Signs of Salmonella Poisoning

Your pet is part of your family, and you go to great lengths to make sure he or she is happy, healthy, and well-fed. You may have heard about the Diamond Pet Foods recalls over the last few weeks, but we want to make sure everyone knows the facts so you can take the necessary steps to keep your family and your pets safe.

The recalled foods have been linked to a strain of Salmonella. The recalled dog food was sold under at least 13 different brand names and varieties, but all were manufactured in the Gaston, SC Diamond Pet Foods facility between 12/9/11 and 4/7/12. The recalled foods have a production code of ‘2’ or ‘3’ in the 9th position and an ‘X’ in the 10th or 11th position. These codes can be found on the back, side, or bottom of the dog food bag. An ongoing list of recalled brands can be found at www.eFoodAlert.net.

This particular Salmonella strain has been affecting humans and animals throughout the U.S. and Canada over the past several weeks. Pets have become ill by ingesting the food and humans by handling either the food itself or an infected pet. Signs that your dog may be infected with Salmonella include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important to remember that dogs can be resistant to this bacteria, even when we people are not – so even if your pet isn’t showing signs of infection, you should still wash your hands after handling your pet and his food.

Maybank Animal Hospital is a full-service small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care. The facility houses a comprehensive pharmacy, in-house laboratory, full imaging services including X-ray and ultrasound, and a centrally located hospitalization area allowing staff to monitor your pet at all times. In addition, Maybank Animal Hospital offers fantastic boarding and daycare.

Jacqueline Ann Brewer, DVM Dr. Brewer graduated from Emory University and received her doctorate from Ross University in 1999. She practiced and operated clinics in New York, California, and Florida before moving to Charleston in 2009. She has worked as a relief veterinarian for the last two years at various clinics in the Tri-County area and is thrilled to be now have her own practice. She helps raise and rehabilitate orphaned wildlife with Keepers of the Wild, and also works as a relief veterinarian for Pet Helpers' spay/neuter clinic and shelter. .

Lindsay Kelley, DVM Dr. Kelley was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She received her bachelor's degree at Millsaps College located in Jackson, MS, and then she went on to attend veterinary school at Auburn University. After graduating veterinary school, she completed an internship focusing on surgery and emergency medicine in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Kelley relocated to Charleston in 2008. Dr. Kelley is very passionate about wildlife rehabilitation, and she has raised numerous orphaned squirrel and raccoon infants until they were mature enough to be released.