Back in 2007 when the Fanconi DNA test first became available I did what every other Basenji owner on the planet did….I rushed to get in line to have my dogs tested.
In Sept of 2007 my little Basenji girl, Ace tested carrier for Fanconi.
Jan 31st 2011 Ace was diagnosed with Fanconi.
In Dec and Jan, Ace had been drinking more water and started having potty accidents in the house. So I made an appt and took her in for what I thought might be a UTI. When Dr. Carter said she had no sign of a UTI but was spilling sugar (++++) I didn't know what to think, I told him she tested carrier. He drew some blood and sent it off. He called me first think Monday morning and told me her blood looked fine, it had to be Fanconi. I rushed her in to get her blood gases done, and then ran around town finding as many of the pills that she would need as I could. She started the protocol that night. Ace now takes 12 pills a day 6 in the am and 6 in the pm. There are two more she takes once a week. We also had to start a new food. She just had her 4 week recheck and her levels look good. Dr. Carter said we must have found it early. We really lucked out...if you can say it that.
Now I know the test is just a linked marker test and we were all told it was not 100%.
Our test results are all listed as probably clear, probably carrier or probably affected. Also there is always the chance for human error.
But I am sure like many others as the years went by I slowly stopped test striping.
Please Please don't be like me...don't push your luck...strip test no matter what your test results came back as. Don't risk not finding it early.
Jessica Ryno