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BASENJI HEALTH ISSUES
Fanconi Syndrome
Fanconi
syndrome is a disorder in which the proximal renal tubules of the kidney do not reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients back into
the body, but spill them in the urine. Symptoms include excessive drinking , excessive urination , and glucose in the urine.
If left untreated, acidosis, muscle wasting, and poor condition will occur, leading to death. If detected early, the damage
to tissues and organs is far less. Basenji owners can test their dog's urine for glucose every month, starting at age 3. Diabetic
Urine glucose test strips are used per manufacture directions. A positive result suggests the possibility of Fanconi, but
is not a definite diagnoses, you should go to your vet for further testing. Fanconi usually onsets between four and eight
years of age, although could occur as early as three years and as late as ten years. It is generally agreed to be an inherited
problem in Basenjis. Basenjis with Fanconi are often misdiagnosed with diabetes. In Basenjis, both urine glucose and normal
or low blood glucose usually indicates Fanconi syndrome. Blood gas studies can verify an electrolyte imbalance consistent
with Fanconi syndrome.
GOOD NEWS:
On July 14, 2007, Dr. Gary Johnson of the University of Missouri
released the linked marker DNA test for Fanconi Syndrome in Basenjis. As the first predictive test available for Fanconi Syndrome.
Dr. Johnson has requested a brief suspension of Fanconi linkage testing
so that he can concentrate on developing the direct Fanconi test. Fanconi linkage testing will resume in late February 2008.
IPSID (Immunoproliferative small intestinal
disease
This is a chronic intestinal problem with symptoms including diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, and,
if untreated, death. Its frequency and inheritance factors are unknown. Age of onset varies. The mode of inheritance is not
yet known, but it appears to be a hereditary problem. Proper diagnosis by a veterinarian is very important.
Progressive
Retinal Atrophy
(PRA) is an eye condition in which the retina begins to deteriorate, which causes visual loss and
leads to blindness. A form of late onset PRA is known to occur in Basenjis. Onset is usually between ages 4 and 10, with some
being reported between ages 3 and 13.Basenjis can also have forms of retinal pigmentation that can be confused with PRA. It
is not known if Basenji PRA is one or more than one disease. Mode of inheritance is unknown, although most forms of PRA are
recessive.
A CERF exam indicates the present state of a dog's eyes, and cannot predict whether or not a dog will develop
PRA in the future.
Hemolytic Anemia
Affected dogs may faint, have very white gums and mucous membranes,
low energy levels, and have golden colored stools. Affected dogs usually dies by the age of 2, with age 4 being the limit
of survival.
Very few carriers still exist in the Breed. DNA testing gives a reading of the dog's status as a carrier,
or affected, so the testing is only done once.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia, is a condition in which the
hip socket is badly formed, leading to lameness and arthritis.
Dogs can be vet checked for this at the age of 2 years
old.
Thyroid problems
Basenjis have a higher than average rate of hypothyroidism. The most common symptoms
are weight gain, poor coat, and reduced activity level. Hypothyroidism is easily treated with an inexpensive thyroid supplement.
Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM)
PPM is a condition where the fetal membrane of the eye does not
completely reabsorb. It is extremely common in Basenjis. This does not progress, and often dogs with mild PPM as puppies become
normal as they get older.
Umbilical and Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias are uncommon in Basenjis
and usually do require surgical repair.
Umbilical hernias are very common in Basenjis. They can be surgically repaired.
Small hernias usually do not cause problems, large or open hernias can cause problems.
Fanconi research is ongoing.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to
him who knocks the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:8
 
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