@eeeefarm Thank you for your reply. 16 years is amazing. How special that you got 3 more years. Doc had also mentioned steroids but that it wouldn't be good for her kidneys if I remember right. She is still enjoying the day to day for now.

Thanks! It is for basenjis with Fanconi. A protocol created by a vet, Dr. Gonto, for treatment/mitigation of Fanconi to alleviate symptoms and extend the life of the dogs by slowing renal issues. https://www.basenjirescue.org/fanconi/fanconi-protocol-2015.pdf

Hi everyone, Mya is 14 years 8 months old. Diagnosed with Fanconi around age 6. She had 2 seizures 12/21/21 and 7 over a 12hr period on 1/10/22. The labs from 12/21/21 showed BUN/UREA 34 mg/dL, BUN/CREA 8, CREA 4.1 mg/dL.

We started her on .5(I think it was mL) of Keppra for the seizures after the episodes on 1/10 to see how she does. She is still eating and drinking, but in general has had some changes in the last year with increased urinary incontinence, seeing/hearing loss, major weight loss(22 to 18 to currently 16lbs). There is discussion of possible GME(has a lot of the symptoms) and VET thinks the seizures are brain tumor/GME related and not metabolic. ABD/CHEST scan showed no cancer. We are not having an MRI done because we would not seek treatment/surgery.

If your basenji was in a similar state...
-if they had GME... how "rapid" was the decline?
-Did you see results/or decrease in CREA etc when flushing the kidneys via fluid administration with a CREA of 4.1? If so... how long did those results last? Did it extend their life or improve quality of life?
-She gets 3 sodium bicarbonate tabs BID...but at 14 years old is getting a venous blood gas worth the effort in order to change dosage? (For reference... barriers exist for us. No local vets with iStat machine, human hospitals unable to help, local pet ERs so busy & require referral + admission=$$).
-Did your pet weigh this little? Were they able to gain some back or even maintain it? VET thinks it is a combination of renal failure/old age.

This is my first pet that I have needed to consider all the factors that lead towards the decision of euthanasia. I have read books and websites but I think I just need to hear from some basenji lovers. One moment I realize euthanasia is coming, the next I am wondering if maybe she has a few more months.

Our current game plan is to continue the Keppra and monitor for seizures, while assessing the side effects of it and how it changes her quality of life.

@eeeefarm Thank you for your reply. 16 years is amazing. How special that you got 3 more years. Doc had also mentioned steroids but that it wouldn't be good for her kidneys if I remember right. She is still enjoying the day to day for now.

Hi everyone, Mya is 14 years 8 months old. Diagnosed with Fanconi around age 6. She had 2 seizures 12/21/21 and 7 over a 12hr period on 1/10/22. The labs from 12/21/21 showed BUN/UREA 34 mg/dL, BUN/CREA 8, CREA 4.1 mg/dL.

We started her on .5(I think it was mL) of Keppra for the seizures after the episodes on 1/10 to see how she does. She is still eating and drinking, but in general has had some changes in the last year with increased urinary incontinence, seeing/hearing loss, major weight loss(22 to 18 to currently 16lbs). There is discussion of possible GME(has a lot of the symptoms) and VET thinks the seizures are brain tumor/GME related and not metabolic. ABD/CHEST scan showed no cancer. We are not having an MRI done because we would not seek treatment/surgery.

If your basenji was in a similar state...
-if they had GME... how "rapid" was the decline?
-Did you see results/or decrease in CREA etc when flushing the kidneys via fluid administration with a CREA of 4.1? If so... how long did those results last? Did it extend their life or improve quality of life?
-She gets 3 sodium bicarbonate tabs BID...but at 14 years old is getting a venous blood gas worth the effort in order to change dosage? (For reference... barriers exist for us. No local vets with iStat machine, human hospitals unable to help, local pet ERs so busy & require referral + admission=$$).
-Did your pet weigh this little? Were they able to gain some back or even maintain it? VET thinks it is a combination of renal failure/old age.

This is my first pet that I have needed to consider all the factors that lead towards the decision of euthanasia. I have read books and websites but I think I just need to hear from some basenji lovers. One moment I realize euthanasia is coming, the next I am wondering if maybe she has a few more months.

Our current game plan is to continue the Keppra and monitor for seizures, while assessing the side effects of it and how it changes her quality of life.

@allisonmosley I find myself back here searching life expectancy as my Mya ages. She had 2 seizures on 12/21/21 and 7 seizures over a 12hr period on 1/10/22. I am surprised she has lasted so long with Fanconi, but as I revisit the Gonto Protocol I see GME and seizures mentioned. Just part of getting older it seems for some basenjis.

Thanks! It is for basenjis with Fanconi. A protocol created by a vet, Dr. Gonto, for treatment/mitigation of Fanconi to alleviate symptoms and extend the life of the dogs by slowing renal issues. https://www.basenjirescue.org/fanconi/fanconi-protocol-2015.pdf

Which multivitamin is everyone using these days that is compliant with the Gonto Protocol? The one I used to use is no longer carried at PetSmart, so I switched to GNC Pet Wellness Ultra Multivitamin Softchews because that was what was on the shelf. At one point I knew what specific vitamins/elements needed to be in it... but I don't seem to have that info any more. Any help is appreciated...located in the USA.

Hi everyone! Mya is 12 years old and started leaking at night time while sleeping. When I say leaking, I mean full load urine release. I work shift work so she waits until I get home at 11pm to chug her water sometimes. In the past, she has been able to hold it through the night or wake me up to go outside and potty.

Vet put her on Proin. First day she vomited (as it wasn't with food). The next attempt about 2 weeks later (in which I am sure to give it with some food), she is now having some diarrhea. These are listed side effects, just wondering if anyone had tips or tricks with using Proin successfully while minimizing the side effects.

Thanks! ~Allison

Aw welcome to Maryland!

Hi everyone. My 10.5 year old recently started having a little bit of aggression at night. I was worried it could be the beginning to some night blindness with the retinal issues basenjis can have. My Vet advised today she has some shadowing in both eyes and gave me some info for an opthamologist. I leave a night light on for her but might add another one for where she sleeps. I'll also make sure friends and family know to not make sudden movements so she doesn't get scared.

Does anyone have any other helpful tips for comfort?
Does anyone have experience with this and how quick it progressed in your pup? Thank you!

So glad to see this. My basenji also has this. She is 10.5 years old and I would say it started in the last year. Also has a little lightening of the nose.

Mya is 10 and still going strong. Diagnosed with Fanconi around age 6 and was put on the protocol pretty quickly. I'm relieved to see there have been many long lasting Basenji lives here in the comments!