Hi jetred,
From your post a year ago… this is exactly the type of information I'm searching for, "I know this might not be survivable for her but I can't find any advice on how to get a dog through cancer, what to look out for, when is she truly in pain, what spindle cell does over time and when is enough for her and time to set her free."
So I am wondering, what was your plan with Luna? How did you make decisions? What information did you learn that you think is important to know about the spindle cell cancer disease process?
I have a 15 yr old girl (aussie shepard mix) who is in good spirits, enjoys slow short walks, putting her nose in the wind, eating, etc all normally. We've had two surgeries already to debulk the tumor on her rear leg. One in 2013, and the second recently in June from which she recovered well for her age. Though it returned quickly (3 mos) and larger this time. It's now an open lesion. I am both astounded and perplexed at how she acts pretty normal given this! My vet (who is a new vet to us as I just moved) initially discussed end of life decisions and then also offered amputation as an option to consider. I would so appreciate any thoughts you have and/or hear more about your story.
Thank you.
Puppy's Parents
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Ok, im getting a male brindle puppy in few weeks. Ive researched both the parents for Fanconi testing. Both have test results posted on the OFA site that say "PROBABLY CLEAR/NORMAL FOR FANCONI SYNDROME".
So does the puppy still need to be tested and at what age? Ive read different articles regarding the age they should be tested at.
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Technically, no, the pup should be clear as well. but it is always nice to do the test with the blood sample anyway as it can potentially be used to help with a more precise testing procedure. If you decide to do the cheek swab test, you can do that really young, but I would say wait until about 4-6 months to do the blood test.
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If both parents tested clear, the puppy should be clear/normal. Unless for some reason you really feel the need to, you shouldn't have to test the pup.
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Great. thanks for the info.
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Ok, im getting a male brindle puppy in few weeks. Ive researched both the parents for Fanconi testing. Both have test results posted on the OFA site that say "PROBABLY CLEAR/NORMAL FOR FANCONI SYNDROME".
So does the puppy still need to be tested and at what age? Ive read different articles regarding the age they should be tested at.
With a clear/normal on both the sire and dam you do not have to test, however there is no "clear" by parents, so it would not hurt to have the test done. And it adds data to the Fanconi testing database. They can be tested using Cheek Swab at any age, the Swabs and test is 65.00 (IMO-well worth the price). You can find the details at www.basenjishealth.org
Articles that you might have read about testing are most likely doing the sugar test stripping monthly starting at around 2 to 3yrs old. Before the DNA test that was the only way to know if your Basenji had Fanconi is after they started spilling sugar in their urine.
Kudos for you on doing your homework!!!!
We look forward to pictures….
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personally, i would definately test your pup if you're planning on breeding him. having worked in a lab for years, i know human error does occur, however, since both parents are clear, i'd be comfortable that the pup you get won't have fanconi. if you're not looking to breed, i'd say the test is optional unless your breeder wants more points in the data base. (it's not very expensive, $65 i think) of course that's just my 2 pennies worth.
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I dont plan on breeding him, but i will get him tested just for peace of mind.
Ill have some pics soon. Thanks again.
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Good job for doing your homework before you bought and fell in love with a basenji companion