Did Your Pet Suffer From Sportmix Aflatoxin Injuries?

Pet owners are on high alert following a recall of certain Sportmix pet food products contaminated with aflatoxin. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement, the food is reportedly responsible for the fatalities of 70 dogs and cats, and the illnesses of another 80 pets, to date.

On Dec. 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. announced it was pulling nine lots of Sportmix dry pet food from the shelves. The recall came after the FDA received reports that 28 dogs died and eight others developed illnesses after eating the food. The Missouri Department of Agriculture confirmed food product samples it had tested contained high levels of aflatoxin — a mold that can grow on corn and potentially be fatal if consumed by pets.

The manufacturer subsequently expanded the Sportmix recall Jan. 11, 2021, to include any pet foods made in its Oklahoma plant that contained corn with an expiration date of July 9, 2022, or before.

What Sportmix Aflatoxin Injuries Are Pets Suffering?

Aflatoxin poisoning can be extremely dangerous to pets, particularly because they eat the same food on a daily basis over a prolonged period of time. Regular consumption of food containing aflatoxins can lead to the accumulation of toxins in a pet’s system, leading to severe illness or fatality.

Pets that have consumed Sportmix may suffer a wide range of symptoms and injuries. Dogs and cats poisoned by aflatoxin may exhibit:

• Sluggishness
• Lack of appetite
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea
• Jaundice

Other Sportmix aflatoxin injuries may include blood clotting problems and long-term liver damage. However, pets may have liver issues and fail to exhibit any symptoms. The FDA advises that if your pet shows any of the above warning signs of aflatoxin poisoning, you should immediately seek medical attention from a veterinarian.

Is There Treatment for Sportmix Aflatoxin Injuries in Pets?

If you suspect your dog or cat has suffered from aflatoxin poisoning, a veterinarian will first have to diagnose your pet. Critically, the symptoms associated with aflatoxin consumption may also be indicative of other illnesses or toxins. Your veterinarian might suggest you have a sample of your pet’s food tested to confirm whether it contains toxins.

Since symptoms of Sportmix aflatoxin injuries present differently in various pets, treatment may vary depending upon your pet’s needs. While there is no specific treatment for aflatoxins, a veterinarian may suggest a change in diet or recommend supportive care management. In some cases, the onset of aflatoxin poisoning may occur so rapidly it can result in fatality prior to veterinary treatment.

What You Should Do If Your Pet Consumed the Recalled Sportmix Food?

You should contact a veterinarian immediately if you notice your pet exhibiting symptoms associated with Sportmix aflatoxin injuries. Even if your pet has not shown symptoms, it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if your pet’s diet consisted of any of the recalled Sportmix products because some pets don’t show any signs of illness. The FDA recommends you take a photo of the food’s label and the lot number of the food your pet was eating.

Importantly, any pet food subject to the Sportmix recall should be safely discarded. Any storage containers, food bowls or other items that came in contact with the recalled food should be well sanitized with bleach and water.

Whether your pet became ill after eating Sportmix pet food or any other pet food you think might be unsafe, you may choose to submit a complaint to the FDA through the agency’s Safety Reporting Portal or by calling the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators in your state. The FDA requests that you provide certain information when filing a report, so it’s best to have a photo of the product’s packaging to ensure you have the brand name, lot number, expiration date, manufacturer’s address, UPC and other information.