Fanconi Syndrome in Dogs

Category: Urinary & Reproductive
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 3

Overview

In Fanconi syndrome, small kidney tubes fail to reclaim substances that the body normally keeps. Water, sugar, and minerals are lost in urine, which can cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. The disorder may be inherited or acquired. The inherited form is well described in Basenjis and can gradually lead to kidney failure.

Signs to watch for

Drinking unusually large amounts
Urinating more than usual
Unexplained weight loss
Weakness

The inherited Basenji form usually becomes apparent in adulthood.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon for increased thirst, increased urination, or unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets test blood and urine to look for substances the kidneys are losing. Sugar in urine despite a normal blood sugar level is an important clue. A DNA test is available for the inherited Basenji form, but this breed-specific result does not replace an assessment of current kidney function.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
1 Medium

BasenjiSmall · Hound Group
Norwegian ElkhoundMedium · Hound Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
Basenji
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.