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Posted on Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 5 p.m.

FDA documents indicate that three top brands of chicken jerky treats may related to illnesses in dogs

By Lorrie Shaw

jeff_rodog.jpg

flickr photo by jeff_ro

Over the weekend, I wrote about a cautionary update that the Food and Drug Administration made on their website recently regarding chicken jerky treats imported from China.

This issue isn't something new that the FDA has been investigating. For several months, pet owners and veterinarians have been filing complaints with the agency, and a common thread has been emerging: the dogs consuming chicken jerky treats.

Here's a bit of history, in case you're not familiar with what's going on.

In September of 2007 and December of 2008 and November of 2011, the FDA issued a cautionary update about an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.

Last July, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association alerted the American Medical Veterinary Association to an issue that had a familiar ring: chicken jerky treats manufactured in China were possibly associated with an illness affecting the kidneys of dogs in Canada.

The FDA has received a total of 537 reports of illnesses in canines, including 467 reports since it issued a renewed warning about chicken jerky treats from China in November of 2011. This includes a startling 184 cases submitted so far just this year.

The plot thickens.

Internal FDA documents obtained by MSNBC by way of a public records request contain references to three popular brands of chicken jerky treats through a log of complaints collected from pet owners and veterinary doctors. The complaints indicate that the treats may be associated with kidney failure and other serious illnesses.

The brands indicated in the complaints are Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders, both produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp.

The FDA is under pressure to take more action on the matter from pet owners, vets and legislators, including Ohio Democrats Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Dennis Kucinich.

Read today's article from MSNBC by clicking here.

How do you feel about this issue? Take the poll below.



Lorrie Shaw leads the pets section for AnnArbor.com. Catch her daily dog walking and pet sitting adventures or email her directly and subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.

Comments

Leslie

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:12 a.m.

Oh my gosh this freaks me out, I have been giving these treats to my dogs for a little while and to this point they do not seem affected, but I am so angry that this is happening. They do love them and they are very picky so finding something they will eat for a treat is hard. I will be so upset over upset if my babies are affected at any point. I of course will not give them anymore. Thank you for keeping us up to date.

FurkidsOwner

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.

Do the Milos Chicken MeatBalls cause kidney failure too? I have two little 3 lb. furbabies..and Milo's is the only treat I buy for them...and they better hope that MY babies don't die because of this!!

CindyY

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.

Better safe than sorry; take good care of your furbabies.

Lorrie Shaw

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:06 a.m.

FurkidsOwner: Thanks for your question. Whether or not the meatball treats are in question is unclear at this point. When/if additional information that can be verified becomes available, it will be posted here on the pets section.