Blood works-BARF

[Gina Heitz <brier@oregonsbest.com>]

I am sending this along to you all for a couple of reasons.  One if you are 
feeding a raw diet it might be important info for your vet to put in 
his/her pocket that your dog may have normal diffrent values than kibble 
fed dogs.  A while ago I became aware of that BARF fed dogs may have a 
higher BUN level (liver enzymes) among other values.  It is extremely 
important for your vet to know that you feed a raw diet if you do.  A lot 
of vet's will strongly object to the diet and try to educate you about many 
"ills" of feed whole raw.  That aside if you have made the commitment to 
feed raw or even supplement with raw  it's info you need to provide to your 
vet.  How you go about coming to an agreement to disagree on this issue 
with your vet is up to you but it is important info for them to 
have.  Two:  Some of you qualify for this study with your dogs and if you 
have run work ups why not participate.


Bloodwork Study: BARF and other homemade diets
 >
 > Summary
 >
 > Pets eating raw meaty bones as the majority of their diets may have
 > differences in their bloodwork, as noted by owners on many of the
 > email lists. The objective of this study is to determine if these
 > `differences' represent a different normal range for dogs and cats
 > eating these diets, or if they may signal a problem. We plan to collect
lab
 > data and attempt a superficial correlation with the pet's current
 > condition and health history. This is a `quickie' study to get
preliminary
 > data, but I will attempt publication if the data is good enough.
 >
 > Requirements:
 > Dogs and cats who have been fed a homemade diet of any sort, but
 > especially a BARF-type diet, for at least 1 year.
 >
 > We need
 > 1. copies of original bloodwork done by the in-house or commercial
 > lab - as many times as a complete blood panel has been done, preferably
 > accompanied by a urinalysis, in the pet's lifetime.
 > 2. copies of the veterinary record (not a listing of charges, as is
 > supplied by many veterinarians when asked for their records - we need
 > to see veterinary descriptions of presenting complaints, findings and
 > treatment recommendations). Again, the entire record throughout the
 > pet's lifetime is preferable to track the medical history*
 > 3. A detailed diet history - when you switched to a BARF or
 > homemade diet, what the basic regimen involves and any variation in it.
 > 4. Your contact information, preferably with an email address, in
 > case we need to ask further questions.
 >
 > *If the veterinary record is unavailable, please substitute the
 > information below as best you can:
 > a. animal's breed, age and sex.
 > b. current health status - any ongoing problems such as allergies,
 > epilepsy, arthritis, anal gland problems, thyroid disorders, etc?
 > c. health history - all problems in this animal's history with the
 > date of occurrence.
 >
 > Send your information packet to me at:
 >
 > Susan G. Wynn, DVM
 > 1080 North Cobb Parkway
 > Marietta, GA 30062
 >