"FDA Asks Dog Owners For Help With Illnesses Linked To Jerky"

"The Food and Drug Administration has a mystery on its hands."

"Thousands of dogs and at least 10 cats have become sick after eating various forms of jerky for pets over the past few years. Some 580 animals have died, the agency says. But it's not sure why.

Some of the cases have been diagnosed as 'kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a rare kidney disorder,' the agency . Overall, a little less than two-thirds of the cases have been some kind of gastrointestinal illness. Nearly a third have 'involved kidney and urinary systems.'"

Scott Hensley reports for NPR October 23, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"U.S. Steps Up Investigation as Pet Death Toll Hits 580; Imported Food From China Implicated"(McClatchy)