Fanconi Syndrome in Dogs: What You Need to Know

If you look up articles of Fanconi Syndrome in dogs, you’ll almost always see a picture of a Basenji. That’s because this disease disproportionately affects these amazing pups. Yet, Dog Owners of other breeds, as well as Dog Sitters and fellow dog lovers, should know more about this form of renal failure in dogs. Fanconi Syndrome in dogs can develop in any breed and researchers are still decoding the genetic component of the condition. In fact, there are even recent reports of an increase in Acquired Fanconi Syndrome.

That means that all of us should be on alert for Fanconi Syndrome in our pups. And because Fanconi Syndrome treatment is most effective in the beginning stages, we should also be well-versed in the signs and symptoms. So, let’s raise some awareness in our doggie communities! 

Learning more about Fanconi Syndrome in dogs

Every time your dog eats or drinks, their renal system springs into action to accomplish two crucial tasks. The first is to filter all fluids for glucose, sodium, phosphates, and other crucial nutrients and electrolytes. The second is to expel everything the body doesn’t need in the form of urine.

The urinary system, then, isn’t just important for your dog to be able to mark their territory every few minutes during your daily walk. It’s also an important way for them to absorb minerals from their diet and maintain normal pH and blood levels.

But with Fanconi Syndrome, the urinary system doesn’t work so smoothly. In particular, a specific part of the kidneys, called the tubules, stops being able to extract nutrients from the fluids before they go on to the bladder. As a result, your pup ends up peeing out key nutrients that they need to survive. In an attempt to address the issue, a dog’s urinary system will go into overdrive, prompting them to drink more to make up for the missed nutrients.

Some Dog Owners think that they have an problem with their dog marking their territory indoors, when really it’s a medical issue. If your dog just can’t get the hang of toilet training, it might be a sign of something more serious.

In most cases, veterinarians detect Fanconi Syndrome when the dog is between 4 and 7 years old, but signs can develop around 11 months. If left untreated, the kidneys could fail completely, which can be a life-threatening situation.

What causes Fanconi Syndrome in dogs?

In the majority of cases, Fanconi Syndrome is a genetic disease. It’s especially common in Basenjis. In fact, according to some estimates, Basenjis account for about 75% of all cases of Fanconi Syndrome in dogs.

You might assume, then, that Basenji breeders could simply screen for Fanconi Syndrome and reduce the risk for transference. But, it’s not quite that easy. Scientists aren’t exactly sure how Fanconi Syndrome in dogs is passed down. It also doesn’t limit itself to Basenjis. All breeds are able to suffer from Fanconi Syndrome, and without clear evidence about how they inherit it, there’s no way to eliminate the risk in any dog breed at the moment.

Fanconi Syndrome in dogs can also be acquired after ingesting toxins. Just a few years ago, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that dogs exposed to a specific jerky treat from China were at high risk for developing Fanconi Syndrome. After export of the chicken treats, Acquired Fanconi Syndrome appeared in Japan, Europe, North America and Australia, predominantly affecting small dog breeds. Interestingly, brachycephalic breeds, like the French Bulldog, were not at high risk because of their inability to chew the jerky treats.

Thankfully, once the doggos affected stopped eating the treats and underwent treatment, they made full recoveries. And, the global community became more aware of the risks of giving their pups low-quality ingredients. In fact, many Owners opt to make their own healthy dog treats so that they know exactly what their beloved pups are eating.

How can you spot Fanconi Syndrome in dogs?

We know what this syndrome does in the body, and we know a bit more about where it comes from. But how can you know if your dog has it? Here are the symptoms of Fanconi Syndrome in dogs that you should be aware of:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Disinterest in food
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Seizures

A dog with Fanconi Syndrome may not have all of the symptoms listed, and you may also see other personality changes. The effects can be quite different in each dog. But, if you see any drastic changes or any of the symptoms listed, get your pup to the vet. Early treatment is key for successful recovery.

Treatment

If your dog suffers from Fanconi Syndrome, your vet will probably prescribe a specific supplement treatment for recovery. In the case of Acquired Fanconi Syndrome, the vet will also want to identify the cause and make sure that the dog has no further exposure to the toxin.

In either case, treatment is lifelong and must be maintained to ensure that the kidneys are working properly. You’ll also need to schedule regular visits with the vet to monitor the success of the treatment plan. Luckily, so long as Owners catch and treat it early, their doggos tend to live out a normal lifespan.

To wrap up 

Sometimes genetic, sometimes acquired, Fanconi Syndrome is a rare kidney disease in which a dog’s urinary system cannot adequately filter fluids before expelling them as urine. It’s a serious and potentially fatal illness which you must treat early and over the course of your dog’s life.

If you have a high-risk pup, make sure everyone in your pooch’s life knows which symptoms to look out for. Fanconi Syndrome in dogs is concerning, but when you know the signs, you can come to manage the condition.

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