Sorry to hear that Oakley went though this, but I have to say thanks for posting about this. I use Xylitol for my own baking/sweetening while I'm dieting… looks like I'll only keep the Stevia in the house... in the highest cupboad!
SO frustrated with finding a VET! (long vent, sorry)
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As long as nothing is at the emergency status level, keep looking until you find one you're comfortable with - they don't all have to be basenji lovers to be good vets.
I was really impressed with my vet (sorry I'm in MN or I'd recomend) when he said he knew about fanconi and then was really really happy that I'd copied the protocol for him. He said he was "always happy to learn new things".
Are you anywhere near a veterinary college? That might be a good option to check. -
Hey phoenix - Is the Angell Memorial in Springfield, MA? or is it out by Boston?
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Angell Memorial is in Jamaica Plain…so, Boston.
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well i just heard back from the vet on the fanconi list and she says "we no longer treat basenjis with fanconi" and i said "you mean, you don't currently have any that you are treating, or you will not treat them"… she said that they dont' have the machine they need. i assume they are talking about the blood gasses...
sigh.... back to the drawing board....
I don't get that at all… so what if they don't have the blood gas machine? You can had that done anyplace??? and just have the results sent? Gezzz.. that happens all the time here in California... and for more then just blood work?....
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Yeah, I don't get it either. I'm actually off work this afternoon and I'm calling every vet within a 50 mile radius. So far only 2 of them have the blood gas machine, but both of them said I'd be "better served" by an Dr. "internist" (who, when I called that office, they DON't have the machine).
It's all a big circle. I've explained there is a protocol and that the dr. that developed the protocol is more than willing to consult, but it seems lots of doctors don't want to take on the responsibility of treating a disease they know nothing about. sigh….
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Alrighty, I may have made some progess. I found a place that has the I-stat machine and can do the blood gasses… the vet tech told me, like the others, that i might be better served by an internist... but i called him back and said "could you ask if any of the vets there would be willing to treat my basenji with fanconi there?"
well he went off to ask the docs and when he came back he said that the two docs that are working right now said that they'd be "happy to manage her case" and actually, in the time between when i called the first time and the second time, they actually did an internet search and printed up the Gonto Protocol....
thats a good sign.
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Yea….. that is a good sign....
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I know it gets frustrating. Our regular vet was wonderful but didnt have the machine. So off to a specialist we went. She was not very optimistic at first but soon realized we would do whatever it takes. I think the good vets appreciate owners who do their homework and honestly care about their animals. Soon you will become the "specialist" and you will need a vet that will listen and work with you. Following the protocol, keeping track of other lab values (BUN, Potassium, Crea ) and watching for urinary infections can be done by any vet. We did it for well over 7 years and dont regret a minute of it. "Pill time" became just another daily routine. So I am crossing my fingers that you find someone soon and settle into your daily routine as well. Fingers crossed.
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When I got my first rescue basenji 100yrs ago, my vet didn't know what was happening with the drinking lots of water and losing weight.
So, he didn't try to fool me with some type of pill, he took time to Call UC Davis vet school to find out about fanconis.
I had brought in info from the internet.
That is the kind of vet that I hope everyone finds.
One who will learn and work for your dog. -
Amen to that Sharron… and one that will admit that "I don't know" "but I am willing to learn".....
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I am very fortunate as my vet called me when they got a basenji in that looked like fanconi and asked if I would be willing to provide information for the owner. When the fanconi test looked to be a real thing - and I brought in the paperwork and instructions for them to have on file - all the vets came out to hear about it.
I have some packets at that office now so that they can refer for both fanconi and basenji thyroid.
I guess I'm just lucky although if I had an affected dog - I'm sure they don't have the blood gas machine.
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It looks promising that they are doing research. I have found a vet, that while they do not have the blood gas machine needed, we will go to the hospital, and in the parking lot, will draw the blood and will run it if ever need be. He was happy to look at all the info I provided him, including the Fanconi protocol and the Anesthesia write up. While I may never have to deal with this, God willing, at least they would try. I would definitely go in and talk to these vets personally. IMO
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I hope this place works for you. I just had a discussion with my vet and gave him an out if he didn't want to deal with Apache if and when he gets fanconi. He doesn't have and I Stat machine, but thankfully he said he'll do whatever he can and work with us and Dr. Gonto's protocol should the time come. Luckily for me, there's a few people with fanconi dogs down here and the I stat machine won't be a problem..a drive, but that will be the least of my worries at that point.
We'll be moving up north in a few years and I'll have to find a new vet then…I'm not looking forward to that.
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I hope this place works for you. I just had a discussion with my vet and gave him an out if he didn't want to deal with Apache if and when he gets fanconi. He doesn't have and I Stat machine, but thankfully he said he'll do whatever he can and work with us and Dr. Gonto's protocol should the time come. Luckily for me, there's a few people with fanconi dogs down here and the I stat machine won't be a problem..a drive, but that will be the least of my worries at that point.
We'll be moving up north in a few years and I'll have to find a new vet then…I'm not looking forward to that.
Up North??? where..?
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Yes, where???
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We're going to be looking in Auburn, Ca….the grandkids are near there.
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You won't be too far from me then. Auburn is only about a 45 minute drive from here, provided there is no snow but it doesn't usually get that low.
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That's not far at all. I heard the snow usually melts fast if it does snow there.
I'm excited about the eventual move in itself..you have so many more events up there, plus we'll be getting at least an acre of land, the pups should love that. Looking for a new vet for all the pups and for one that is familiar with or will be willing to learn about Fanconi and then finding somewhere with an I Stat machine, I'm NOT looking forward too. I'm hoping I can find someone with the machine in Sacramento, otherwise I figure UC Davis will one.
How's it working with those vets and Tayda?
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The good news is that we have lots of good vets up here. The bad news is we also have a lot of mediocre vets too. I know several whippet people up that way and can ask for vet recommendations. My repro vet is in Orangevale and is a good vet in general and used to handle basenjis so is familiar with the breed.
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Thanks Lisa…when the time comes, I'll be asking for them. Orangevale wouldn't be that far either. While Auburn is our first choice..especially hubbies, we will also be considering some of the other towns in that area in Placer County.
