Fancoi Syndrom Information

[tanza]

@sharronhurlbut:

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.

[tanza]

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....

[JazzysMom]

I did email Dr. Gonto again, and I got a response this morning.
I am SO GLAD that I asked BEFORE starting to "pre-treat" Jazzy.

He recommended strongly AGAINST that.

He did suggest WEEKLY STRIP TESTING, and mentioned the venous blood gas tests as a way to get an earlier "catch" of the syndrome {gee, Pat, where've we heard that before }

I told him what I was thinking of doing:
I am thinking of beginning to feed high protein canned lamb at least once a week, giving 1/2 Pet-tab and 1/2 Pet-cal w/D twice a day, 1 Centrum complete vitamin once a week, and possibly 1 amino fuel tablet once a week, holding off on the bicarb since the dosage for that would be related to the progression of the disease {from what I understand}.

And he responded:

I must disagree with ALL the above, since you are "replacing" what the dog is NOT losing yet (and MAY NEVER…since we are not yet sure that ALL dogs with the gene set express it). In fact, the excess vitamins and protein may HARM the kidneys!!!! All that excess MUST be renally wasted. I would just feed NORMAL good quality food, use FILTERED water for the dogs drinking (a tap end PUR, Culligan or BRITA is fine)...even a BRITA type pitcher is fine. However, FILTERED water is best for ALL your family with the stuff we are finding in our tap water now

So now we know….....

[tanza]

Thanks for the follow up!….

[Duke]

@youngandtired:

Sahara will be 2 in Jan. will I need to start the strip testing that early, also will vitamins help now. Thanks

youngandtired - won't Sahara be 3 yrs old in January? I think she's the same age as Duke - as we became members about the same time when Duke and Sahara were puppies. Duke is about 2-1/2 years old now.

I'm so sorry about her fanconi results - fingers/paws crossed she always strip tests clean.

[Rivermoon]

I'm sorry to hear about Sahara's results. I know how you feel, Apache came back as probably affected also. I started strip testing immediately and hold my breath each time…even knowing it could be years or never that the color changes. I will most likely do the blood gas test on him when he turns three and other then that just keep him heathy and happy and cherish each day.

Jazzy's Mom..thanks for that info.

[youngandtired]

Yes, Sahara will be 3 in Jan, I'll tell you I haven't been sane lately. Sahara being diagnosed probable affected has gotten ahold of me. She and Duke are very close in age, DUH!!!!

[sharronhurlbut]

I am so sorry about your b's health, but remember, the dog isn't sick now.
So, try to enjoy the days and take it one day at a time.
We will be here to help you when the worst happens.
I think part of the plan is how dogs teach us to just enjoy the now…
They don't worry about the future or "what if" they just know they are loved and happy at this moment.
Hugs dear.

[Rivermoon]

Youngandtired…it's normal to be feeling that way. I often wonder if it's a blessing or a curse knowing. It's always going to be in the back of your mind each time you look at her, but it will get better. Sharron is right..she's not sick now... and may never get sick. Enjoy each day as they do and IF the time comes, you'll do whatever you can to keep her healthy. Remember, many dogs live a long and wonderful life on the protocol.

Hugs

[tanza]

@Rivermoon:

Youngandtired…it's normal to be feeling that way. I often wonder if it's a blessing or a curse knowing. It's always going to be in the back of your mind each time you look at her, but it will get better. Sharron is right..she's not sick now... and may never get sick. Enjoy each day as they do and IF the time comes, you'll do whatever you can to keep her healthy. Remember, many dogs live a long and wonderful life on the protocol.

Hugs

I think it is a "blessing and a curse"…. I would want to know so that I can be that much more diligent about strip testing and/or getting Blood Gases done... and a curse because like you said.. it is always in the back of your mind.

[sharronhurlbut]

Having had and lost a fanconis b made me realize lots of things.
One is that knowledge gives you power to watch and maybe delay things.
BUT dwelling on the end, and I did this as well…until someone I loved said, hey, we are all going to die.
None of us know when...if you live dreading the death, then that is NO life.
So, take time to get your head and heart together, reflect on your beliefs and know we share the joy you have each day with your basenji.
If you find, down the road, your basenji is ill, we will share the caring and support with you.
Sorry this is so much into beliefs, but in my mind, this is what these dogs teach us...live and enjoy each day...