Read all the quotes and statements on Fanconi and work out how contradictory it is for yourself. I don't think many UK Basenji owners do a Fanconi 'strip monthly' and certainly some breeders do advocate no test. Are such breeders irresponsible not necessarily. A 'probable' diagnosis on any medical condition is hardly a scientic diagnosis to say the least but testing is better than not and is certainly better than doing nothing.
Time running out for Isis :(
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It's weird how fanconi can suddenly change pace in a matter of days.
Since my last post, Isis lost 5 lbs within a 2 week period. After going through the special diet we've had to do for 3 months, she started getting picky with her food, even to the point where she refuses to eat. When taking her out on our walks, it seems likes she doesn't know what she's doing, sometimes she doesn't even listen to us, sometimes she tries to run away
We took her to the vet and he gave us an estimate time frame of 6 months- or less. He mentioned that her behaviour is a result of toxins, result of the kidneys failing- sort of like dementia. She's fine now, but every now and then it sneaks in there (and it's only been a week since the behavoiur started).
His advice was to just give her any food that she will eat to try to maintain the weight she has now. The ride home from the vet, my husband and I started to get in the mindset that next time we see the vet, it'll be Isis's last.
I just got back from a walk with her, and it hard to see that her body is not keeping the weight. She's not excited to see us and she's more tired than usual.
Our last visit to the vet was going to be our last, but the vet said that she could still live "happily" with her weight. If she lost anymore, he said he can understand if we want to put her down. I mean- any more weight is half her body weight – I didn't want to give up on Isis, because I really thought she was fighting to live... but after today's walk... I feel awful that we are making her live through this.
We've been going through her photo album, laughing at the good times, but also a little melancholy. I think we're ready to do right by our dog.
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Have you tried giving her subQ fluids at home? They are pretty easy to give (as they are under the skin) and usually your Vet can show you or a Vet tech… While my Maggii didn't have Fanconi, she was in renal failure for the last 1 1/2 yrs of her life the subQ kept her going.
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I am so sorry. It is heartbreaking to watch them begin to fail. This makes me so sad.
It's also a frightening look at what may well be our future, and that makes me doubly sad.
Jazz is still in fabulous health at age 4, but DID test as probably affected,so…... sigh.
I try not to think about that and to simply enjoy having this fabulous girl, but naturally I can't help but think about it from time to time.Best wishes; enjoy your time with her.
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We haven't tried it, but during our last visit the vet mentioned doing this and he said that it could extend her life for a while longer (like in the case with your Maggie).
But he said that with her behaviour and the rapid weight loss (he doesn't know she's lost a pound or two since the last visit) it's kinda prolonging what's going to happen soon. Something like, the final stages.
I don't know. The hubby and I talk about the situation, and trying to sort what's best for her vs what we want. I want Isis for as long as we can have her, but it's hard seeing what she is going through, knowing that she is on borrowed time.
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Yeah, Isis was in good con'd- considering she has fanconi. She had a sparkle in her eye… though we joke that the lights aren't on upstairs
Then, all of a sudden, rapid loss of weight, no desire to eat, "spazztic" behaviour, I think my husband said that she tried to bite him too (I don't remember).
I think we are going to try a little while longer with her food... so I'll post an update when there's news.
Writing on the forums has helped a lot in understanding fanconi, and to vent when things are little rough.
Best wishes with Jazz too
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We haven't tried it, but during our last visit the vet mentioned doing this and he said that it could extend her life for a while longer (like in the case with your Maggie).
But he said that with her behaviour and the rapid weight loss (he doesn't know she's lost a pound or two since the last visit) it's kinda prolonging what's going to happen soon. Something like, the final stages.
I don't know. The hubby and I talk about the situation, and trying to sort what's best for her vs what we want. I want Isis for as long as we can have her, but it's hard seeing what she is going through, knowing that she is on borrowed time.
I found with Maggii that it really helped her quality of life…. as with renal failure they are usually sick to their tummy... therefore they don't want to eat... it help her to eat better and hold her weight. Also Pepcid AC helps too, one a day... I felt as long as her quality of life was good then I would continue... when even with the fluids she was not eating ... then we knew it was time to let her go.
Is Isis still on the protocol?
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I found with Maggii that it really helped her quality of life…. as with renal failure they are usually sick to their tummy... therefore they don't want to eat... it help her to eat better and hold her weight. Also Pepcid AC helps too, one a day... I felt as long as her quality of life was good then I would continue... when even with the fluids she was not eating ... then we knew it was time to let her go.
Is Isis still on the protocol?
We give her Tums, 2 a day, along with her other pills. Yeah, we were doing the protocol right up until the weight loss, but now we are just trying to get her to eat anything. Because one day she likes her "princess dinner" (we joke) the the next day she refuses to touch it. It's really fraustrating seeing her so thin and refusing to eat! We can make Isis take her pills, but food? We don't know what to do sometimes. Her appetite had no bounds a few months ago, now she's lucky to have one.
My husband and I talk about her qaulity of life. She doesn't care to clean herself, she lays in her own mess, she's confused when we take her on walks… the hubby says "she's a shadow of the dog she once was" and it's taken me a long time to see what he means by that. I think it was easier for me to think she's fine, a little thin but fine. Acting weird, but she's a B... But today's walk had me in tears.
We're going to try to get more weight on her (though she looks like she lost weight since last week), to stabalize her. Def do an update on the whole issue within a week or 2.
Did Maggie perk up on the subQ?
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Maggii did perk up on the subQ and wanted to eat again…. but near the end... it didn't help much...
Sounds to me like you have done everything possible... and my heart goes out to you.... we have lost 3 since last May... and while it was to old age.. it is still never long enough...
The good news is there is now a test for Fanconi and there is never, ever a reason to have another affected Basenji born with this horrible affliction.... -
…. we have lost 3 since last May... and while it was to old age.. it is still never long enough...
The good news is there is now a test for Fanconi and there is never, ever a reason to have another affected Basenji born with this horrible affliction....yeah, i read your tribute on the RB thread. I'm sorry to hear that you lost the most recent 2 so close together. That's must have been a though week
My cat is now exhibiting some hair loss on her front limbs. She's 8 yrs old & healthy… so I am hoping it is just stress. We do what we can for our furr babies don't we?
And I agree, it's never long enough
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So sorry to hear that Isis isn't doing well. Loss of appetite is one of the first symptoms of an undetected UTI - is she on Clavamox or Baytril? Fanconi kidney walls can wall off an infection and it will not show up with urinanalysis, but damage is being done to the kidney all the same. Most of us ask the vet for a 3 week course of antibiotics any time the dog's attitude and behavior change, whether the test shows a UTI or not. Other symptoms to watch for - leaking or inability to 'hold it,' sometimes yelping or crying as with back pain, lethargy…
The sub Qs may help. They are not that hard to do on your own, but if you're like us, you feel guilty every time you have to poke her, even though you KNOW it's helping.
My thoughts and healing vibes coming your way.
Terry
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Awww - Im sorry to hear about Isis…. it is amazing the things we will do for our furbabies... my Tayda has fanconi and has always been a picky eater. Somehow now she is more picky than ever.... like you said, you can make them take the pills but how can you force them to eat a meal. so difficult.
good luck and hugs to you and isis...
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I don't know what to say other than we send our thoughts and prayers your way. Bless you and Isis.
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I'm so sorry. My heart aches for you.
But I'm also so grateful to all those good breeders and educators that fight so hard so stamp this condition out so that no one else will have to go through this.
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Sorry about Isis, We did suQ fluids with our 15 yr old basenji for renal issues. We did it till the vet said she thought it was time to stop . We got another 1 1/2 yrs with our guy
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I am so sorry for you and Isis. You will know when it is time…just go with your heart. You are in my thoughts.
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Sorry to hear about Isis - prayers that you have the continued strenghth to see this to the end.
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so sorry to hear this sad news for you & Isis. hugs & prayers to you all during a difficult time.
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Very sorry to hear about Isis. I hope she lets you know so your decision will be a bit easier in a difficult time.
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The sub-Q will help but I agree with Terry. YOu feel horrible when you poke them and then they learn you are going to poke them and want to get away from you. That makes it even harder because you only want to help.
Let us know how she is doing. hugs to your fur kid!
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It's interesting that your vet said 'dementia'. When Jessie was at the end of her life (fanconi) I thought she had a brain tumor also because of the way she acted. Looking back, and thinking about what your vet said I believe now she was suffering from dementia. There were times I thought she was seeing ghosts because she'd stare up at the ceiling with such purpose. Very weird. I still miss that little butt like no ones business. Isis will forever be in your heart.
