Fanconi Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions

When your dog displays a lack of energy, weight loss, and other obvious health issues, you likely want to get to the bottom of whatever has caused these changes. One possible culprit, Fanconi syndrome, affects kidney function and nutrient absorption, producing symptoms that may resemble other issues such as diabetes.

The more you know about Fanconi syndrome in dogs, the more easily you can detect possible symptoms of the disorder and respond with the proper veterinary and home care strategies. Use the answers to these frequently asked questions as your guide.

How Does Fanconi Syndrome Affect Canine Kidney Function?
You may not realize that the kidneys do a lot more than filter toxins out of the bloodstream. These organs also absorb essential nutrients and amino acids to make them available for use by the rest of the body. These key substances include potassium, phosphate, sodium, bicarbonate, and the sugar known as glucose.

Fanconi syndrome impairs this nutrient absorption by affecting tubules, the tiny structures in the kidneys that actually perform this task. Instead of recycling the digested nutrients, a dog with Fanconi syndrome will simply expel them in its urine, setting the stage for chronic nutritional deficiencies.

Why Do Dogs Develop Fanconi Syndrome?
Many cases of Fanconi syndrome have genetic origins, with 75 percent of all cases occurring in Basenjis. In fact, up to 30 percent of North American Basenjis struggle with Fanconi syndrome. However, any dog breed can prove vulnerable to the disorder.

Dogs can also acquire Fanconi syndrome. The disorder may occur due to poor function of the parathyroid glands or after exposure to certain antibiotics and anti-cancer medications. In the past, some dogs developed Fanconi syndrome after eating a specific chicken jerky treat (recovering once they stopped eating the treats).

What Symptoms Should You Watch for in Your Dog?
The symptoms of Fanconi syndrome usually make their first appearance in dogs between the ages of four and seven, although they can develop as early as 11 months of age. They typically include frequent urination, excessive thirst, low energy, poor muscle tone, and weight loss despite normal eating habits.

Poor nutrient absorption can also affect the growth of younger dogs. For instance, puppies with untreated Fanconi syndrome may develop growth disorders such as rickets.

Bear in mind that Fanconi syndrome and canine diabetes share many of the same symptoms. Either condition requires prompt attention from a skilled veterinarian.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Fanconi Syndrome?
Veterinarians don't have a single, simple test that can confirm a diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome in dogs. However, your veterinarian will suspect the disorder if you have a Basenji showing the typical symptoms at the appropriate age. Evaluation of blood sugar levels can identify or eliminate diabetes as the cause.

Urine tests can check the levels of key amino acids and electrolytes. If your dog has high levels of these nutrients in its urine, your veterinarian will likely suspect Fanconi syndrome. Blood gas analysis can then pinpoint poor kidney function as the root cause of these imbalances.

What Treatment Options Can Help Dogs With Fanconi Syndrome?
If your dog takes medications or eats foods that promote Fanconi syndrome, your veterinarian will have you discontinue these products to arrest and hopefully reverse any ill effects. Unfortunately, hereditary Fanconi syndrome has no cure. Even so, proper care can keep your dog's condition stable for years.

Nutrition supplementation can prove crucial for dogs with Fanconi syndrome. You may need to give your best friend extra-large doses of potassium and other nutrients per your veterinarian's recommendations, especially during the growing years. Special diets designed to manage kidney disease can also help.

South San Diego Veterinary Hospital can evaluate apparent symptoms of Fanconi syndrome in your dog, determine the exact nature of your dog's condition, and then prescribe the right mix of responses to help your dog live the longest and happiest life possible. Contact us today.