As a follow-up to information distributed yesterday to VMAE members about the Hill’s Pet Nutrition recall of select canned dog food, VMAE is sharing two documents provided today by Hill’s:

1. A sample letter that Hill’s has sent to their veterinary clients, and
2. Appendices A (voluntary recall products) and B (voluntary withdrawal).

The letter notes that “Both Hill’s and the FDA encourage clinics to contact clients who have purchased recalled products, if they have the means to do so.”

The letter also provides contact information for consumer inquiries.  VMAE members seeking additional information may contact Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, Chief Professional Veterinary Officer for Hill’s US, by email at jolle_kirpensteijn@hillspet.com.  Inquiries from the media should be directed to Dr. Karen Shenoy at 785-221-1187.

In a related vein, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration today released the following information, noting (as does the Hill’s letter to veterinarians) that no dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure, and dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D, when consumed at very high levels, can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction. Pet parents with dogs who have consumed any of the products listed and are exhibiting any of these signs should contact their veterinarian. In most cases, complete recovery is expected after discontinuation of feeding.

In the United States, the affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics nationwide.  No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.

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