Spilling Sugar???

[Jylly18]

I just have a quick question…what does that mean when people say their basenji is "spilling sugar"? I just am wondering, becuase my dog Tosca is entering the age when Fanconi can show itself, and since I have no history on her I don't know if she could get it one day or not. I do know some obvious signs, like drinking a lot, peeing a lot (Thankfully she does none of that...knock on wood) but I also know that spilling sugar is a sign, but what does that mean? Just so I know what to watch for..hopefully something I will never have to worry about

[Quercus]

Spilling sugar means having sugar in the urine. The way you test this is to buy some Diastix at your pharmacy, or online. You want the ones that look for sugars, not ketones or proteins. And then once or twice a month you just stick on of the test strips in her urine. If she is spilling sugar, then you will take her to a vet that has a blood gas machine, and if he or she doesn't already have the Fanconi protocol from Dr. Gonto, you will supply it and then get her on the protocol.

[Jylly18]

Thanks! Are there any other symptoms to watch for, other than drinking a lot and peeing a lot?

[tanza]

@Jylly18:

Thanks! Are there any other symptoms to watch for, other than drinking a lot and peeing a lot?

Drinking and peeing alot is the biggest key, however if you strip test with Diastix's monthly (and since they are only good for 6 months and usually come in a bottle of 50 you can do it more) is the best indicator to catch it early.

Also you might want to consider the DNA test for Fanconi when it is available again. Go to www.basenjihealth.org and read/learn about it

[tanza]

I also recommend that anyone with a Basenji print the protocol and have your Vet put in your Basenjis file