[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by DanaC

eew. I did not know that.

You should be aware.

Dr. Markway was right on target with his diagnosis and comments. Salmonella bacteria is often present especially if the rawhide comes from outside the US. Another problem is arsenic used as a preservative. This is, in essence, giving your pet poison! Other dangerous additives can include antibiotics, lead and insecticides. Some countries like Thailand even include pieces of dog and cat skin in these products. Health problems from rawhide chews include sore throat, choking, intestinal blockage as well as the acute pancreatitis Taco and Seismo experienced.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis can vary from mild gastrointestinal upset to collapse and death. Most animals with common gastrointestinal upset have any or all of the following:

Vomiting
Not eating
Painful abdomen, hunched appearance (more common in dogs)
Fever or below-normal body temperature
Diarrhea
Depression
Dehydration (diagnosed by sunken eyes, dry mouth and the skin "tents" when pinched)1

If you want to do your own investigating, try entering "rawhide chew" + sick in a search engine. Be prepared for a lot of results.