Outcome of Acquired Fanconi Syndrome Associated with Ingestion of Jerky Treats in 30 Dogs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Jerky induced Fanconi syndrome is a kidney disease related to ingestion of jerky treats, mainly in dogs, resulting in excretion of sugar in the urine despite normal blood sugar. The objectives of this study were to describe disease characteristics and long-term outcome. In 30 dogs with spontaneously occurring jerky induced Fanconi syndrome, common clinical signs were increased urination and drinking, tiredness and weight loss. Less common were decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Urine analysis often revealed blood and protein in the urine and some dogs had electrolyte disturbances evident from blood samples. Full clinical recovery was achieved for 79% of the dogs in 0.3–52 weeks (median 11 weeks) while sugar in the urine was resolved in 93% of the dogs within 1–31 weeks (median 6.5 weeks). These results indicate a more favorable outcome of the disease than previously reported, though time to recovery might be long in some cases. ABSTRACT: Acquired canine proximal renal tubulopathy (Fanconi syndrome) related to excessive ingestion of jerky treats has been recognized since 2007. This study aimed to improve knowledge about the syndrome’s characteristics, especially long-term outcome. By reaching out to veterinarians and dog owners, dogs suspected of jerky induced Fanconi syndrome were identified. The dog’s medical records were reviewed, and owners interviewed. Data was analyzed using linear mixed models (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant) and descriptive statistics are reported. Thirty dogs, median body weight 6.8 (range 1.2–59) kg and age 6.5 (0.5–14) years, were enrolled as suspected cases based on history of jerkey ingestion and confirmed normoglycemic/hypoglycemic glycosuria. Clinical signs included polydipsia (23/30), polyuria (21/30), lethargy (19/30), weight loss (15/30), hyporexia (11/30), vomiting (7/30), diarrhea (7/30) and no clinical signs (2/30). Para-clinical findings included azotemia (6/28), hypophosphatemia (9/25), metabolic acidosis (3/8), hypokalemia (6/20), proteinuria (13/26), aminoaciduria (4/4), hematuria (22/29) and ketonuria (7/27). Clinical signs resolved in 22/28 within 11 (0.3–52) weeks and glycosuria resolved in 28/30 within 6.5 (1–31) weeks. There were no associations between serum creatinine and urea and the amount/duration of jerky ingestion. Serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations were only available for a few dogs, therefore no conclusion was achieved on a possible association with duration of jerky ingestion. Apart from a larger percentage of dogs achieving complete recovery, the current findings are in agreement with previous reports.