An
Ottawa
woman may have been sickened by pet food affected by a massive recall.
In a published report, Elaine Larabie said she was violently ill after eating some of her dog's Iams pet food in order to coax her dog Missy, who wasn't touching it, into eating. When that seemed to work, she and her dog continued the habit for two weeks.
The disturbing symptoms that followed for Larabie in mid-March included vomiting, foaming at the mouth, and she apparently had problems going to the bathroom. The
Ottawa
woman went to a hospital emergency room last Tuesday and had her blood tested.
Missy became sick at the same time.
Larabie says she saw the story about the Menu Foods recall and it made her think she and her pet may have been affected.
Last week, the
Mississauga
, Ont. company recalled 60 million cans and pouches of its 'cuts-and-gravy' style pet food made for 95 different brands. It was subsequently revealed that rat poison was found in some of the tested products.
"Our hearts go out to many thousands of pet owners across
Canada
and the
U.S.
for their losses and worry," Menu Foods president Paul Henderson said last week.
"Over the past seven days we have spoken with almost 200,000 consumers. They are scared. Some, like myself, were angry. They demonstrated a level of care and concern that only those of us who are pet owners can understand."
On Sunday the recall was expanded to include all types of wet dog and cat food, amid concerns tainted food could still be on store shelves.
There have been 16 kidney failure-related pet deaths in the past several weeks that may be linked to the pet food.
A class action lawsuit has been launched in
Toronto
, seeking compensation for pet owners from the Canadian company.
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association is urging pet owners to check their pet food labels against the list of recalled items issued by Menu Foods.
To see the list,
click here.
The organization is also urging you to monitor your pets for any signs of illness, including acute renal failure, which has been linked to the recalled food.
Call your vet immediately if your pet displays any of the following symptoms:
vomiting,
loss of appetite,
lethargy,
decreased or increased output of urine,
difficulty urinating,
more or less frequent urination,
increased drinking or decreased drinking