Should I test a Basenji Mix?

[KMac]

Should I get Kentucky tested for Fanconi even though he isnt purebred? This disease terrifies me. My heart goes out to all the dogs that suffer and thank you to all those who help make those dogs have a happy life!

[DebraDownSouth]

If both parents are part basenji, yes. If one parent is definitely NOT a basenji or basenji mix, then your dog, at most, is a carrier and unable to develop Fanconi.

[agilebasenji]

@DebraDownSouth:

If both parents are part basenji, yes. If one parent is definitely NOT a basenji or basenji mix, then your dog, at most, is a carrier and unable to develop Fanconi.

agreed. But the test is only $65, so if you're really, really worried, it might be worth the $ so you can sleep better.

[Patty]

I agree that if you're so concerned and its going to be a constant worry do take the test any way. Fanconi has been known to affect other breeds apart from Basenjis!

[Katheris]

If you are seriously worried that your dog is at risk for Fanconi, your best course is to strip test the dog's urine for glucose on a monthly basis. If you don't know how to do so, you can learn about it the Basenji Club of America website, basenji.org. Go to the Updated Fanconi FAQ link and there will an embedded link with illustrations on how to do the strip testing.

The Linked Marker test was developed with and used with only basenjis to date. Since it is not a direct gene test, there is no guarantee the markers used in the test would or would not be present in a mixed breed basenji. For that reason, it may be best not to ask for the test, since it may not provide useful information for you.

Katy Scott

[KMac]

Thanks everyone.

[DebraDownSouth]

Katy, if one parent is neither Basenji nor basenji-mix, strip testing probably over the top as highly unlikely would develop Fanconi. And if both parents DO have Basenji in them, then the genes would be basenji and the markers almost certainly the same– so I am a bit shaking my head at your thinking it would be worthless testing such a mix. I'd call or email Gonto before declaring it not effective for such a dog... especially with the cost only $65.

@Katheris:

If you are seriously worried that your dog is at risk for Fanconi, your best course is to strip test the dog's urine for glucose on a monthly basis.

The Linked Marker test was developed with and used with only basenjis to date. Since it is not a direct gene test, there is no guarantee the markers used in the test would or would not be present in a mixed breed basenji. For that reason, it may be best not to ask for the test, since it may not provide useful information for you.

Katy Scott

[Katheris]

Hi Debra,

When there is a direct gene test available, I will recommend it to anyone concerned about the basenji form of inherited Fanconi syndrome being present in their mixed breed dog.

Until then, there is is no guarantee the markers used in the current test are present in dogs other than basenjis. If they are not present, no reliable results will be generated. Any result would most likely fall in the "Indeterminate" category, which means the dog in question is either a "Probably Normal/Clear" or "Probably Carrier".
But there is no way of knowing in which category the dog falls.

Any dog that is resulted as an "Indeterminate" should be strip tested monthly.

Anyone worried that their dog resulted as "Probably Normal/Clear"(since this is not a direct gene test) may be one of the very few who might go on to develop basenji Fanconi syndrome should also strip test monthly.

For arguments sake, suppose a mixed breed dog DID get produce an interpretable report of "Probably Affected" or "Probably Carrier"? One would strip test the animal
until such time as it starts spilling glucose in the urine.

Even folks who get a result of "Probably Normal/Clear" and are concerned because this is not a direct gene test may still strip test monthly.

The end result? Strip testing the dog's urine for glucose on a monthly basis.

Katy Scott

[Katheris]

Hi KMac,
I decided the best course to answer your question was to ask Dr. Gary Johnson, the developer of the current Basenji Fanconi Linked Marker Test and researcher looking for the direct gene.
His advice is as follows:
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So if that is the case with Kentucky, and he starts showing clinical signs, i.e., spilling glucose in his urine, and confirmed with the appropriate blood tests, please contact Dr. Johnson's laboratory right away. The contact information is available at basenji.org, under the updated Fanconi FAQ link, as well as any other information you made need about how the clinical diagnosis of basenji Fanconi syndrome is made.
Katy Scott

[DebraDownSouth]

Thanks for writing him. Yesterday I realized I put Gonto instead of Johnson. But he basically said what I already did== if BOTH sides have basenji, then there is a possibility. I'd certainly test.

Your discussion is on a nonbasenji. The issue here is a basenji mix (OP hasn't weighed in if Basenji on BOTH or one side). Hence if it did carry Fanconi, the markers would almost certainly be basenji ones we test for, no?
But if only one side is a basenji, honestly I wouldn't even bother strip testing any more than I would with my chows or Rotties. If basenji in both sides, I'd do the test just for curiousity– and strip til a gene test comes out.

[KMac]

Thank you for all your replies. I truely appreciate learning so much about everyone on this board. Unfortunately, I don't know what the parents of my pup is due to being a rescue dog. He was found in a garbage bin, then a shelter, then a rescue, then in my life!