FAQ's for the new Fanconi linkage test

[Quercus]

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How come? It doesn't bother me one bit if mine are carriers, if it is an animal for breeding, I will just find a clear to breed him or her to; and if not for breeding, doesn't really matter as he or she will live without any symptoms.

[JazzysMom]

He may be used for breeding, and it just seems like it'd be easier {more options for breeding} if he's clear.

No concerns for his own health.

[Quercus]

@JazzysMom:

He may be used for breeding, and it just seems like it'd be easier {more options for breeding} if he's clear.

No concerns for his own health.

Yes, true more options for sure…..for some reason I thought he was placed as a pet.....but he sure is a nice boy, I can see why if Brian changed his mind about showing/breeding him.

[tanza]

@JazzysMom:

He may be used for breeding, and it just seems like it'd be easier {more options for breeding} if he's clear.

No concerns for his own health.

Well, there are lots of clears that he could be used on…. so should not be a problem... good news is that he will not be affected

[JazzysMom]

@tanza:

good news is that he will not be affected

Oh, absolutely! And I am sooo thankful for that!:D

[red and white furever]

To Jazzy's Mom,
I know you're worried about Jazzy's results. I also know you're a great b Mom! I won't lie and say it isn't hard to have a Fanconi afflicted dog - it is. It's the first thing I think about when I get up in the morning, and usually the last thing on my mind when I go to bed at night. I worry about Storm's meds and next round of blood gas/ full blood panel tests and how he's responding to the Protocol.
But honestly, I think his disease has more of an impact on me than on him. He's his typical self - cat pouncing, squirrel chasing fiend. If you didn't know he had Fanconi, you couldn't tell by his actions or how he looks. He's a typical 'senji devil.
It's the emotional "Mom stuff" that's hard - but you do it, it becomes a part of your routine, and before you know it, it's old hat counting out the pills, wrapping them in some doggie delight so they're easily adminstered. The worry never stops though - are you doing everything in your power to make sure they're staying well, is their quality of life good, etc. It's an emotional drain (esp. at first and that's where having great friends helps tremendously!!!) and it's so overwhelming at first.
I feel confident that IF Jazzy's results come back as afflicted, you're going to be a great Fanconi B. Mom! Hang in there and know my fingers are crossed that both your babies come back A-OK!

Lorraine and Stormie Dog

[tanza]

Great Post Lorraine… One thing that I will say however, from the B's that I know with Fanconi, one of the biggest things to watch out for is a UTI. This can really reek havic on the protocol... I think that it is worth when you have blood gases done (which is every 6 months if I remember correctly) have a urine test done too.... of course, JMO...

[JazzysMom]

Sigh.

I already have two human children w/Type I Diabetes, so being constantly worried about "Did I remember that….." "Did I handle that right..." is sort of my way of life. I suppose tossing a dog in the mix will be handle-able, I'll just have THREE medical regimens to micro-manage instead of two. bleh.

[red and white furever]

Pat - yes, UTI's are huge worry. Fanconi dogs tend to wall off infections, so even urine samples aren't always accurate. You learn to treat UTI's by symptoms (and hopefully your vet will understand this!!) - symptoms typically run anywhere from lethargy, to vomiting, to lack of appetite. I have, thus far, been very lucky in the regards that I haven't had to dole out antibiotics on top of bicarbs etc.
Feeding a food w/ probiotics in it and a bit of yogurt and a cranberry pill a day also helps. Most Fanconi owners I've run across use these methods to help ensure a healthy urinary tract.

[tanza]

Glad that you pointed that out and yes, sometimes UTI's are really hard to catch… so you are right, learning the symptoms for your dog is the key....