After some discussion on this panel about the possibility of liver
cancer from the excessive use of Linatone, I wrote a letter to
PetAg, the maker of Mirra Coat and to Lambert Kay, the
maker of Linatone and told them that I had been told that the
use of either product in excess could cause liver cancer in
ferrets. I asked if either maker had performed any long term
tests on animals and especially ferrets. I called PetAG at the 800
number on the product and the phone was answered by Dr.
Monson. He was more than patient with me and answered all
the questions I asked and followed up the conversation with a
letter. Quite uncommon in this day and age.
 
 I thought this information might be useful.
 
Phil Gentry 72701,[log in to unmask]
 
PetAg., Inc.
 
Science  Nutrition  Research  Service
 
October 15, 1991
 
Phillip R. Gentry
 
Dear Mr. Gentry:
 
 Thank you for your letter of October 9th indicating a possible
preference for Mirra Coat skin and coat conditioner for ferrets.
 I am not aware of excessively high levels of vitamin A causing
liver cancer in ferrets. I  have been advised that generally
ferrets seem to develop cancer rather frequently but I am not
aware of causative factors.
 
 Toxic levels of vitamin A typically result in bone problems
and even skin lesions similar to those found in a deficiency
state. The  NRC  publication, "Vitamin  Tolerance of Animals",
does not mention cancer as a result of high levels of vitamin  A
in poultry, swine and other production animals and pets.
 
 I'm enclosing some information on Mirra Coat including a
semi-professional discussion on the nutrients found in Mirra
Coat Special Care.
 
 The Mirra Coat Special Care powder is recommended at 1
level tablespoon (about 7 grams) per 20 lbs of body weight per
day for dogs. If we assume that a ferret weights between 2 and
4 pounds, I would suggest 1/2 level teaspoon (about  1  gram)
per animal per day.
 Our liquid product is more concentrated and should be used
at 1/3rd the level of the powder.
 
 I believe that if the nutrients in Mirra coat are marginal in the
diet you are feeding, you should see an improvement in skin
and coat condition in 2-4 weeks. If there is no change,  Mirra
Coat nor other nutritional supplements may not be the answer
under your current feeding and stress conditions.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          William J. Monson, PhD.
                                          Vice President of
                                          Research and Development
 
                                          WJM/CM
 
 
 
LAMBERT KAY
 
Richard K. Fisher, D.V.M.
Vice   President
Research and Development
 
December 2, 1991
 
Mr. Phillip R. Gentry
 
Dear Mr. Gentry:
 
 I am writing to respond to your question concerning Linatone
Food Supplement.  Although we have not conducted long term
toxicity studies with Linatone in ferrets, our data with dogs fails
to indicate any toxicity problems with elevated doses over
extended periods of time.  Linatone is formulated to provide
slightly less than the National Research Council's nutrient
requirements of laboratory animals.  You can see that Mirra-
Coat only provides 1/3 the recommended Vitamin A level.  The
scientific data does indicate that fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins
A,D,E,K) will accumulate in the animal body over time if
exaggerated amounts (20-30 times recommended levels) are
consumed and produce toxicity or even cancer.
 
 Please be assured that liver cancer will not result from daily
Linatone usage according to label directions.
 
 
                               Sincerely yours,
 
                               Richard K. Fisher, D.V.M.
 
RKF:sp
 
         LAMBERT KAY, Division of Carter-Wal lace, Inc.,
         P.O. Box 1418, Cranbury, New Jersey 08512-0187
         Phone: 609/426-4800           TELEX: 510-685-4443
 
         FAX: 609-426-4842
 
[Posted in FML issue 0238]