Media Release 17 March 1996

Many pets not old but stricken with diet-induced AIDS

Modern processed diets are known to be responsible for periodontal or gum disease which affects more than 85% of domestic cats and dogs. Foul breath odour is an early sign suggesting that more severe heart, liver and kidney disease may follow.

An article published in the December 1995 issue of the British Journal of Small Animal Practice confirms that processed pet foods produce periodontal disease which often leads to an AIDS-like condition in affected animals. (JSAP 1995 36, 542-546)

Dr Tom Lonsdale of Riverstone NSW the author of the paper admits that he, along with almost everyone else, used to recommend processed pet foods."Previously we thought animals were suffering the effects of old age when in fact they were wasting away with periodontal disease and diet-induced AIDS."

"Now we treat the periodontal disease and provide the pets with a natural diet. The removal of the poisons allows the immune system to recover and owners frequently report that their old pet is like a puppy/kitten again."

"I believe that this information should have been available to Australian vets and their patients in 1993. The Australian Veterinary Journal refused to publish the research findings."

"In my view a committee of inquiry should be established. Diet induced AIDS of pets is just as nasty as HIV AIDS for humans. In France HIV AIDS experts suppressed information for a mere two months and as a result were prosecuted and some gaoled for 'complicity in poisoning."(Science Vol 268 16 June 1995)

Dr Tom Lonsdale and other concerned veterinarians continue their campaign for the banning of what they consider to be misleading pet food industry advertising. "Pet owners should be informed that feeding processed pet foods is likely to lead to ill health, suffering and unnecessary vet bills."

Dr. Tom Lonsdale
Riverstone Veterinary Hospital
Garfield Road
Riverstone NSW 2765
Telephone 02 627 4011