The College of Veterinary Medicine’s contribution to the well-being of Flint’s companion animals.

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s recent efforts in Flint focused on the lead contamination in water and potential toxicity to companion animals and have helped provide guidance to impacted families. Our clinical, research, and laboratory faculty and staff members, along with development, diversity and inclusion, student services, communications, and dozens of College volunteers were essential to the work. The collaborative efforts of the College, Veterinary Medical Center, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH), and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) made the initiative possible.

Early on in the crisis, the College formed a team, which met regularly to coordinate and guide College involvement in partnership with the MDARD and the State of Michigan’s emergency response efforts. The primary goals were to identify the extent of the problem, follow up on any needed animal care, educate the public and veterinarians, provide community assistance, and conduct research.

College outreach education efforts included the creation of informational materials for pet owners and veterinary clinics. The team distributed multilingual information for pet owners through emergency management channels, churches, animal control, MDARD, MSU Extension, and through the College’s website. Informational materials for veterinarians were distributed through MDARD and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.

Community assistance efforts included six free screenings for lead exposure. In areas affected by the water crisis, locations trusted by community members were selected, which supported the success of the screening events. They were held in churches, community centers, the Genesee County Animal Control, and the Humane Society of Genesee County. Between February and May 2016, volunteers tested more than 300 dogs for lead toxicity.

The College’s research initiatives included an epidemiologic investigation of lead exposure and clinical characterization of toxicity and treatment.

For this study, blood lead levels of 50 ppb-399 ppb were considered to be “probable” cases of lead toxicosis by MDARD, whereas blood levels of 400 ppb or greater were considered “positive” cases of lead toxicosis. One of the lead-positive dogs showed clinical signs that are consistent with lead poisoning, which included weight loss, gastrointestinal distress, and behavioral changes and did require treatment.

The team also found a number of dogs that had elevated blood lead levels suggestive of an exposure, but not considered toxic. Long-term exposure to high levels of lead can cause neurologic changes in animals.

Detailed data analysis is ongoing and will include evaluating blood levels of lead and other metals by location and clinical parameters. In addition, comparisons with findings in the human population will be undertaken. A peer reviewed publication is anticipated soon.