Between April and June 2007, at least 347 cases of poisoning due to the chemicals melamine and cyanuric acid that was added to imported Chinese wheat gluten were reported. When most people think of the pet food recalls, they think of melamine, when in fact the combination of the two chemicals made for a deadly concoction. While melamine poisoning may be fatal in dogs, especially small dog or dogs suffering from renal problems, the combination is more likely to kill.
According to a study by Dr. Birgit Puschner of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, when test cats were given melamine or cyanuric acid in their food, it did not cause renal problems. However, when the two chemicals were mixed and fed to the cats, they caused acute renal failure.
Melamine combined with cyanuric acid creates a potent nephrotoxicity that creates large crystals in the dog's urine. As a result, a healthy dog can go into renal failure. Symptoms include: lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, increased urination and water intake, and lack of appetite. Coma and death may follow if left untreated or if the damage is too great.
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Lethargy
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Dogs affected by melamine and cyanuric acid may act very tired and groggy. They may wish to sleep rather than play or be active.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
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Vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal bleeding can occur with this type of poisoning. In essence, the kidneys are no longer processing the wastes from the bloodstream and the toxicity of the chemical wastes causes the dog's body to react. The dog's stools may be watery, black or tarry or even blood-streaked.
Increased Urination and Water Intake
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The first coping mechanism of the body is to try to flush out the toxins in the dog's system. The kidneys may not be functioning properly, so the dog may drink more water and urinate more to try to process out the poison and toxins. The kidneys are unable to concentrate the urine, so the dog urinates more and needs to drink more water. You may see accidents in the house. The urine may be darker or even bloody.
Lack of Appetite
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A dog that is sick from melamine and cyanuric acid poisoning will most likely not want to eat. Dogs that refuse food for more than one day should be examined by a veterinarian.
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