Here's what they wrote back:
Below is the response from the foster mom regarding her health certification.
She was surrendered when her owner developed dementia and was no longer able to care for her.
I'm sorry I can't provide more concrete info. I have no idea how costly or invasive a fanconi test is.
"I have no idea if she has or has not. They gave me no records at all so I don't know when her vaccines are due, have her spay certificate or know when and if any tests were done. Sorry wish I could be of more help there. I wouldn't worry to much about genetic disease just because she is so old. I would think something would have shown up by now, I was reading something that said it is usually diagnosed between 5 and 7 years of age but can manifest between 3 and 11 years. I can understand their concern in wanting a healthy dog."
BJ Motko
Here is what I am thinking of writing back:
Thanks for the information.
That is horrible to hear about her owner.
Fanconi usually develops between 5 and 9, but has been diagnosed in older dogs.
With a girl this old, I would just be sure to strip test. You can get Diastix from Walgreens or another Pharmacy, http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Diabetic-Supplies/Reagent-Strips-for-Urinalysis/ID=prod4782&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_666850&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku304782
and test her urine. The strip shouldn't change. If it does, it means she is spilling sugar, which is a sign of fanconi.
Here is some more info on fanconi. http://www.basenjihealth.org/health-content.html#fanconi
How is her health otherwise?
Thanks so much,
Nicole
What do people think of that as a response? What else should I say.
They haven't said yet if I can have her or not.
I'm guessing I won't be able to find out her registered name.
I found the post on BBR that I was thinking of, it was from 2007, and listed dog ages and numbers of dogs of each age at diagnosis. There were basenjis diagnosed at 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16. The 15 and 16 year old were not regularly strip tested. For those of you on BBR, it is message #26325, with a very interesting follow up in message #26434
Thanks,
-Nicole