Welcome to Liebmeister Kennels and the latest news!

MERCK SUED: HomeAgain® PET CHIP IMPLICATED IN CANCER

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Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. has been served with a lawsuit over claims its HomeAgain® pet microchip induced cancer in a cat.

Animal rights attorney Steven Wise seeks "reasonable compensatory damages" for a malignant tumor "likely" induced by a HomeAgain® ID chip implanted in his client's cat, Bulkin. [To read Bulkin's case history click below.]

The complaint, "Andrea Rutherford v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. and Digital Angel, Inc.,"(case # 1052CV1147) was filed last week in Cambridge (MA) District Court. The complaint named implant maker Digital Angel Corporation as a co-defendant.

"Based on the alarming number of microchip-linked cancers we're discovering, I predict this lawsuit will be just the tip of the iceberg," said Dr. Katherine Albrecht, a consumer advocate and expert on adverse reactions associated with implantable microchips.

Bulkin's case is featured at www.Chipmenot.org , a new website launched by Albrecht's consumer group CASPIAN to bring attention to the plight of animals who have developed cancer and other adverse reactions from ID microchips. Albrecht documents several of these cases in "Microchip-Induced Tumors in Laboratory Rodents and Dogs:

A Review of the Literature 1990-2006," a peer-reviewed academic paper she presented at a June conference of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers devoted to concerns about implantable microchips.

Albrecht's paper and a copy of the complaint are also posted at www.Chipmenot.org The site, co-developed with graduate intern Lidiya Prorochuk, spotlights a growing number of adverse reactions to microchips, including the chip-related cancer deaths of two dogs within the past year. The site also features a form where pet owners can report adverse microchip reactions, since there is currently no official registry in the US to collect such data.

"Merck and organizations that advocate pet chipping should take this lawsuit seriously and start warning pet owners of the risk of microchip-induced cancer," Albrecht advised. "As Andrea Rutherford and other pet owners can tell you, it's not a statistic when it's your pet."

P.S. First point here is to ensure that your pet has proper

identification- I am an advocate of tattoos- permanent and safe.

It should come as no surprise that a foreign piece of plastic/metal injected permanently under your pet's skin could cause cancer.

It's a difficult tumor to fully remove with surgery.

Prevention is far more appealing than having to treat diseases such as cancer.

ALERT: KETAMINE RECALL

by Robert Jay Russell, Ph.D.,
Coton de Tulear Club of America President,

www.cotonclub.org
CotonNews@aol.com
(607) 693-2828

December 23, 2009. Ketamine is the most widely used veterinary
anesthetic. The FDA approves its use for cats and primates (including
humans). It is used for dogs, rabbits, rodents, ferrets other small
mammals, cattle, swine, sheep, reptiles, goats and even birds.

If any of your pets are scheduled to undergo anesthesia, make absolutely
certain your veterinarian is well aware of this Ketamine recall issued
12/21 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm195118.htm :

Recall -- Firm Press Release
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market
withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the
media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the
product or the company.
Teva Animal Health, Inc. expands a voluntary nationwide recall of
Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP CIII 100mg/mL in 10mL vials
Contact:
Denise Bradley
Tel: 215-591-8974
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- December 21, 2009 - Teva Animal Health, Inc. is
expanding a nationwide voluntary recall of Ketamine Hydrochloride
Injection, USP CIII 100mg/mL in 10mL vials for all lot numbers within
their expiration dates to the Veterinary Level. This product had
previously been recalled to the distributor level and is being expanded
as a result of an increased trend in serious adverse events associated
with this product.
Veterinarians who have this product in their possession are instructed
to cease using the product immediately and return it to their distributor.
Ketamine Hydrochloride is a rapid acting, non-narcotic, non-barbiturate
agent for anesthetic use in cats and for restraint in subhuman primates.
This recall is being conducted as a result of an increased trend in
serious adverse events associated with this product, including lack of
effect, prolonged effect, and death and involves all lot numbers within
expiration.
Teva Animal Health, Inc is voluntarily recalling the aforementioned
product. The FDA has been apprised of this action.
Consumers with questions may contact 800-759-3664 from 8:00am – 5:00pm
CST Monday-Friday.
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