or anything else at this point). I feel so desperate.
 
#18 ·
loud tummy noises ? could be dysbiosis -- maldigestion with some fermentation going on .

did you say you did an x ray ? That might be in order to see if he has a blockage .
I just recommended by holistic vet to a person with a Great Dane with Addisons.
Your dog isn't shaking or vomiting so you might be in the clear for that one.

make sure the dog stays hydrated. Maybe some pedialyte .
 
#19 ·
He is vomiting. But no shaking. Did two X-rays around 1 month ago, they were normal. The earliest I can do the Addison's test is Tuesday morning unless I go to an emergency vet. He's not drinking, might run out for pedialyte and try to squirt it down his throat and hope it doesn't make him throw up more.

He threw up on Tuesday night, Wednesday night (immediately after drinking water), Thursday afternoon, and today (Saturday) around 2.30pm. Here's a pic...
 

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#20 ·
I would take this dog to the emergency vet.

do I see blood in the foam or is that fabric -- look at the big bubble in the off centre left and follow to the left .

there is one long thin red looped something that looks like a single strand of string -- did he have a fuzzy red dog toy?

If he can't hold down water then he may have to have subcutaneous or IV hydration.

What is the urine like?

What does his breath smell like.
 
#22 ·
I agree with E vet, subQ and nothing to eat unless it is bland after resting the gut for 24 hours. This has been going on too long, IMO. And make sure you show that photo to the vet when you are going over the history.
 
#24 ·
I was getting his vet records ready and getting ready to go to the ER vet yesterday when I offered him some canned food and water and he ate it right up. Then he seemed to immediately do a 180 and was eating, playing, drinking, alert and acting like his normal self. He's even had two normal poops today (smaller amount but he'd also hardly been eating). He's been eating and drinking and playing and acting fine today. I do not understand this!!! How could he be at the point of an ER visit and then like an hour later, totally normal??

I made an apt to get him tested for Addison's tomorrow morning. I haven't had him tested for Lyme - doesn't really seem likely but at this point maybe I should have them rule it out?? I live in PA and I have pulled ticks off him recently even though I use Advantix II. If he doesn't have either, I think they might send me to a place that does ultrasounds. I wasn't able to get any appointments with other vets so soon, but I think they might refer me to a VCA..

What do you guys think?? I've been giving him canned food mixed with mashed sweet potato and scrambled egg (foods I know he does well with) but he cannot subsist on that for a long time! In any case I'm relieved that I can save my very limited amount of money for further diagnostics instead of an ER visit, at least for the moment.
 
#26 ·
Yeah I've given up the food poisoning theory at this point. But I have heard of dogs getting sick from TotW recently. A couple people at the Agway near me said two people in the last month have brought back TotW food and the bags had mold and greasy stuff in them. One was the fish flavor and I'm not sure what the other one was. Just something to look out for in the future, I guess.
 
#27 ·
I feel so bad for you and your dog!


TOTW is manufactured by the Diamond Company who had the HUGE recall a few years ago due to filthy plant conditions. Personally, I would not feed any foods made by Diamond.

You may want to consider feeding a higher quality food.

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Moms:)
 
#28 ·
Yeah I completely stopped feeding him Taste of the Wild about 4 weeks ago. I switched to Fromm, but every time he gets sick (and stops eating) I take away kibble and go back to canned and sweet potato. I want to try Sojo's and Grandma Lucy's but I'm not giving him anything new right now because I think it might complicate the situation even more.

Right now, he seems okay. He's eating and drinking and playing. Still seems a little slow and sad in the house, but mostly his normal self at least physically. So I'm not going to feed any dry food for awhile and if he gets sick again, then I know it's NOT an issue with dry food. He likes every canned food for the most part, but I'm feeding him lamb or beef Wild Calling. I know it's not a balanced/complete diet but at least he is eating something at this point. I've also heard that Nature's Variety makes great canned food.

He's negative for 4DX test for insect-borne diseases (heartworm, Lyme..) and I had them send out another fecal test for giardia and parasites. Even though we already did one 6 weeks ago, I know they can miss things sometimes and it can't hurt. He also got tested this morning for Addison's, but I won't know the results until they come back from the lab in a few days.

If these results are normal I'll get a referral to VCA and I think ultrasounds are next on the list.

Could be IBD? If ultrasounds look normal, maybe an endoscopy is next? I know cost varies a lot but can anyone tell me what I should expect to pay for ultrasounds? They told me the Addison's test was $350 but it ended up being only $200. Hurray! Haha
 
#29 ·
You could consider feeding a commercially prepared BALANCED raw diet or trying something like this soft food and change the flavor with each bag or keep 2-3 different flavors (smaller bags) on hand and change every other day or so.

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