Our beautiful Molly died on November 2, 2007 at the age of 6 1/2. She was way too young to die, but it seems that she ate something that destroyed her liver. We don't know if it was some dog food that should have been recalled but wasn't or if she found some molded corn or peanuts from left-over squirrel food. Whatever it was it was horrible.Molly was my "grand" dog. She belonged to my daughter and my granddaughter. She was the daughter of my Pogo and the sister of my Blue. She was loved by all who knew her. Anytime I took her to get groomed or took her to the vet, everyone commented on how "good" she was.
Molly was a great model for my photo classes. She would hold still while I focused the camera. It was like she knew she was beautiful and didn't mind if I made a record of that beauty. :)
Molly LOVED to play. In this series of pictures she was chasing and jumping at the water Kendall was throwing to her.WE MISS YOU MOLLY!!
Articles about aflatoxin...
Dogs keep dying by Susan Lang
Even though Diamond, Country Value and Professional brand dog foods have been recalled for containing highly toxic aflatoxins, they have caused an estimated 100 dog deaths in recent weeks, say Cornell University veterinarians, who are growing increasingly alarmed. Some kennels and consumers around the nation remain unaware of the tainted food, which may have been shipped to more than two dozen countries, and as a result, they continue to give dogs food containing a lethal toxin.
Over the recent holiday weeks, Center and her staff worked around-the-clock to try to save the 17 poisoned dogs admitted to Cornell's Hospital for Animals. "I've been working with liver disease in dogs for 30 years, and I've never seen such miserably ill dogs," said Center, noting that severely affected dogs suffer from intractable vomiting and internal bleeding. "Despite our understanding of this complex toxin, we have no direct antidote for this poisoning. This has been an immensely sad holiday and one that will leave an indelible mark on the owners that lost their cherished family members."
Of those 17 dogs, Center euthanized 12 when it became clear they could not survive, and the remaining four were released, though the Vet College continues to treat new cases. Dogs that have survived consumed a smaller amount of the food than dogs that died, Center said. "Some dogs were stealing food from the kitchen counter. Others just stopped eating the food and begged for treats. Unfortunately, some owners used gravy and other mixers to entice their dogs to consume what they thought was safe, quality dog food."
Kaytee Squirrel & Critter Mix (Can be lethal for dogs)
Our BEST SELLING Kaytee Squirrel & Critter Blend attracts many backyard visitors with a pleasant apple aroma. Designed to attract squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Contains Corn, Black Oil Oil Sunflower, Whole Peanuts, Striped Sunflower, & Artificial Flavors.
Understanding and Preventing Aflatoxin Poisoning
Aspergillus is a mold that infects corn when stressed, but can infect other crops in the region such as grain sorghum, peanuts and cotton. Aflatoxins are odorless, tasteless and have no color: thus, they are difficult to detect. These toxins are extremely poisonous to humans, livestock and poultry. Four major types of aflatoxins are B1, B2, G1 and G2. Though all of these toxins are usually found in grain at a minute level, B1 is typically more abundant and causes an increased protein requirement in livestock and poultry that consume it.
Aflatoxin consumption by livestock and poultry results in a disease called aflatoxicosis. Aflatoxins are metabolized in the liver of all living organisms. High concentrations can lead to acute liver disease or death within 72 hours. Lower concentrations have produced various symptoms, such as feed refusal, decreased feed efficiency, impaired reproduction, hemorrhaging in muscles and suppression of the immune system.
