Australian Veterinarian Association calls for laws to protect dogs after dozens fell sick after eating food

A DOG food manufacturer has admitted its premium food may be a “significant risk factor” for an incurable disease which struck down dozens of dogs across Australia— now pet owners can have their vet bills reimbursed, here’s how.

A DOG food manufacturer has admitted its premium food was potentially responsible for an incurable disease which struck down dozens of dogs across Australia.

Vets have confirmed 74 dogs who ate the recalled food brand, Advanced Dermocare, have been diagnosed with the megaesophagus, prompting demands for laws to protect pets.

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Sully the Golden Retriever with owners Chloe Stapleton, 4 and Isabella Stepleton, 6. Sully has megaeosphagus after eating recalled food, Advanced Dermocare. Picture: Tony Gough

Megaesophagus is a rare condition which causes the oesophagus to become enlarged and lose the ability to move food down to the stomach.

The manufacturer, Mars Petcare Australia, said it would pay owners’ vet bills after admitting the food may be a “significant risk factor” for the disease-affected dogs.

The company is also offering to pay the cost of a new dog for owners who had their dog euthanised.

At least 19 have died since eating the food.

The tragic deaths have sparked calls from the Australian Veterinarian Association to introduce laws to regulate pet food sold in Australia.

The industry is currently regulated by a voluntary standard, and there are no laws surrounding the safety of imported or locally manufactured pet food.

AVA President Dr Paula Parker said it was time for the government to step in to better protect

pets against potentially harmful food.

“We would like to see pet food become regulated and the standards made compulsory,” Dr Parker said.

Advance Dermocare dry dog food.

“It would ensure that pet food available in Australia adheres to these standards, which is in the best interests of the health and welfare of Australian animals.”

Mars has acknowledged links between its food and dog illnesses, and vowed to reimburse owners’ vet bills.

“We are deeply saddened that a cluster of Australian dogs that consumed Advanced Dermocare dry dog food have been diagnosed with unexplained megaesophagus,” a spokeswoman said.

“We understand U-Vet at the University of Melbourne is reporting 74 cases of the condition.

“This suggests that diet may be a significant risk factor in the development of megaesophagus in this instance, however extensive tests on the product have not found a root cause.

“Despite this, we have commenced the process of contacting pet owners to provide support including offering to reimburse vet bill.”

Melbourne University’s U-Vet Hospital Associate Professor Caroline Mansfield said dogs began to fall ill with the disease late last year.

She said the food is being tested for toxins generally associated with neuromuscular issues.

“It’s quite uncommon,” she said.

The ashes of Maremma Sheepdog Chief whose death has been linked to Advanced Dermocare dog food.

Craig Stapleton said his family dog, Sully, has required around-the-clock care since being diagnosed with the condition. He hopes the Golden Retriever will survive.

“He’s been unable to keep his food down and losing weight. We feed him upright and give him liquid energy,” he said.

The AVA and Pet Food Industry Association of Australia are alerted to ‘suspected adverse’ pet foods products by via an online reporting system.

The system has been flooded with concerns about Advanced Dermocare, but neither organisation has the “regulative responsibility” to monitor reports, said Dr Parker.

PFIAA Managing Executive Duncan Hall said: “We welcome opportunity to look at any options the Australian Veterinary Association may have to develop legislation that would enhance and safety and quality aspect of the industry.”

Border Collie Padi was euthanised in June 2017 after being diagnosed with megaeosophagus.

Advanced Dermocare — an expensive brand available at vet clinics — was wiped from over 500 stores nationwide after the Herald Sun uncovered links with the disease.

A Victoria Police dog died, and eight others are sick with the illness.

Last week, Opposition agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon vowed to take action to ensure Australian pets are being fed safe food.

An Agriculture Department spokeswoman told the Herald Sun the federal government was not responsible for domestic production of dog food, and that it was up to state and territory governments.

Melbourne University is continuing to test the food to determine the exact cause.

@AneekaSimonis