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The study found that felines
which received food containing
only melamine or cyanuric acid did not have ill
effects.
Davis Study Finds Possible Link to Pet Food Deaths
Written by C. Johnson, Internet News Producer
UC Davis researchers have found two chemicals that in combination
may have contributed to cat deaths leading to a pet food recall
earlier this year.
The two chemicals are melamine and cyanuric acid. Melamine is used
to make plastic and cyanuric acid is helpful at retarding the
breakdown of chlorine in pools and hot tubs.
Early lab studies confirmed the presence of melamine in some of the
tainted cat food; however, the discovery of cyanuric acid was a
surprise, according to the Davis researchers.
Veterinary toxicologist Birgit Puschner and her colleagues
determined that fan-shaped crystals developed in the urinary tracts
of cats given both melamine and cyanuric acid in their food. Those
cats suffered severe kidney damage within 12 hours of eating the
adulterated food.
The study found that felines which received food containing only
melamine or cyanuric acid did not have ill effects.
Last April, more than 100 brands of tainted cat and dog food were
recalled.
The UC Davis research can be found in the November issue of the
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.
Copyright 2007
News10/KXTV
. All Rights Reserved.
Created: 11/13/2007 5:46:19 PM
Updated: 11/13/2007 6:21:39 PM
