Fanconi

Fanconi has afflicted many Basenjis in America. A couple of Australian exports have developed Fanconi overseas. Recently in 2005 a Basenji Rescue dog was diagnosed with Fanconi in Victoria and then we heard of a Basenji which had died from Fanconi in Queensland. This is very sad news as prior to this there were no reported cases in Australia. The following information supplies basic details of the disease and most importantly explains how to test a Basenji for glucose in urine which may indicate early warning of the disease.

Fanconi Syndrome is a kidney disease. It is a renal disorder caused by a defect in the proximal renal tubule. This defect causes a reduction in the reabsorption of sodium, glucose, calcium, phosphate and amino acid from the proximal tubular cells of the kidney back into the bloodstream. This can lead to fatal disturbances in Acid balance. The acidic condition of the body can cause calcium to dissolve from the bones. There is potential for Kidney and bladder infections due to the glucose and low pH situation.

Symptoms are excessive drinking, excessive urination, muscle wasting and weight loss. Fanconi Syndrome is often mistaken for Diabetes or Cushing Syndrome so Fanconi should be suspected when there is excessive urination, normal blood sugar levels and sugar in urine. Early diagnosis is essential as chemical levels can be balanced medically to prevent further damage to organs. If left untreated the condition will deteriorate leading to eventual death.

Fanconi is believed to be genetic so research is being conducted in order to find the gene responsible so that a genetic test can be developed. Meanwhile owners of Basenjis can check their dogs for Fanconi by regularly testing urine. This is inexpensive, easy and can be done at home.

How to Test your Basenji

It is important to test your Basenji for Fanconi from 3 years of age. Although onset of the disease is usually between 5 and 7 years of age it has been reported as young as 3 years and as old as 11 years in Basenjis. Test your Basenji's urine once a month for glucose in their urine. To do this purchase a product called Clinistix or similar from diabetics section of the Chemist. There are usually 100 Reagent Strips in a container. They are used to test for Glucose in urine. When your Basenji does a morning wee catch some of the urine in a clean container. I recommend something with a handle so a ladle, saucepan, frying pan is ideal. Then dip the test area of the strip into the fresh urine. Remove immediately. Tap edge of test strip against container to remove excess urine. 10 seconds after wetting compare the colour of the test area closely with the colour chart on the Clinistix container. If you get positive results for the presence of glucose contact your vet. It is important to give your vet information from the links below so that a positive diagnosis can be made. A positive test strip does not necessarily mean your Basenji has Fanconi but can be an early indicator to the disease. Do not delay in taking your Basenji to the vet as early diagnosis can limit damage to organs by commencing the Fanconi Protocol. With the help of supplementation your Basenji can then lead a better quality of life. Without treatment your Basenji will decline in health rapidly.