It it really NOT a mutated form of diabetes. Diabetes is sugar in the blood, Fanconi is sugar in the urine and NOT in the blood… Often confused, but totally different
Thanks, Tanza… I almost replied to that one also, but my answer got way too long and detailed, so I junked it. LOL
I think that because Fanconi is often mis-diagnosed as Diabetes it is of utmost importance to NEVER confuse the two. Fanconi is a disease of the kidneys; Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas. While both do inhibit the body's ability to absorb nutrients, they are NOT RELATED to one another.
Fanconi Syndrome is renal tubular dysfunction, the kidneys of an affected dog become ineffective at reabsorbing the nutrients that body needs and the dog then spills those nutrients in its urine. The easiest of the nutrients lost to test for is sugar hence the testing of urine for glucose but the reality is that Faconi dogs spill many nutrients including protein, glucose, vitamins, and minerals.
Symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, spilling of sugar in the urine, and abnormal blood gas results. Fanconi is caused by a defective gene and is recessive in its inheritance pattern. There is now a gene marker test available for Fanconi Syndrome so there is no reason that a Fanconi Affected puppy ever be born. It can be prevented by testing the parents prior to breeding and making sure that at least one of the parents has tested clear for the disorder.
Thank you so much for the information Ivoss!
You helped me a lot!
Hila
Can someone tell me how long it takes to get the results of the Fanconi DNA testing done at the Vet. hospital? It has been about 6 wks. since I sent Sahara's blood in and they cashed my check last month.
It has been taking about 3 weeks or so for most people. You can check with the lab and see what is taking so long. There is a phone number for Liz Hansen on this page, http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/Docs/DNAhowto.html
She should be able to answer your question.
Hey I have been waiting for one for 9wks now… so ... who knows..
If you have been waiting a long time for results it may be worthwhile to call and ask. The lab had results for one of mine but it somehow had gotten lost between the lab and the report. They got me my results and then it took me over 3 months to get the OFA certificate and have it posted on the OFA site.
If you have been waiting a long time for results it may be worthwhile to call and ask. The lab had results for one of mine but it somehow had gotten lost between the lab and the report. They got me my results and then it took me over 3 months to get the OFA certificate and have it posted on the OFA site.
Been there done that… with no results also... at least "yet".... somethings are just meant to drive you nuts!
Well, I called and it seems Sahara is affected. Does that mean she will get the Fanconi or has a greater chance of getting it? I hate this but at least I know to make sure I start testing. Will giving her vitamine supplements help her now, and do I need Pet Insurance for all the testing that will probably be done if she does get Fanconi. Help!
This means that she most likely has two copies of the gene for Fanconi Syndrome and will most likely become symptomatic at some point in her life. The age of onset can vary greatly. Some become symptomatic very early and some not until much later. There are currently 2 dogs that have tested as Probably Affected and are not symptomatic at over 10 years of age but this is a rare occurrence. Pet insurance will probably not cover the expenses related to treating Fanconi Syndrome but you will need to research to see for sure.
Try strip testing a few days in a row each month since in the early stages dogs may spill sugar intermittently.
Sahara will be 2 in Jan. will I need to start the strip testing that early, also will vitamins help now. Thanks
Well, I called and it seems Sahara is affected. Does that mean she will get the Fanconi or has a greater chance of getting it? I hate this but at least I know to make sure I start testing. Will giving her vitamine supplements help her now, and do I need Pet Insurance for all the testing that will probably be done if she does get Fanconi. Help!
I am so sorry to hear that…. how old is Sahara? You should, if you have not been, strip testing her monthly and for a few days in a row. The earlier that you catch Fanconi, usually the better they respond to treatment. There is really nothing at this time that you can do, other then to keep her as healthy as possible... You should also print off the protocol and give to your Vet for her file. You can find it on the BCOA site www.basenji.org
Another thing to be prepared, you might want to ask your Vet if they do blood gases and if not were is the closes place that does. Never hurts to be proactive just in case.
And again as Lisa points out, onset of Fanconi can been at a number of different ages… from 3 to 12....
Sahara will be 2 in Jan. will I need to start the strip testing that early, also will vitamins help now. Thanks
If she were mine, I would start now. And there is no real knowledge what might or might not help, but vitamins can't hurt, I wouldn't think. Remember that until last year we didn't have a test and therefore people didn't have the knowledge that their Basenji was predisposed for Fanconi.. they just strip tested and knew that they started to spill sugar in the urine.
Do you have pedigree information on Sahara? I don't remember where you got her.
Oh, I am so very sorry your b came back affected.
BUT I do know of a great fanconis support group.
So, when you first see the b is spilling sugar, do let us know and I will give you the contact info.
Seems that they do not take in folks/dogs who have not yet started to show the signs of fanconis.
But rest assured that there is help out there for you and yours.
Hugs.
Remember, you dog doesn't know it might be sick.
So, just take your clue for living each day at a time.
Hugs again.
Jazzy is affected also, and I've been thinking of starting part of the protocol now – I've already started giving her canned lamb dog food once a week, and am thinking of starting at least the Pet-tab Plus, Pet Cal w/D every day and the Centrum once a week.
I've been considering starting the amino fuel tab, lowest dose once a week, but am not sure. I tried emailing Dr. Gonto to ask about that but never got a response.
Being the procrastinator I am, I am still thinking......
Jazzy's mom was diagnosed with Fanconi just after her litter was born, over three years ago. Last I heard, she's doing just fine on the protocol so I have hope. Still, it's a scary thing..... my poor baby!
I don't know about starting it before the dogs body needs it.
It would be great to get some info from Dr. Gonto…
I am so sorry that you have the knowledge you have re the fanconis...but I do think you need to try not to worry and enjoy the days the b's are in good health. Also, knowing is being prepared...so in the end, in spite of the stress on you, it is good to know.
easy to type, I know, enjoy the days and not worry..I had a fanconis boy and its hard, very hard..
Hugs hugs hugs to all of you that have to go through this.
I don't know about starting it before the dogs body needs it.
It would be great to get some info from Dr. Gonto…
I am so sorry that you have the knowledge you have re the fanconis...but I do think you need to try not to worry and enjoy the days the b's are in good health. Also, knowing is being prepared...so in the end, in spite of the stress on you, it is good to know.
easy to type, I know, enjoy the days and not worry..I had a fanconis boy and its hard, very hard..
Hugs hugs hugs to all of you that have to go through this.
That's pretty much what Bryan said – no reason to be scared about it, just keep checking and be prepared for when/it happens.
Jazz doesn't know she's affected, LOL.
And I am so very grateful that I can know ahead of time. This really is a great time in the Basenji world. We can learn so much before the dogs develop symptoms, and really be prepared as opposed to just a year ago when it was, I am sure, like being blind-sided! I am so very grateful that I have the forewarning and opportunity to learn!
She is very lucky to have you honey.
She is very lucky to have you honey.
I second that and everyone else that has an affected Basenji or a tested affected but not showing signs of Fanconi.
JazzysMom…. sometimes Dr. Gonto is traveling and misses some of his email. Try emailing him again.... usually he is really good about responding. However, if I remember correctly, he doesn't think that other then good normal care will make a difference and I don't think he recommends, other then maybe the general vits, to try and start the protocol....
But again, all this is new to the entire fancy. Knowing before our kids showing effects of Fanconi....
