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SO frustrated with finding a VET! (long vent, sorry)

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • 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".....

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • @Rivermoon:

    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..?

  • Yes, where???

  • We're going to be looking in Auburn, Ca….the grandkids are near there.

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • 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.

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    Info sent from BCOA: Improved Methodology For FANCONI LINKAGE Tests: FTA Paper / Saliva Option A new process has been implemented for ordering Fanconi tests that uses saliva rather than blood for sample collection using FTA paper. Dr Johnson may still request blood for some research projects, but in many cases, the FTA paper will satisfy that requirement. The new procedure will also allow you to check the status of your test request online with use of a conformation code that will be emailed to you when the order is placed. You can now order a test on the internet and pay by credit card. The price the kit and test will be $65 to cover the cost of the kit and mailing. The test can be ordered from one of two websites: 1- The The Canine Phenome Project website From the dogs profile page in this site, click Fanconi Test. This will link you directly to the OFA site to order the test kit. 2- The OFA site. [[url]www.offa.org] Go to the "OFA DNA Testing" link on the OFA website The test kit will allow the use of saliva applied to a special paper card that can then be returned to the lab. The special paper (FTA paper) will supply enough DNA samples for over twenty tests so when the direct marker is found, no further DNA collection will be required. Adding the dog to the Canine Phenome site is still required before results will be sent, but the ordering the test kit is a separate entry at this point. The kit consists of the FTA card Foam swab to collect the saliva Instructions Labels for mailing to the University of Missouri Any tests in progress from the previous procedure will be completed. The OFA and the University of Missouri have entered into a cooperative agreement to offer this new procedure. Thank you!
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    @Phebese: We take Max to the Banfield in the Petsmart on Cobb Pkwy in Acworth. We have gone to many different veterinarians but only found two that we feel comfortable with. We have the Banfield insurance which really helps, but most importantly he is comfortable going there and we trust them. He has been there twice in the past couple of weeks getting a cyst removed. They call in between appointments to check on him and see if we have any concerns. We do not like all the Banfield clinics, in fact the one on 92 we did not like. Another good vet is Randy Esbeck at Sawnee Animal Clinic 770-887-1900. He is a Basenji specialist. It's in Cumming Georgia. It's just to far for us to go. Good Luck, Max's Mom (Emily) As they say, it is not the place but the Vet that is working there…. so while many of the Banfield clinic might not be good, when you luck into a good Vet.. that makes the clinic... IMO