COUDERSPORT – At least one area pet has died from eating
products linked to the recent North American pet food scare.

Sissy, an English Springer Spaniel, age nine, was euthanized
March 1 due to acute kidney failure believed to be caused from
eating contaminated dog products, according to her owners, Dave and
Darla Plotts of Coudersport.

“She was the love of our life,” said Darla Plotts.

The dog had been eating Cadillac and Ol’ Roy dog foods, as well
as various Ol’ Roy dog treats. The products were bought from
Wal-Mart, according to Darla Plotts.

Sissy then began experiencing symptoms now associated with other
pets who have eaten the contaminated food, including not eating,
drinking unusual amounts water and vomiting.

“I called my vet because I wanted it to be on record,” said
Darla Plotts.

The owners eventually took her to Northern Tier Vet Clinic in
Knoxville. Sissy received blood work and her kidneys were flushed;
the clinic decided to kept her overnight and did more blood work
the next day. Her condition worsened, so the owners decided to have
her euthanized.

The cause of death was acute kidney failure and, according to
Darla Plotts, Sissy was not the only pet to come into the clinic
with similar symptoms.

“They said they had a few pets come in sick,” said Darla Plotts,
“but none that died.”

The pet food scare has killed several cats and dogs nationwide
and caused kidney failure in many more.

Menu Foods, an Ontario, Canada-based company that produced the
affected food, announced Saturday it was recalling 88 brands of dog
and cat food sold around North America, including Iams, Nutro and
Eukanuba. Major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Safeway and Kroger
distribute the food.

Those with pets who have consumed the affected food should
consult a veterinarian immediately.