Number of sick pets likely to rise.

Byline: Bill Bishop The Register-Guard

At least 14 suspected cases of kidney failure among cats and dogs that have eaten recalled pet food have been reported in the state, according to Oregon Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess.

But the actual number is likely to climb, because kidney failure linked to the recalled food often is slow to develop.

DeBess' report, released Thursday, lists five dogs and eight cats, but none in Eugene.

Meanwhile, local veterinary hospitals report seeing pets with symptoms that eventually might be linked to the recalled food.

Concern about the recall among pet owners has hardly slowed since Menu Foods announced the recall last week.

"Every 10 minutes somebody is calling about it. It's not slowing down," said Patti Presley, practice manager at Santa Clara Animal Hospital in Eugene. Presley said she came in on her day off Tuesday to help handle the calls.

Because the recall covers so many brands, lot numbers and flavors, the hospital staff advises pet owners to check the manufacturer's Web site to determine if the pet food they serve is covered by the recall.

Presley also said pet owners may want to consider this a good time to switch from mass-produced store brands to prescription diets that are subject to more stringent quality controls and tend to cause fewer dental and skin problems.

"It's like eating fast food all your life, or eating fruits and vegetables," Presley said. "It is going to cost a little bit more, but you don't have to feed as much."

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association advises pet owners with recalled food to:

Immediately stop using any recalled pet food and keep any full or empty cans or pouches.

Monitor pets for any health problems.

See a veterinarian if pets display any of the following symptoms of acute kidney failure: vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, decreased or increased urine output, difficulty urinating, more or less frequent urination, changes in water consumption.

Diagnosing kidney problems in pets requires blood testing and observation, said Dr. Jerry Boggs of the Bush Animal Hospital in Eugene. The potential health harm of the recalled food depends on many factors, including the amount consumed and the age and condition of the animal, he said.

Veterinary workers at the McKenzie Animal Hospital are "pretty sure" they have patients affected by the recalled food, pharmacy technician Marie Tucker said. Test results and time will tell.

"We have done lots of blood work, lots of animals on a holding pattern," she said.

PET FOOD RECALL

Because of the large number of brands affected, veterinary offices are unable to respond to the flood of calls they get from pet owners seeking recall information. They suggest owners check Web sites to confirm the safety of their pet's food.

About the recall: The food manufacturer's site, listing all recalled brands and lot numbers, is www.menufoods .com/recall

Veterinary information: The state veterinary association site, offering a wide range of information and advice, is www.oregonvma.org