Mars Petcare Australia have voluntarily recalled its Advance Dermocare dry dog food after a series of police dogs were diagnosed with megaesophagus.

Mars says it has run hundreds of tests on its Advance Dermocare pet food and have not found a link between megaesophagus and the food. Mars said it has however decided to recall the pet food as a precaution whilst it works “to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as we can”.

The recall applies to Advance Dermocare dry dog food products in 3kg, 8kg and 15kg bags. The bags are only sold at specialty retailers and veterinarians. Customers can return any Advance Dermocare dry dog food products in 3kg, 8kg and 15kg bags to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Mars’ precautionary recall has come after a Victorian Police dog was euthanised and eight others became sick after contracting megaesophagus.

Megaesophagus is the enlargement of the esophagus, often resulting in difficulty to swallow and vomiting. Megaesophagus is generally not associated with food.

Two dogs from South Australian Correctional Services have also contracted megaesophagus, one of which has been put down. SA Correctional Services said it has changed its dog food as a precaution and have set samples of the food the sick dogs were eating for testing.

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