@youngandtired:
Depressed is finding out through DNA testing that your beloved Basenji has tested probable affected with fanconi syndrome. My family loves this dog so very much, she is like our only girl, my son is 25 and we just think she is the greatest dog out there. I got her from a petstore, (I would never do that again, didn't know about puppy mills) and paid this huge amount thinking I was buying a healthy purebread dog. My whole family is depressed about this, I can only study about this disease, test her each month (beginning at 2) and provide her with top notch vet care. She will have the best doctor, she is our joy and I hate the thought of her being sick. Now this is depressed my friend.::(
First of all, don't beat yourself any more over pet shop thing –even quality breeders produced dogs with Fanconi. Remember,the DNA test for that is very new.
And be thankful that YOU are the person who DID buy her from that pet shop. Imagine what could have been her future w/out an owner who cares enough to learn about the testing, the illness, and the treatment.
I'm in the same boat as you -- Jazzy is probably affected, and her dam actually was diagnosed shortly after the birth of that litter 3.5 yrs ago.
No pre-breeding testing was available, and there was no apparent family history, so...
Don't be depressed -- a "probably affected" result is not even a guarantee that your dog will ever show symptoms. Even if she does it is not a death sentence, it will just signal a lifestyle change for her and for you.
Yes, it is sad. But like many have said before, SHE doesn't know she's affected. She's living well and loving her life; learn from her example!
The thing is, you can learn a lot before your dog even shows any symptoms.
Learn and be ready IF you ever need to be.
Did you see my other posts about Dr. Gonto? Check through the Fanconi threads for those. I think you'll find them helpful.
You are just going to have to do some soul-searching. Good luck!
