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The FDA, which admits its numbers may be low, says it has confirmed 16 cases of animal deaths as a result of the massive pet food recall in March. Banfield, one of the largest veterinarian hospital chains in the US, says that the problem is much, much bigger.

Based on surveys from 615 of its veterinarian hospitals, Banfield believes at least 39,000 cats or dogs may have been sickened or killed by the industrial chemical found in tainted pet food. At least three out of every 10,000 cats and dogs that consumed the tainted food developed kidney failure, Banfield says. The contamination, they found, was overwhelmingly toxic to cats.

The FDA in the past has said that the database compiled by Banfield was most likely the best way to get a clear picture of just how big the problem really is.

"It has meaning, when you see a peak like that. We see so many pets here, and it coincided with the recall period," said veterinarian Hugh Lewis, who oversees the mining of Banfield's database to do clinical studies. The chain continues to share its data with the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has admitted that its estimate of the damage of the toxic pet food was probably low. The FDA says that 16 cases were confirmed, while the website PetConnection.com has documented more than 3000 unconfirmed cases.

"On a percentage basis it's not breathtaking, but unfortunately it's a number that, if it was your pet that was affected, it's too high," veterinarian Nancy Zimmerman, Banfield's senior medical adviser, said of the newly estimated incidence rate.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says that the confusion and lack of hard numbers is reason for concern, as we may not have a good idea as to the extent of the problem. One expert said that this recall will encourage the animal world to develop an organization similar to the Center for Disease control for humans.

At least six companies pulled some of their products off store shelves after reports of sick animals began surfacing. The biggest recall was by Menu Foods, which affected more than 60 million units of cuts and gravy-style products. Science Diet has also recalled prescription dry cat food and certain Savory Cuts wet cat food. Ol' Roy, Del Monte and Sunshine have also recalled products including certain dog biscuits.

The concern is the ingredient wheat gluten which is found in some foods and may contain a deadly toxic called melamine. The FDA originally had sad that the problem was due to rat poison. Pet owners can check the ingredients list to find food that is made without wheat gluten. Many people are turning to organic pet foods, but retailers are having trouble keeping those brands stocked.

Signs of kidney failure to watch for in your pets include:

- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Drinking Too Much or Not Drinking At All
- Change in Personality

If you suspect your animal may be sick, a veterinarian can perform a simple blood or urine test to see if your pet has been poisoned. A vet exam may cost as little as $30, a small price to pay for ensuring your pet's health.

The Ol' Roy recall information can be seen here:
http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?Q=316548

The Del Monte announcement can be seen here: http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2007/03/31/pet-food-recall-del-monte-pulls-products/.

Science Diet information can be found here:
http://www.hillspet.com/menu_foods/md_Recall_03312007_en_US.htm

Menu Foods information can be found here:
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/index.html