This comment, from a New York vet, is worthy of its own post.
Dr. Charles Greco has used and recommended Four Paws products for years. But he agrees that their pimple ball for dogs appears to have a manufacturing defect -- and that any pet owner who has one of these products at home should check it and consider not letting their dog play with it.

Dr. Greco praises Four Paws' response to the injuries suffered by Chai, a Lab whose tongue had to be amputated when it was sucked into the ball. Apparently, a design flaw causes a vacuum to build up if the ball does not have a second hole or the hole is blocked.

It's great that Four Paws is being proactive on this situation -- because the reality is, they don't have to do anything under law. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission does not regulate pet products like toys, and there are no mandated manufacturing standards. The federal Food and Drug Administration only oversees food and treats.

Do you think that there should be more regulation of pet toys and products?
(Click here for my previous post on Chai and pimple balls.)

Here are Dr. Greco's comments:

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The Truth About Four Paws Toy

My name is Dr. Charles Greco. I'm a veterinarian in New York. I came across your blog about your dog Chai. I wanted to extend my well wishes for a speedy recovery. I own 6 dogs, 2 cats, 4 birds and 3 tortoises, so I know how much a pet can become a part of the family.

I was shocked to learn that the toy that hurt poor Chai came from Four Paws Pet Products. I
have used many products from Four Paws, from Wee Wee Pads to toys and dental products, and I have always found them to be of the highest quality.

I personally contacted Four Paws today and talked to some lady in the customer service department who told me that the toy that hurt Chai was the result of a manufacturing defect with its pimple ball with bell toy.

She explained that the defect, which is very difficult to see with the naked eye, is caused by a blockage in a small hole in the ball that is critical to regulating the suction inside the toy.

She also told me that when Four Paws learned of the injury to Chai they immediately stopped
shipping the product to distributors and retailers. She also said that Four Paws asked any retailers that had this toy in their possession to remove the toy and send them back to Four Paws.

She told me that Four Paws is individually inspecting every one of the pimple balls in its inventory in order to identify and discard any that are defective. She also said that Four Paws will also be changing the packaging of its pimple balls to make it easier to inspect them for potential defects.

I was surprised when she told me that the Executive V.P., Barry Askin, was so deeply moved by the injury to Chai that he is personally visiting the manufacturer next month to inspect the manufacturer's operation and to make sure the defect has been corrected and that procedures are in place to make sure that procedures are in place so it will not happen again. It was reassuring that this company is not sitting by idly but is taking an active role in making sure this terrible accident never happens again.

I would just urge any pet owner who may already own one of these toys to check carefully to see if the second small hole in the ball is blocked. If they have any doubt whether the hole is open they should not let their pet play with the ball. I also went on Four Paws' webpage at www.fourpaws.com. On the webpage, they state that they will replace any defective toy.

Again, all the best to you and Chai. I hope the two of you can share many years of happiness ahead.