Contaminated Pet Food May Have Hurt 39,000

Contaminated pet food with an industrial chemical may have sickened and killed at least 39,000 cats and dogs nationwide.

As many as six pet food companies have recalled their products that contain imported Chinese wheat and gluten. The product recall accounts for at least 1% of the overall U.S. pet food supply.

The Banfield pet hospital is a chain of veterinary clinics. It has said that an analysis from it's database compiled of recent records of more than 615 veterinarian hospitals, suggests that 3 out of every 10,000 dogs and cats that ate the pet food that was contaminated from melamine developed kidney failure. In the U.S. there is an estimate of 60 million dogs and 70 million cats. That is according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

During the last three months Banfield pet hospital saw 1 million cats and dogs when the more than 100 different brands of contaminated pet food were sold. It saw an increase of 284 cases of kidney failure. Among the cat population was a 30 percent increase during that time frame.

It has been reported by the F.D.A that some of the pets that have reported symptoms have experienced increased water intake,increased urination
increased urination,dercreased appetite,vomiting and lethargy.

Pets that exhibit any and or all these signs should call their nearest Veterinary Clinic As soon as possible.

Banfield says it is closely monitoring all of their patients to ensure the health and safety of all the pets we treat.

Pet owners should take the necessary precautions if their pets were eating the foods that have been in the recall. Discontinue use of food that was issued in the recent recall. A complete listing is listed at WWW.FDA.GOV.Pet owners who have questions regarding recalled foods should contact Pet food vendors directly.

Menu Foods at 1-866-463-6738 or on line at www.menufoods.com

Del Monte at 1-800-949-3799 www.delmonte.com

Hill`s at 1-800-445-5777 or visit www.hillspet.com

Purina at 1-800-218-5898 or www.purina.com

A spokesman from the American Veterinary Association said the lack of hard numbers has pet owners worried and eager to understand the extent of the problem.
One estimate Monday, founder of a Veterinary group said 5,000 to 10,000 pets may have fallen ill from eating the contaminated food. Estimates are about 1,000 to 2,000 may have died.
Veterinary Information Network did a recent survey of 1,400 Veterinarians . The group has 30,000 members that are current. "About one-third reported at least one case ." said Paul Pion the Networks Founder. He also cautioned that a final tally isn't possible and that even his estimate could be halved or doubled.