Augusta, GA---The Castleberry Food Company is now expanding their recall of possibly contaminated foods to include certain Natural Balance brand pet food products which the company co-packs for the dog food company.
It includes certain types of the 15 ounce cans. The flavors are:
* Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Irish Stew with Beef
* Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Chinese Take Out with Sauce With Vegetables and Chicken
* Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs HOBO Chili with Chicken and Pasta
* Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Southern Style Dumplings with Chicken and Vegetables
Dr. Thomas Walker with the Highland Animal Hospital says, "The trouble is it's a toxin that's in there not just a bacterial infection, it can cause problems with the nervous system and brain."
While there haven't been any reported outbreaks in the area much like humans, the results could be fatal. "If you have small dogs it'll effect them more severely, like people botulism effects more children than adults because theres more toxin per pound," he said.
According to the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, symptoms could appear after 12 to 24 hours or as even long as two weeks. Common symptoms to look for include: muscle paralysis
difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing, visual disturbances and generalized weakness.
If you notice any of these abnormalities in your pet you should contact your veterinarian immediately. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the disease has only only been seen occasionally in dogs and has not been reported in cats, but ferrets are highly susceptible to the botulinum toxin.
If you have any questions you can visit Castleberry's Web site at www.castleberrys.com or call toll-free at 1-800-203-4412 or 1-888-203-8446.
