Acquired Fanconi syndrome in a dog exposed to jerky treats in Japan

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 77; no. 11; pp. 1507 - 1510
• Main Authors: IGASE, Masaya, BABA, Kenji, MIYAMA, Takako SHIMOKAWA, NOGUCHI, Shunsuke, MIZUNO, Takuya, OKUDA, Masaru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 2015; Japan Science and Technology Agency; The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science
• Subjects: aminoaciduria; Animal Feed - adverse effects; Animals; canine; Cattle; Chickens; Dog Diseases - chemically induced; Dogs; Fanconi syndrome; Fanconi Syndrome - chemically induced; Fanconi Syndrome - veterinary; Female; Internal Medicine; Japan; jerky treat; Meat
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.15-0180

A 6-year-old spayed female Jack Russell Terrier presented with a 1-month history of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and weight loss. The dog was fed beef and chicken jerky treats daily in addition to a commercial diet. Laboratory tests revealed azotemia, hypokalemia, hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis and glucosuria with normoglycemia. Urine amino acid analysis showed significant amino acid loss into the urine. Thus, Fanconi syndrome was diagnosed, and based on the case history and extensive diagnostic testing, excessive consumption of jerky treats was strongly suspected as the cause. Glucosuria resolved 7 days after the withdrawal of jerky treats and fluid therapy. Aminoaciduria was substantially, but not completely, improved 3 months after diagnosis. Mild azotemia remained, suggesting chronic renal disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Fanconi syndrome following the consumption of jerky treats in Japan.