- Revival Animal Health has expanded its voluntary recall of several canine milk replacers because of low or elevated vitamin D levels.
- Newly recalled products include Breeder’s Edge® Foster Care® GM (goat milk) Milk Replacers in addition to previously recalled canine milk replacers.
- Dogs consuming affected products may develop signs associated with vitamin D toxicity or deficiency, depending on the product.
- Two complaints of rickets have been reported to date.
Revival Animal Health has expanded its voluntary recall of multiple Breeder’s Edge® Foster Care® and Shelter’s Choice® canine milk replacers after testing confirmed variable levels of vitamin D in the products.
Health risks
According to the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affected products may contain either elevated or deficient vitamin D concentrations, creating health risks for puppies and adult dogs.
Dogs exposed to excessive vitamin D may experience vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, reduced growth, and weight loss. In severe cases, elevated vitamin D can cause calcification of soft tissues, including the kidneys.
Puppies consuming products with insufficient vitamin D over several weeks may develop rickets, characterized by lethargy, weakness, swollen or painful joints, lameness, and bone deformities.
Revival Animal Health said two reports of rickets have been received to date.
Products affected
The expanded recall includes Breeder’s Edge® Foster Care® Canine Milk Replacer, Breeder’s Edge® Foster Care® GM (Goat Milk) Milk Replacer, and Shelter’s Choice® Canine Milk Replacer. The products were sold nationwide through online retailers and pet stores in multiple package sizes with various best-by dates. Veterinarians and pet owners should review the complete FDA recall notice to determine whether products in their possession are affected.
What pet owners should do
Consumers should immediately stop feeding recalled products and contact Revival Animal Health for instructions on returning the products for a full refund.
Pet owners whose dogs have consumed any recalled product and are showing signs consistent with vitamin D toxicity or deficiency should contact their veterinarian promptly.
Revival Animal Health said it is reviewing its manufacturing relationship and will not resume distribution of the milk replacers until it is confident in the products’ safety.
Information sourced from the FDA and Revival Animal Health recall announcement.
Original FDA recall announcement: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
