In this condition, the renal tubules of the kidney begin to fail to do their proper job of resorbing nutrients into the dog s system. Without testing and subsequent oral supplementation, the dog s internal organs begin to falter, the dog looses condition, and will ultimately die. With current supplementation techniques, the Fanconi-afflicted dog can be expected to live as a normal, healthy Basenji. It appears at present that treated dogs will have the ability to live normal, healthy lifespans. This form of testing can pick up oncoming Fanconi Syndrome well before any of the overt symptoms appear.
Early detection means easier treatment and less permanent damage.
Report any abnormalities in color to your veterinarian and have him do a blood glucose test. If the blood glucose test reading is normal to low, it is fairly certain that your dog has Fanconi Syndrome. Please send all test results to Dr Steve Gonto to assist in his ongoing study of Fanconi-afflicted dogs. A couple of genetic researchers are attempting to develop a genetic marker test for this and other diseases sometime in the next ten years, but the feasibility and availability for breeders of such a test remains to be seen. Approximately every 6 months a multivalent blood workup, a urinalysis, and a venous blood gas test need to be done on a Fanconi-afflicted dog by your veterinarian.