127 Suspect Oregon Cases of Illness or Death
Related to Recalled Pet Food

Updated 8.9.07, 4:30 pm PT

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• Analysis of Oregon Case Data by Dr. DeBess 8.9.07
• Suspect Cases, Deaths in Oregon 5.10.07
• FDA: Numerous Pet Deaths Reported
• Fast Facts About the Recall, Symptoms of Illness
• OVMA Urges Pet Owners to Continue to Check for Recalled Food
• Melamine & Cyanuric Acid Reaction Forms Same Crystals Seen in Sick Pets
• News & Developments

Media Contacts:

Executive Director: Glenn Kolb
Public Relations Director: Raina Dey
Phone: (800) 235-3502 or (503) 399-0311

Suspect Cases, Deaths in Oregon

As a result of his ongoing surveillance, Oregon’s public health veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess reports that there have been at least 127 suspected cases of cats and dogs in the state who have consumed contaminated pet food and who have experienced various stages of kidney dysfunction.

Of the 127 suspect cases, 48 are dogs and 79 are cats.

Of the 127 suspect cases, at least 49 pets have died:

• 20 dogs (Bend, Coos Bay, Dayton, 2 in Eugene, McMinnville, Newberg, Pleasant Hill, Portland, Redmond, 2 in Salem, 5 in Springfield, Sutherlin, Tigard, West Linn)
• 29 cats (Aloha, Coos Bay, 4 in Eugene, 2 in Grants Pass, Hermiston, 2 in Hillsboro, Medford, Newberg, Pleasant Hill, 8 in Portland, Sherwood, Sisters, Springfield, St. Helens, Sunriver, Wilsonville, Winston)

While there have been deaths, many animals are surviving with aggressive supportive care, including IV fluid therapy. Long-term prognosis cannot be predicted, but partial kidney recovery can be anticipated in many cases.

We emphasize that these are suspect cases. A confirmed case would require a higher degree of testing, which may include isolation of the toxin in the blood or tissue of the patient by necropsy.

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and the public health veterinarian realize that this is likely not a complete list of the cases in our state. Veterinarians have been asked to report cases to the public health veterinarian, Dr. Emilio DeBess. This process could take some time, so pet owners who believe their pet was affected and do not see their pet's case reflected in these statistics are asked to be patient and wait for the data to be collected from veterinarians.

Owners whose pets ate recalled food and became ill can report this information to the Oregon/Washington Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Complaint Coordinator at (425) 483-4949. Owners will need to report the specific product name, lot numbers, details of feedings and onset of symptoms, and veterinarian’s report and diagnosis, if available. Pet owners can find additional information about the recall in our pet owners' Q&A.

Suspect cases have been reported in:

• Aloha (2)
• Beaverton (1)
• Bend (2)
• Brookings (1)
• Burns (1)
• Clackamas (1)
• Coos Bay (2)
• Corvallis (2)
• Cottage Grove (1)
• Dayton (1)
• Dexter (1)
• Eugene (11)
• Gladstone (1)
• Grants Pass (4)
• Gresham (1)
• Hermiston (1)
• Hillsboro (6)
• Hood River (1)
• Independence (1)
• Madras (1)
• McMinnville (1)
• Medford (2)
• Milwaukie (1)
• Newberg (4)
• Newport (1)
• Oak Hill (1)
• Ontario (1)
• Oregon City (2)
• Pleasant Hill (2)
• Portland (24)
• Redmond (3)
• Salem (7)
• Seaside (1)
• Sherwood (1)
• Silver Creek (1)
• Sisters (1)
• Springfield (13)
• St. Helens (2)
• Stayton (1)
• Sunriver (1)
• Sutherlin (1)
• Sweet Home (1)
• The Dalles (2)
• Tigard (4)
• Tillamook (1)
• Tualatin (2)
• Veneta (1)
• West Linn (1)
• Wilsonville (1)
• Winston (1)

FDA Receives Reports of Over 4,000 Pet Deaths

On April 27, the FDA stated that it has received over 17,000 consumer complaints relating to this outbreak, and that those complaints included reports of approximately 1,950 deaths of cats and 2,200 deaths of dogs.

Fast Facts:

• If you have any of the recalled food, stop feeding it to your pet immediately.
• If you have concerns or questions about what food to feed your pet, please consult with your veterinarian.
• If your pet becomes ill, keep any full or empty cans, bags, or pouches so that your veterinarian can verify that the food is part of the recall, or for testing, if necessary.
• Kidney disease (renal failure) has been identified as the primary illness related to consumption of the recalled food.
• Symptoms of kidney disease include: loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden changes in water consumption, or changes in the frequency or amount of urination.
• Symptoms are usually seen within a few days, but the time to onset of symptoms can vary. The important thing is to monitor your pet closely for the above symptoms.
• If your pet exhibits these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
• While there have been deaths, animals are surviving with aggressive supportive care, including IV fluid therapy. Long-term prognosis cannot be predicted, but partial kidney recovery can be anticipated in many cases.
• Pet owners can report cases of illness or death due to the recalled food by contacting the Oregon/Washington Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Complaint Coordinator at (425) 483-4949. Owners will need to report the specific product name, lot numbers, and veterinarian’s report and diagnosis.
• For those whose pets have died, we are very sorry for the loss of your beloved companion and hope that these resources can be of some assistance to you at this time.

Veterinarians Urge Pet Owners to Check for Recalled Food, Monitor Pet Health

The OVMA is continuing to urge pet owners to check their pet food labels against the list of recalled foods, and to monitor their cats and dogs for signs of acute kidney disease (renal failure).

Symptoms of kidney disease include: loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden changes in water consumption, or changes in the frequency or amount of urination.

“It is important for pet owners to be vigilant about this,” says Dr. Jacqui Neilson, president of the OVMA. "Acute kidney disease (renal failure) can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. It is imperative that pet owners check their pet foods against the recalled foods."

Pet owners who have questions or concerns about what food to feed their pets should consult with their veterinarian.

About the OVMA

Founded in 1911, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association is a non-profit group of nearly 1,000 veterinarians in private practice, government, academia, industry and public service who are dedicated to helping people give their animals a high quality of life. Find out more about the OVMA in our Media Room.

Sources: News reports, American Veterinary Medical Association, FDA, Oregon State Public Health Veterinarian, ASPCA, Pet Connection