Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st March 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Pets at Home recalls cat food due to low thiamine levels
Pets at Home has sent a notification to all vets to be aware of the atypical symptoms and potential for thiamine deficiency.
Vets urged to be aware of the atypical symptoms of deficiency
 
Pets at Home has recalled four of its dry cat food products after tests confirmed that they contain lower levels of thiamine (vitamin B) than is specified in the recipe.

The affected products are:
  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Mature 7+ Cat Food Optimum Health (2kg).
  • Product code: 7120400

  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Mature 7+ Cat Food Optimum Health (4kg)
  • Product code: 712401

  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Senior 12+ Cat Food Optimum Health (2kg)
  • Product code:712402

  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Adult Cat Food Indoor/Neutered (1.5kg)
  • Product code: 712407

Writing on its Facebook page, the retailer said that it became aware of the problem when three cats became seriously unwell after their owners switched to the affected products.

‘All three cats exhibited symptoms of sudden collapse, fitting, widespread twitching and general unsteadiness which are not the classic symptoms of thiamine deficiency’ they write.

‘As pet lovers ourselves we recognise that you will be concerned about your own cat. If you have concerns that your cat may be showing any of these symptoms after switching to one of the four affected products then you should stop feeding and seek immediate veterinary advice.’

Pets at Home has sent a notification to all vets to be aware of the atypical symptoms and potential for thiamine deficiency. Point of sale notices have also been placed in all affected stores and information has been made available on its website.

The retailer urges anyone who has purchased any of the listed products to return it to where they bought it for a full refund or call 0200 328 4204.  

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.