FDA investigating if dog treats made Atlanta pet sick

ATLANTA — The Food and Drug Administration is involved in the case of metro-area pet and the chicken jerky treats suspected of making dogs deathly ill.
 
The Golden Rewards brand has only been out since last year but is already blamed for some sickness and deaths.
 
It's Wal-Mart's private label.
 
"I thought she was going to die. It's heartbreaking," said pet owner Dylan Goldman of his 18-month-old Chihuahua-dachshund mix, Lilly. 
 
Goldman told Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland two months after eating Golden Rewards treats daily, his dog stopped eating and drinking all together. 
 
She's recovering after $5,000 worth of bills from two different vet hospitals.
 
"We are pending tests right now. We've sent tests out to the FDA, and once those urine tests come back we should have confirmation," said Dr. Jennifer Pittman, of Blue Peal Georgia Veterinary Specialists.

Pittman diagnosed a kidney disease called Fanconi like syndrome. 
 
The FDA calls it the "hallmark" disease among dogs thought sickened by jerky made in China. 
 
The FDA reports the treats are suspected in 4,800 pet illnesses and 1,000 dog deaths.
 
Late Friday afternoon, the FDA told Strickland that complaints about Golden Rewards treats involved 23 sick dogs including three deaths. There's no confirmed evidence the treats are to blame.
 
"It's important to have the FDA involved so we can document all the known cases and so we can work with FDA and the manufacturers to get these jerky treats pulled from the shelves," said Pittman.
 
Goldman says he's considering his legal options and wonders why Wal-Mart would jump in with its own brand of a product steeped in questions and controversy.
 
"I think it's a risk. I think it's a huge risk to take," said Goldman.
 
Late Friday a Wal-Mart spokesman said in a statement, "Exhaustive FDA tests have been performed with no conclusive connection linking specific brands or types of chicken jerky treats with claims of illness or injury."
 
Pittman expects test results from the FDA within two weeks.

"We require our pet food and treat suppliers to meet the highest of food safety standards and remain committed to providing our customers and their pets with safe and affordable foods. If consumers have questions about these products, we encourage them to reach out to the FDA or the manufacturers of these products," the Wal-Mart spokeman said.

WSBTV