A WARNING has been issued to dog owners after concerns were raised that animals were being poisoned by jerky treats.
Cases of Fanconi syndrome which can cause kidney damage have been reported in America and Australia, but now it seems to have emerged in the UK.
The condition is associated with the consumption of jerky treats, particularly those manufactured in China.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) has become so concerned about this syndrome, it has set up a registry for vets to document cases.
In 2016 22 cases were documented in the UK, two of those animals were put down. Symptoms in dogs can range from tiredness, to vomiting or excessive thirst.
The VPIS have issued a warning to pet owners who regularly feed jerky treats to their dogs, instructing them to be on the watch for any abnormal signs such as extreme tiredness.
Nicola Robinson, head of service at VPIS, said: “After reports from the US, Canada and Australia that the consumption of jerky treats has been associated with Fanconi syndrome in dogs, the Veterinary Poisons Information Service set up a case registry inviting vets to submit cases to establish the extent of the problem in the UK."
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