The Reason Why

[lvoss]

This week has been an emotional one here on the forums. I wanted to start this thread because I think there have been two stories this week that really highlight The Reason Why so many on this list are so emphatic about getting a puppy from parents that have been tested for Fanconi using the DNA Marker Test and buying from responsible breeders in general.

Let me start by again posting the link to the Tails Up! article, http://eldoradobasenji.com/Images/tailsUp.pdf. Please pay special attention to the last section entitled For Pete's Sake!

Please read the thread on this forum by RockysWoman about her experience, http://basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=3095

Please read the threads by Isis's owner
http://basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=3413
http://basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=3416
http://basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=3493

This disease takes such a toll on the dogs and the owners. This disease with the correct use of the Fanconi Marker Test is now completely preventable. There is no reason that any litter bred after July 17, 2007 should have an affected puppy. Many of us who speak so much about this know Fanconi dogs, know owners who have had to watch this disease transform their companions and want very much for no one else to ever have to go through that.

[Robin_n_Jack]

I just want to make sure I have the correct information. Jack was a puppymill rescue, so I know nothing about his parents and whether they were carriers or not.
Jack is two now, do I need to start testing his urine at 3? Can I have my vet draw blood for the DNA test, or is that only for breeders?
Is there a place that I can find the full protocol and print to give to my vet?

I apologize if these questions have already been answered on other threads- I have searched and couldn't find them, so am asking for myself.

[etzbseder]

Robin, there are a large number of vets that can draw the blood for the DNA test, otherwise, about 3 maybe even 2.5 is good for strip testing. If you go to the website for the Fanconi test, (canine phenome project) there is all the info you need on one page for you and the vet, you do have to make an account and then pay 60 for the test, but the draw should be cheap from the vet.

[Vanessa]

@Robin_n_Jack:

I just want to make sure I have the correct information. Jack was a puppymill rescue, so I know nothing about his parents and whether they were carriers or not.
Jack is two now, do I need to start testing his urine at 3? Can I have my vet draw blood for the DNA test, or is that only for breeders?
Is there a place that I can find the full protocol and print to give to my vet?

I apologize if these questions have already been answered on other threads- I have searched and couldn't find them, so am asking for myself.

Robin,
Here is a link to the Basenji Health Endowment. This should provide you with answers to your questions.
http://www.basenjihealth.org/linkage-faq.html
As for Jack being able to be DNA tested, I don't see why not…even if you don't know his history.

[Robin_n_Jack]

Thanks so much for the help- you guys know everything!

[Vanessa]

@Robin_n_Jack:

Thanks so much for the help- you guys know everything!

Robin,
This is exactly why Alex and I created Basenji Forums. Our first basenji died as a puppy and there was no where to turn to ask for help. Now people can come to this forum, ask questions and immediately get a response.

[etzbseder]

That's definitely right. Each of us can't know everything, but as a group, there's no stopping us.

[YodelDogs]

@Robin_n_Jack:

I just want to make sure I have the correct information. Jack was a puppymill rescue, so I know nothing about his parents and whether they were carriers or not.
Jack is two now, do I need to start testing his urine at 3? Can I have my vet draw blood for the DNA test, or is that only for breeders?
Is there a place that I can find the full protocol and print to give to my vet?

Robin,
The DNA test is for any Basenji, not just breeding animals. Any veterinarian can draw the blood but you may have to handle the shipping yourself. You will have to sign up at http://www.caninephenome.org/ prior to shipping your sample. Fill out as much information about your dog as you can. The information collected by the CPP helps further health testing for our breed.

[Robin_n_Jack]

Thanks Robyn!

I just wasn't sure- because I knew they had suspended testing at some point, but now they have started again. Reading some of the stories on here have had me in tears at my office, and I want to do what I can to ensure Jack has a long life with me.

(Completely off topic- where are you in GA? I was born and raised in Marietta, and my mom grew up in Albany before making her way to Macon for school….)

[rnasto]

When is the earliest I can get an accurate blood test for Faconi?

[Kebasmom]

Robin, Is there a Basenji club in you area? Sometimes they hold blood draws and they draw every dogs blood and ship it all together. You just have to have the dogs registered on line and have the paperwork ready. This really cuts down on costs and the folks that are handling this have done it before. The MABC did this recently at their fun match and I am grateful for it.

[tanza]

@rnasto:

When is the earliest I can get an accurate blood test for Faconi?

You can do it at 8wks…

[renaultf1]

@tanza:

You can do it at 8wks…

And actually I know of some pups that were done with a cheek swab instead of a blood draw, but I don't know if that is an option to anyone but breeders.

[tanza]

@renaultf1:

And actually I know of some pups that were done with a cheek swab instead of a blood draw, but I don't know if that is an option to anyone but breeders.

Cheek swab is not available … it was used for re-checks in a few cases. However, hopefully soon it will be for everyone... but not yet.....

[sharronhurlbut]

Pat, thank you for this info. I had and lost a fanconis b…I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Please folks, its a bit of work and expense, but get signed up, get the blood work drawn and send it in.
Also, some basenji shows have blood draws on the grounds, EBC did that last year or the year before...so check out your breed clubs and the dog shows in your area...