March 19, 2007

You might want to check what you're feeding your pet after a recall on nearly 100 brands of dog and cat food.

They're being blamed for killing at least 10 dogs and cats and causing kidney problems in countless more.

12 on your side talked to one local pet owner who says his dog nearly lost his life after eating some of the food.

Cliff Beardon wants to share his nightmare with you. His hope is that by sharing it, he can help save other pets' lives.

Less than a day ago, Cliff didn't know if he'd ever see his dog Bojo alive again.

"They said he's in renal kidney failure."

It all started a few weeks ago.

"My dog started not eating much, real lethargic," Cliff said. "We noticed a lot of changes in his appetite."

Weeks of visits to a different veterinarian and no one could figure out what was wrong. Slowly but surely things got worse.

"Then he started shaking real bad."

Right about then, Cliff got some good news...or at least, it was good that he could figure out what the problem might be.

He found out that the food Bojo had been eating was one of the nearly a hundred brands recalled by pet food maker Menu Foods. The food has been associated with the deaths of ten animals so far.

The common ailment between them? Kidney failure.

That was Bojo's problem too.

"His kidneys were in a state of failure, as well as his liver."

Dr. Mark Trippi has been treating Bojo. He says if you've fed your dog some of the recalled food, there are some things to be on the lookout for.

"They should be looking for changes in appetite, nausea, diarrhea, increase in thirst, increase in urination and general weakness."

Bojo is expected to make a full recovery.

"He's wagging his tail again," Cliff said.

If you notice any of those symptoms, the sooner you get your pet in to the vet, the better.

50 brands of dog food and 40 brands of cat food are involved. Click here for the full list. You can also call 1-888-895-2708 for information.