Background
The American Veterinary Medical Association recently has posted a Media Alert warning veterinarians that multiple brands of jerky treats manufactured in China have been making dogs sick.
No cats have been reported to be affected. A contaminant has yet to be identified. At this time there is no list of specific brands affected and there is no recall in effect, so these products are still being sold to consumers.
Presenting Signs and Laboratory Findings
The dogs appear to be developing an acquired Fanconi’s syndrome which appears to be transient. Small dogs with a history of ingesting jerky treats (mostly chicken jerky) are typically affected. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Physical examination findings have been unremarkable. In addition to mildly elevated liver enzymes, the most common blood abnormalities include severe decrease in Potassium, called hypokalemia, along with acidosis and glucose (sugar) in the urine and granular casts on urinalysis. Elevated kidney enzymes; Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine may or may not be consistently found.
Testing Recommendations
For dogs with apparent Fanconi’s syndrome. We recommend a CBC, chemistry panel including electrolytes, urinalysis and urine culture. Blood gas analysis, if available, is ideal. Additional testing for other causes of acute kidney damage including Leptospirosis blood testing is also recommended. Kidney x-rays, and Fanconi screens on urine may be warranted in some cases.
This veterinarian is seeing dogs with apparent acute liver failure problems associated with canine treats made by Delmonte.
For more information, veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne can be reached toll free at 1-866-372-2765.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:38 am
My dog got Fanconi’s, most probably from chicken jerky treats we gave her. Our vet will not give us a prognosis. Sake (the dog) was in the hospital for 7 days undergoing fluid therapy and her BUN came down from 192 to 52. We took her home and had been giving her subcutaneous fluids daily for about a month now. 2 weeks ago her BUN was 65 and the doctor was pleased and said if we could keep her at theat she would be comfortable. Yesterday I took her to a new veterinarian who is much closer to us just to try her out and Sake’s BUN was back up to 109. I brought her home, gave her double the usual amount of fluids, and made an appt. with her primary vet. I know when we go he still won’t tell me what to expect in the long run- can you give me some idea? Does this new elevation mean that she is going to die? I just wish I know so I could stop hoping and try to prepare myself. Thank you.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Hi Deborah,
I have worked successfully with several dogs similar to yours and can help you. It would be best for you to email me your dogs blood and urine results so I can review them. Then we can talk and I will make specific suggestions to help you.
I am available toll free at 1-866-372-2765.
Thank you
Dr Carol
June 12th, 2008 at 6:00 am
My dog was diagnosed with acquired Fanconi disease in December. I am tremendously grateful that she has since recovered after treatment (over several long months). At the end of November I gave her turkey jerky treats made by Solid Gold. My veterinarians are convinced these caused her Fanconi’s.
I am extremely frustrated that comprehensive testing by the FDA or/and more attention has not been given to this issue — not just for the brand I gave to my dog - but in general to this disease that I believe is being mis-diagnosed and dogs are continuing to get sick. I would appreciate any thoughts on how to get this disease the attention it needs!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Hi Diana,
I am glad your dog recovered and know that this is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed properly. State and government officials are aware of the problem but their efforts to improve the pet food and treat supply are lacking. Contacting your local and state officials helps and I believe most veterinarians are aware of “Acquired Fanconi Syndrome” and doing their best to stay on top of this.
Thank you
Dr Carol
June 27th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
My chihuahua was diagnosed in March of this year with Acquired Fanconi Syndrome. Actually it was me that diagnosed this as the vet didn’t know what to do about the high glucose level in her urine. I sent her pee sample off to the University of Pennsylvania (where they do reseach and diagnosis in to Fanconi Syndrome) and sure enough she has it.
What most people don’t know is that any dog with this needs to get a “blood gas test”. Most vets can’t do it as they do not have the equipment.
Dr Gonto has led the way in the protocol for treating Basenjis (the dog breed that are pre disposed to developing Fanconi Syndrome geneticaly).
Rosie got this through eating Waggin Train chicken jerky treats. She never had any of the Bestco variety that were withdrawn. Waggin Train jerky is irradiated with cancer causing agents and is made in China. Never, ever get your dogs anything that has been made in China again. Period.
You must get your dog the blood gas test (I had to drive two hours to find a vet that does this - I know someone that has a Basenji who has Fanconi Syndrome and I see her vet). Rosie has to have 10 sodium bicarbonate tablets a day, a vitamin pill and a calcium pill a day and amino acids weekly. Trying to get a chihuahua to take all this is hard - cheese helps. Without these supplements the kidneys spill over all these things into the urine. Without these the kidneys will start to fail.
Please see if you can find a vet that can help!
June 27th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Hi Chris,
I appreciate you sharing this with us and food products from China are best to be avoided. There are also many pet products still on the shelves at various retail outlets and major grocery chains that appear to be from the USA but in which the ingredients are sourced from China. It sounds like your dog is doing better and is lucky to have you as her owner. I have successfully treated dogs like yours with Fanconi Induced Syndrome and in addition to the standard therapeutic regime have had very good responce using PAAWS, which is a natural multi-vitamin supplement, available at http://www.drcarol.com. I am glad to offer you help with your dog and am available toll free at 1-866-372-2765.
Thank you
Dr Carol
June 27th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Thanks for the reply. I will take a look at your multi vitamin supplement. I home cook for her so always add enzymes and vitamins and look for good natural products. I just don’t trust anything from China. Sadly, you are right about ingredients coming from China - there are so many it is hard to tell what is grown in the USA. I know that Pup E Love say their products are made in the USA but I also read on another site that a dog got sick eating jerky made by them. Thanks again.