At the beginning of April this year our nation began to experience massive pet food recalls due to contaminated food additives manufactured in China. Initially, pets were reported to have developed kidney failure after eating certain “cuts and gravy” style dog and cat food produced at Menu Foods’ facilities in Emporia, Kans., between Dec. 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007. Later on a number of other pet food manufacturers, including some designer pet food companies, reported contamination and recalled additional lots of food. To see a list of the food that has been recalled, please log on to http://www.fda.gov or call one of our Pet Care Coordinators at the front desk, and they will gladly help you.

We suggest that if you suspect your pet may have eaten any of this food, or has any of the symptoms listed below, you bring in a urine sample and come during the walk-in hours for blood work.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Dogs

Early clinical signs of kidney failure in dogs

• increased water consumption
• increased urine production

Clinical signs of more advanced kidney failure in dogs

• loss of appetite
• depression
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• very bad breath
• ulcers in the mouth.

We are happy to report that none of the pet food sold here at SAH was affected by the recall.