Shampoo Therapy in Dogs and Cats

With the availability of effectivetopical flea products, shampoo therapyhad fallen by the wayside in veterinarydermatology. However, recent evidencehas shown that percutaneous absorptionof allergens plays a significant role inpropagating, and possibly evenpotentiating, allergies in our pets.

There are several guidelines to conveyto clients regarding the use of veterinaryshampoos. First, the use of cool waterand contact times of 5 to 15 minutesallow for hydration of the skin and asufficient period for penetration andaction of the active shampoo ingredients.Bathing frequency is also important anddepends on the presence of skin diseaseas well as the shampoo to be used. Aclient may have to shampoo two to threetimes weekly until adequate control ofscaling, grease, and odor is achieved, atwhich time they may decrease to amaintenance frequency of once weekly ormonthly. Maintenance shampoo therapy

IN THIS ISSUE:Shampoo Therapy inDogs and Cats............................ 1Ethylene Glycol Poisoning:Effective Treatment Beginswith Prevention ......................... 4Ask the Vet ................................ 7Sumitomo Corporation AcquiresThe Hartz MountainCorporation ............................... 8

reaction to the shampoo by the patientand the bather also should be considered.

One of the most common signs ofdermatologic problems in small animals is excess scaling. The process ofkeratinization is initiated within thebasal keratinocytes of the epidermis.Through many transformations, thesecells eventually migrate to the surfaceand die, progressing through the basal,

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 4 V O L U M E 2 , N U M B E R 3

A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALSA NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS

is also dictated by seasonal influences.Environmental variations in heat andhumidity influence dryness, scaliness,greasiness, and the tendency to developsecondary bacterial or yeast infections.

Shampooing technique is alsoimportant. I often recommend startingwith the worst affected area—usually the belly, neck, or feet. The mechanicalprocess itself is beneficial because it helpsto remove crusts, scales, dirt, organisms,and residual medication.

SHAMPOO SELECTIONHuman-grade shampoo, balanced at

pH 5.5 for the human scalp (comparedwith the neutral skin pH of 7.0 to 7.5 inmost dogs and cats), can cause irritationand damage to the epidermal skin barrieras well as unwanted changes in thesuperficial microbial flora. Thus, themildest veterinary-labeled product thatwill address the patient’s condition shouldbe selected. The possibility of an allergic

Anthony A. Yu, DVM, DACVDOntario Veterinary CollegeUniversity of GuelphOntario, Canada

2 HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • SEPTEMBER 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 3

Consulting EditorsAlbert Ahn, DVM

Corporate Vice PresidentChief Scientific OfficerThe Hartz Mountain Corporation

Bruce Truman

Divisional Vice President Animal Health and NutritionThe Hartz Mountain Corporation

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A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALSspiny, granular, and cornified layers.Many shampoos are formulated based onthis cell-turnover process. Animal skinvaries from one to three epidermal celllayers in cats and three to five epidermalcell layers in dogs, with a 21-day transittime.

Owner acceptance is most often thedetermining factor in the selection of ashampoo. If odor, color, staining orbleaching potential, and lathering ability of a shampoo are not acceptable to thebather, then the shampoo will never makeits way onto the pet. Finally, if a costlymedicated shampoo is prescribed, it maybe helpful to first use an inexpensiveproduct so that the medicated shampoo is not wasted on initial attempts to cutthrough the grease and dirt.

Types of ShampooCleansing and MoisturizingShampoos/Sprays

Cleansing and moisturizing shampoosare mildly medicated, hypoallergenicproducts that clean using soap substitutesand anionic/amphoteric surfactantsystems. They mainly serve to rehydrateand cleanse the skin and can be used as amaintenance shampoo for normal-coateddogs and cats.

Moisturizers (e.g., emollients,humectants) are commonly used for mild,dry, and scaly conditions or even after useof a potential drying agent. Emollientsare vegetable- and animal-oil productsthat protect and soften the skin by fillingin the spaces between the dry flakes—flattening roughened surfaces of thestratum corneum. Humectants, whichinclude lactic acid, urea, carboxylic acid,glycerin, and propylene glycol, rehydratethe skin without using oils. Instead, theydraw moisture to the skin from the pet’sown body fluids.

Emollients and humectants areavailable in shampoo or spray form.Of the sprays, emollients are preferablyapplied directly after a bath to provide anoil barrier that keeps moisture on theskin. Humectants can be used daily toalleviate dry, scaly conditions.

Antiparasitic ShampoosMost flea products contain acceptable

concentrations of naturally derivedpyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids.They kill adult fleas, ticks, and otherectoparasites present at the time ofbathing and help to wash off adherenteggs or larvae. If additional therapeuticmodalities are required, always consultand follow label directions.

Antiseborrheic ShampoosSeborrhea is excess scale formation

caused by abnormal cell migration,increased cell division in the stratumbasale, biochemical anomalies in keratinproduction, and aberrations in intercellularlipid production. Antiseborrheic shampooseliminate surface scale by causing celldamage and ballooning, which results insoftening and shedding of the stratumcorneum (keratolysis). These products alsodecrease cell turnover via inhibitory effectson basal cell growth (keratoplasty).

Sulfur and Salicylic ShampoosSulfur and salicylic acid are common

ingredients in antiseborrheic shampoos.Because the efficacy of sulfur depends ondirect interaction with the skin, it is oftenformulated as a colloid to increase the skincontact surface area. Keratoplastic activitycaused by sulfur is primarily related to theformation of cystine, an importantconstituent of the stratum corneum.Keratolytic, antifungal, antibacterial, andantiparasitic (mites and lice but not fleas)activities are primarily a result of hydrogensulfide and pentathionic acid formationfrom the combination of sulfur withcysteine. Sulfur also has been demonstratedto decrease itching and to be extremelysafe, even on newborn animals.

Attributes of salicylic acid includekeratoplastic, keratolytic, antipruritic,astringent, and bacteriostatic activities.The keratolytic activity of salicylic acid isproduced by decreasing surface pH,which results in increased hydration ofkeratin and swelling of cells in thestratum corneum. Salicylic acid alsosolubilizes the natural binding material

between cells, promoting the shedding ofattached surface cells.

Sulfur–salicylic acid combinations are used for primary keratinizationabnormalities causing a dry scalingdermatosis and conditions secondary tobacterial pyoderma, parasitic infections,allergy, autoimmune disorders,environmental influences, and metabolicimbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism).

Numerous sulfur–salicylic acidshampoos are available. Some containlanolin to condition a pet’s coat. Sodiumsalicylate enhances the shampoo’s

latherability. Triclosan and chlorhexidinederivatives are sometimes added toenhance a shampoo’s antimicrobial activity.

Tar ShampoosTar shampoos are often combined with

sulfur and salicylic acid, which permitsdecreased concentrations while providingthe desired keratolytic activity. Treatmentsshould be discontinued or followed by aconditioning rinse if drying or irritationoccurs.

Tars induce antimitotic, keratolytic,antipruritic, degreasing, and antiinflam-matory effects. The antimitotic effects aredue to suppression of epidermal growthand DNA synthesis of the stratum basale.The primary clinical application of tarshampoos is to treat the extremely greasydog. The higher the concentration, thebetter the effects of the tar, but the patientmight be more susceptible to developing acontact allergy, excessive drying, or skinirritation. Tar shampoos should be avoidedin cats.

Selenium SulfideSelenium sulfide is antiseborrheic but

has limited usage due to its staining,drying, and irritating effects on mucousmembranes and the scrotum. Seleniumsulfide causes keratoplastic and keratolyticactivity by depressing epidermal cellturnover rate and interfering withhydrogen bond formation in the keratin.Selenium sulfide also is a potent degreaser.This product is definitely not recommendedfor use in cats.

Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl peroxide induces excellent

keratolytic activity, and a residualantibacterial spectrum of 48 hours also makes it one of the most activeantibacterial agents. It is the only productavailable that has follicular flushingproperties, which enhance removal ofscale, glandular secretions, and bacteriafrom hair follicles. It is often used beforetreatment for generalized demodicosisbecause it flushes mites from hairfollicles. The excellent degreasing activity

of benzoyl peroxide is generallyconsidered to be an advantage. However,animals with sensitive skin may developexcessive drying or irritation. This can berelieved by alternating treatments with amilder product or using emollients.Benzoyl peroxides tend not to lather welland have the potential to bleach fabricsand haircoats.

Antimicrobial ShampoosAntimicrobial shampoos help eliminate

overgrowth of pathogenic organisms onthe skin surface. As previously mentioned,benzoyl peroxide shampoos have thegreatest residual activity (48 hours). Otherantimicrobials include chlorhexidine,which is a synthetic biguanide withbroad-spectrum activity against bacteria,fungi, and yeasts but exhibits noantiseborrheic effects. It is characterizedby rapid kill and 36-hour residual activity.

When combined with water, ethyllactate forms lactic acid, which providesantimicrobial activity, and ethanol, agood degreaser without the drying effectsof tar and benzoyl peroxides. A gentle,antiseptic, and keratoplastic shampoocontaining a 10% concentration of ethyllactate is available for use in dogs and catsof any age with bacterially infectedseborrheic dermatitis.

Iodine preparations have good activityagainst bacteria, viruses, and fungi,especially when combined withpyrrolidone nitrogen. Residual effects,however, last only 6 to 8 hours. Sideeffects include irritation, staining, andcontact hypersensitivity. Iodine shampoosare not recommended for use in cats.

Antipruritic ShampoosTopical antipruritic therapy is gaining

increasing interest as an adjunct to controlitching. The main source of relief evolvesfrom oatmeal-based shampoos. It isbelieved that harmful agents and allergensare absorbed through the skin, resulting in itching. Oatmeal is formulated as acolloid to provide a large surface area foradsorption and subsequent elimination ofthese mediators. In addition, oat beta

glucan has been concentrated in certainoatmeal-based shampoos because it isbelieved to provide oatmeal with itsantiinflammatory effect.

Lastly, shampoos containingantiinflammatory agents such ashydrocortisone, diphenhydramine, andessential fatty acids, have been introducedto the veterinary market to addressinflammation at the local level. So far,they have proven to be useful adjuncts inour attempts to minimize the use of oralmedications to control itch. Strictadherence to the 10- to 15-minutecontact time rule, especially with theseproducts, will help achieve optimalresults.

CONCLUSIONFinally, a plethora of shampoos

with advanced time-released microsomeshas also become available for use inveterinary medicine. This technologyimproves residual activity of theaforementioned active shampooingredients and minimizes any dryingeffects by slowly releasing emollients andconditioners.

With all these recent advances inshampoo therapy, it may seem a dauntingtask to choose the most appropriateproduct for your pet. However, by simplyunderstanding the principles of thevarious categories of shampoos, you canselect and use a medicated shampoo thatwill most benefit your patients.

Suggested ReadingsChesney CJ: Water: Its form, function and importance in

the skin of domestic animals. J Small Anim Pract34:65–71, 1993.

Griffin CE, Kwochka KW, MacDonald JM: Currentveterinary dermatology, in The Science and Art ofTherapy. St Louis, Mosby, 1993.

Halliwell REW: Rational use of shampoos in veterinarydermatology. J Small Anim Pract 32:401–407, 1991.

Kwochka KW: Rational shampoo therapy in veterinarydermatology. Proc 11th Annual Kal Kan SympTreatment Small Anim Dis, 1988.

Lin AN, Reimer RJ, Carter DM: Sulfur revisited. J AmAcad Dermatol 18(3):553–558, 1988.

Miller WH: Antiseborrheic agents in dermatology, inKirk RW (ed): Current Veterinary Therapy IX.Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1986, pp 596–601.

Muller GH, Kirk RW, Scott DW: Small AnimalDermatology, ed 6. Philadelphia, WB Saunders,2004.

HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • SEPTEMBER 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 3 3

vomiting, weakness, and dyspnea. In-clinic diagnostic tests (EGT KitTM, PRNPharmacal) are available.

When in-clinic qualitative tests areused, false-positive results can occur frompropylene glycol (and other glycols),metaldehyde, glycerol, and formaldehydeingestion. False-positives do not resultfrom ethanol, methanol, or isopropanolingestion. Definitive quantitative analysesare typically available at diagnosticlaboratories. Local human hospitals orveterinary diagnostic laboratories canprovide analytic capabilities, includingquantification of parent ethylene glycol andsome metabolite concentrations. Otherdiagnostic findings include an increasedosmolar gap (>20 mOsm/kg), acidosis, anincreased anionic gap (>25 mEq/L),hypocalcemia, and calcium oxalatecrystalluria,3 but the absence of crystalluriadoes not rule out ethylene glycol toxicosis.

TreatmentThe rapid absorption of ethylene

glycol coupled with short plasma half-lifeunderscores the necessity for early,aggressive intervention. Since a delay intreatment is often fatal, presumptive casesof ethylene glycol poisoning based onclinical presentation and availablediagnostics with or without knownexposure warrant initiation of treatmentbefore definitive laboratory confirmation.

Initial treatment in an asymptomaticanimal within an hour of exposure mayinclude the administration of an emeticsuch as hydrogen peroxide (3%, 1 ml/lb;maximum dose: 45 ml) via oral syringe or

volumes of ethylene glycol solutions.Ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed,yielding peak blood concentrations indogs within 1 to 4 hours. The plasmahalf-life for unmetabolized ethyleneglycol is 3 to 5 hours. The lethal dose ofundiluted ethylene glycol is 4.4 to 6.6ml/kg in dogs and 1.4 ml/kg in cats.

Metabolism occurs primarily in theliver, with excretion of both unmetabolizedethylene glycol and metabolites via thekidneys. Ethylene glycol is initiallymetabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase. Itis at this first rate-limiting metabolic stepthat competitive inhibition by theadministration of fomepizole in dogs(Antizol-VetTM, Orphan Medical) andethanol in cats can be lifesaving.Continued processing of ethylene glycolmetabolites yields intermediates thatcause acidosis, renal tubular nephrosis(Figures 1 and 2), and death. Clinicaleffects, including depression and ataxia, occur early from unmetabolizedethylene glycol. During the next 12 to 24 hours, metabolic acidosis results incardiopulmonary effects, includingtachypnea, tachycardia, central nervoussystem (CNS) depression, seizures, andpulmonary edema. Oliguric renal failuremay begin as early as 12 hours afteringestion in cats but not beyond 72 hoursin cats or dogs. Death results fromcardiopulmonary or renal effects.2

DiagnosisThe most common clinical signs

reported to the APCC includedepression, ataxia, seizures, tremors,

Ethylene Glycol Poisoning:Effective Treatment Begins with Prevention

Ethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol) isused in many commercial and householdproducts, including automobile antifreeze,brake fluid, disinfectants and cleaners,paints, sealants, and solvents. Ethyleneglycol concentrations vary from about90% in automobile antifreeze to less than1% in some paints. Most significantpoisonings in dogs and cats are fromexposure to automobile antifreezesolutions containing ethylene glycol.

The ASPCA Animal Poison ControlCenter (APCC) managed 510 animalexposures to ethylene glycol between July1995 and December 1997. Dogs and catsrepresented 98% of exposed species,although dogs are two to three times morelikely to be exposed than cats. Themajority of animals were adults, with anequal gender distribution. Most exposuresoccurred around the home and resultedfrom container spills and engine flushes orleaks. Three percent of cases were assessedas intentional. Of cases with knownoutcomes, 59% did not develop clinicalsigns and 28% died or were euthanized.Ethylene glycol exposures accounted for0.5% of case volume for the data collectionperiod.1 Generally, cats, rabbits, andhumans are considered the most sensitivespecies. Dogs, pigs, rodents, and cattle areconsidered of intermediate sensitivity.

Mechanism of ActionEthylene glycol is commercially

available for automobile use as aconcentrated solution that is typicallymixed 50:50 with water. Dogs and catswill unpredictably consume various

Steven R. Hansen, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVTASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterUrbana, Illinois

4 HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • SEPTEMBER 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 3

stomach tube after feeding a moist mealsuch as canned food. Activated charcoal(1–3 g/kg) can be administered early,preferably within the hour, to potentiallyreduce gastrointestinal absorption.Administration of activated charcoalproducts may yield false-positive resultsfrom in-clinic ethylene glycol test kitsbecause of propylene glycol cross-reactivity. Overuse of activated charcoalin small or dehydrated animals must beavoided because of the risk for electrolyteabnormalities, including hypernatremia.

Successful management of ethyleneglycol toxicosis depends on competitiveinhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase.Currently accepted treatment in dogsincludes the use of fomepizole or ethanol.Fomepizole is advantageous in dogs becauseit is approved for this use, is effective andeasy to administer, and does not contributeto CNS depression or acidosis. In dogs,fomepizole is administered in four doses at12-hour intervals, each given slowly over 15to 30 minutes. The first dose is 20 mg/kg,followed by 15 mg/kg at 12 and 24 hours and then 5 mg/kg at 36 hours. Incats, fomepizole may be effective at highdoses early, but the product is not labeled assuch. In cats, ethanol is generally thepreferred treatment.

Ethanol administration is inexpensivebut time intensive, produces additionalCNS depression, and exacerbatesmetabolic acidosis. Cats (and dogs iffomepizole is unavailable) should begiven 8.6 ml/kg of a 7% (70 mg/ml)ethanol solution as a slow bolus over 30minutes followed by maintenanceadministration of 100 to 200 mg/kg/hrconstant-rate infusion.4 When medical-grade ethanol solutions are not available,vodka can be used, preferably with an in-line filter.5 To produce a 7% ethanolsolution, a volume of 175 ml should beremoved from a 1.0 L bag of D5W orother appropriate solution and replacedwith 175 ml of 80 proof vodka.

Supportive care designed to promotediuresis, maintain renal function, andcorrect acid–base imbalance remainsimportant. Sodium bicarbonate can be

HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • SEPTEMBER 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 3 5

used to correct acidosis. Furosemide(2.2–4.4 mg/kg IV bid) combined withdopamine (2–5 µg/kg/min) may increaseurine output in oliguric patients.Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, ifavailable, should be considered for anuricpatients. Recovery depends on howquickly treatment can be started. Initiationof treatment within the hour—andpossibly up to 4 hours—in nonazotemicpatients may prove successful. Severelyazotemic or anuric patients, especiallyanimals whose care is initiated 12 hours or longer after exposure, warrant a graveprognosis. Ultimately, recovery may becomplete or residual renal insufficiencymay remain.

PreventionVeterinary professionals are encouraged

to address poison prevention duringroutine client visits. Pet owners shouldread and understand all labels, followproduct use and disposal recommendations,store all garage/household products andpharmaceuticals out of reach of childrenand pets, and understand that childprooflids and packaging are easily destroyed(and contents consumed) by even thesmallest and most timid of pets. Petowners should search the garage and homefor items that are accessible by the pet,including items on counters. Properdisposal of automobile antifreeze is critical.Exposure often occurs from used productdrained from cars and farm machinery.Local recycling/garbage collectioncompanies or automobile repair facilities

often can dispose of ethylene glycolantifreeze properly or inform the petowner about approved disposal techniques.

Some antifreeze formulations containpropylene glycol; these formulations aresignificantly less toxic than ethylene glycolformulations but are not nontoxic and stillrequire the same vigilance regardingstorage, use, and disposal.

A significant amount of recentlegislative debate has focused onrequiring that bittering or other aversiveagents be added to antifreeze and otherhousehold products. The APCC does notsupport this requirement. The promotionof products containing aversive agents bymanufacturers would lead to a false senseof security among pet owners that couldunintentionally lead to poisonings. Inanimals, poison prevention must focus onproper storage and disposal and not onthe unlikely protective mechanismafforded by taste-aversive agents.

References1. Kahn SA, Schell MM, Trammel HL, et al: Ethylene

glycol exposures managed by the ASPCA NationalAnimal Poison Control Center from July 1995 toDecember 1997. Vet Hum Toxicol 41(6):403–406, 1999.

2. Richardson JA, Gwaltney-Brant SM: Ethylenetoxicosis in dogs and cats. NAVC Clin BriefJan:13–19, 2003.

3. Thrall MA, Grauer GF, Connally HE, et al: SmallAnimal Toxicology: Ethylene Glycol. Philadelphia, WBSaunders, 2001, pp 33–504.

4. Plunkett SJ: Ethylene glycol, in Emergency Proceduresfor the Small Animal Veterinarian, ed 2. Philadelphia,WB Saunders, 2000, pp 319–326.

5. Plumb DC: Veterinary Drug Handbook, ed 3. IowaState University Press, 1999, pp 257–258.

Figure 1— Ethylene glycol–induced renal tubular nephrosis.(Photo courtesy Dr. Sharon Gwaltney,APCC; hematoxylin–eosin, originalmagnification ×100)

Figure 2— Ethylene glycol–induced nephrosis showingbirefringent crystals. (Photo courtesyDr. Sharon Gwaltney, APCC;hematoxylin–eosin, originalmagnification ×40; shown underpolarized light)

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We want to hear from you!• Have questions or comments? Call our Consumer Relations Department at 800-275-1414 and ask to speak to a Hartz staff

veterinarian or email us at feedback@hartz.com.• To obtain a Hartz Veterinary Catalog of products, please call 800-999-3000 x5118 or email us at feedback@hartz.com.

Q

A

In reference to Dr. Littman’s June 2004 article, “Update on FrequentlyAsked Questions About Canine Lyme Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment,”can atipamezole be used to treat amitrazcollar intoxication and at what dose?Also, what dose of yohimbine is used totreat amitraz toxicoses?

Author Response:Rarely have dogs eaten the discarded cut-off endsof collars or, more rarely, the collars themselves. “If a dog ingests a . . . collar and exhibits [amitraz]intoxication (primary sign is severe depression),induce vomiting, administer non-oily laxative,activated charcoal, and enema. Provide supportivetherapy until collar fragments are voided. If dogcannot be roused, Yohimbine, 0.1 mg/kg byintravenous injection is antidotal. Repeat as needed.”

I thank Dr. Ken Drobatz (Director of EmergencyService at the University of Pennsylvania’s RyanVeterinary Hospital), who told me that yohimbine(Yobine®, Lloyd Laboratories) is still their first choicefor amitraz intoxication. If yohimbine is unavailable,atipamezole (Antisedan®, Pfizer Animal Health) canbe used at 0.055 mg/kg IM.

By literature search, I found that atipamezole wasgiven experimentally at 0.2 mg/kg IV for amitraz

Articles found in the Hartz Companion Animalsm newsletter can be copied and distributed to your colleagues, staff, and clients.Additional newsletters may also be obtained by contacting us at feedback@hartz.com or by phone at 800-275-1414.

QA

toxicity (Adrade SF, Sakate M: The comparativeefficacy of yohimbine and atipamezole to treatamitraz intoxication in dogs. Vet Hum Toxicol45(3):124–127, 2003), but this dose and route ofadministration need more study before I recommendit for clinical use in patients.

Meryl P. Littman, VMD, DACVIMSchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

How much taurine is required in cat/ kitten food?

Taurine is a very important amino acid for catsand kittens. Deficiency of taurine in cats mayresult in fetal abnormalities, reproductive failure,abnormal development, retinal degeneration,and/or cardiomyopathy. Cats can synthesizetaurine only on a limited basis. Cats also needtaurine to conjugate bile acids.

According to nutrient profiles of the AAFCO(Association of American Feed Control Officials),the minimum requirement for taurine for cat foodis 0.10% in dry foods and 0.20% in canned foods.Supplementation with vitamins containing taurinewould be required in cases where the levels oftaurine in the cat’s diet are below this level.

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Sumitomo Corporation Acquires The Hartz Mountain Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation of America (SCOA), together withits parent, Sumitomo Corporation (SC), an integrated globaltrading company, purchased JWC Hartz Holdings, Inc., theholding company of The Hartz Mountain Corporation, theleading U.S. pet supplies company, from J.W. Childs EquityPartners II, L.P.

The announcement was made on June 21, 2004, by AtsushiNishijo, President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation ofAmerica, and Robert Devine, President and CEO of The HartzMountain Corporation.

“The change in ownership is a very positive development forour business,” said Robert Devine. “Hartz will continue theeffort to reposition the brand and drive growth with newproducts and technologies.

We also envision a number of valuable synergies emergingfrom this new relationship, not the least of which is a chance forus to expand our reach into markets and channels with a highdegree of sophistication and a history of pet ownership. Thenew Hartz Mountain will be stronger and more global.”

For over 78 years, Hartz Mountain has been committed toproviding pet lovers across America with the most innovative

products and technological solutions that will ensure their petslead longer, happier, and healthier lives. Hartz Mountain alsoactively contributes to the pet care community and is dedicatedto the health and well-being of companion animals.

The acquisition will allow Hartz the opportunity toundertake a number of new business initiatives, such asenhanced cross-border sourcing and development of newmarkets and distribution channels in Asia and Europe.

“Hartz is a brand name with a very strong history and greatcredibility,” said Atsushi Nishijo, President and CEO of SCOA.“This is a significant acquisition for SCOA and SC, and we arevery pleased that the Hartz management team will be part of theSCOA family.”

Sumitomo Corporation of America was established in 1952and is the largest wholly owned subsidiary of SumitomoCorporation. An integrated global trading company withdiversified investments and trading businesses, SCOA worksclosely with its parent as an organizer of multinational projectsand a financier. SCOA is an investor in several venture capitalfunds and participates as a strategic Japanese partner withcompanies in the biotech and life sciences communities.