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Updated: 12:17 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005 | Posted: 11:54 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005
SEATTLE —
Consumer Investigator Wayne Havrelly was first to report on the alleged problem, and it's now captured the attention of the Food and Drug Administration.
The Food and Drug Administration is not just responsible for making sure what you eat is safe. It's also in charge of doing the same thing for your pet.
Following our investigation into these Greenies dog treats, the FDA says it's getting new information about alleged problems with Greenies and the case is now under review.
When Roberta Wyde watched our consumer investigation into Greenies, her dog Oden was in the hospital.
"They were able to push it through the entire intestine, and when it came out, they still didn't know what it was," Wyde said. "And when they rinsed it off, they discovered it was bright green clay-like material. And I said 'Greenie.'"
After $7,000 and eight days in the animal hospital, this is Oden's first day home after his vet confirmed part of a Greenie obstructed his intestine.
We've heard from many viewers with similar stories since our investigation into Greenies dog treats first aired.
"They found an obstruction. She handed it to me, asked me if I knew what this is, and I said, 'Yes, that's a Greenie,'" said Matthew Balkman.
Mathew Balkman's dog Beau survived his operation, and officials at Greenies offered to pay medical expenses if he signed an agreement not to sue the company.
We've now heard from 10 people from across the country with evidence their dogs died after Greenies obstructed their intestines.
The dogs were all different breeds and sizes.
Gilbert Wright's show dog Pompey of the Desert was one of them, and he's still in pain.
"And I will feel that way for the rest of my life," Wright said.
We called local animal hospitals recommended by the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association and asked if they had treated dogs obstructed by Greenies.
Four out of 10 said they had treated at least one dog who suffered intestinal problems from Greenies. Three went as far as saying it's not a product they recommend. The other seven said they don't have enough information to form an opinion, but point out many different pet toys and chews can make your pets sick.
"When you tell people the story, you hear more stories and there are a lot of people out there with problems with Greenies and they wonder why nothing has been done about it sooner," said Roberta Wyde.
Officials with Greenies say millions of Greenies are sold and enjoyed by dogs every week without incident, and though injurious incidents are rare, more often than not, the pet is not fed according to our feeding directions.
Roberta Wyde, Matthew Balkman and Gilbert Wright all say they carefully followed those feeding directions.
Officials with Greenies sent us this statement: "We have been contacted by the FDA and have answered their questions in full. We remain willing to fully cooperate with them in their investigation if they have any more questions for us."
If you have any information that could help FDA investigators they want to hear from you.
The FDA is looking into the situation to see how widespread this problem might be. If you have any information that could help FDA investigators they want to hear from you.
To file a complaint with the FDA visit the FDA Web Site.
Previous Story:Nov. 15, 2005: Dog Treat May Carry Danger
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