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Basenji
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Urine glucose test strips (not blood test strips) such as those used by diabetics are inexpensive. It is easy to remember to strip test if you do it when you give your Basenji his heartworm medicine each month, or if you designate the first day of every month as “Strip Test Day”. The strip should be placed in the Basenji's urine stream as he urinates and be read immediately according to directions on the bottle. If it is not possible to place the strip in the urine stream, the owner may need to catch the urine in a clean container; some owners user a pie pan or ladle. A positive result (glucose present) suggests the possibility of Fanconi Syndrome, but is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis. If a positive result is seen, owners should go to their vet for further testing, including a blood glucose level. Again, strip testing indicates only the presence or absence of glucose in the urine at the time of testing. It does not definitively diagnose Fanconi, and it cannot predict whether or not a dog will later develop Fanconi. A dog that test strips normal now may develop Fanconi later. The onset of Fanconi Syndrome is typically between the ages of four and eight years old, although onset as early as two years and as late as eleven years has occurred. The mode of inheritance is not yet fully understood, but it is generally agreed to be an inherited problem in Basenjis. There is now a DNA linkage test with about 90% accuracy that indicates whether a Basenji is afflicted, a carrier, or clear. But, even if your Basenji has been DNA tested, he should be strip-tested regularly, because the marker test is not 100% accurate; a more definitive DNA test is in the works. More information about the test can be found at Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website. The Fanconi Treatment ProtocolIn 1989, Steve Gonto, MD, of Georgia developed a treatment protocol for dogs, later adapted to treat Fanconi Syndrome in humans. The protocol involves acid neutralization, replacing lost electrolytes and nutrients with sodium bicarbonate and other supplements in specified doses, to re-establish the body's acid/base balance and keep electrolytes at appropriate levels. Dr. Gonto was given lifetime membership in the Basenji Club of America in recognition of the importance of his work. Dr. Gonto was the honored guest speaker at the 2007 BRAT convention in Orlando, FL, at which time he was presented with a plaque for his contributions to Basenji health. His protocol has been very successful in improving both quality and length of life for Fanconi- affected Basenjis. The disorder can be controlled by the protocol, but it cannot be cured. Because elevated urine glucose is also found in diabetes, Basenjis with Fanconi Syndrome are often misdiagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes will show high blood glucose along with urine glucose. In Basenjis, a combination of urine glucose and normal or low blood glucose strongly suggests Fanconi Syndrome. Venous blood gas studies can verify an electrolyte imbalance consistent with Fanconi Syndrome. It is a good idea to take a copy of Dr. Gonto's Fanconi Protocol to your vet to keep with your Basenji’s records. Click here to read and get a copy of the Protocol. Dr. Gonto is available for consultation by your veterinarian at no charge by calling (912) 598-5067, or website Outdoc@aol.com for advice and a veterinary protocol treatment card. Where to Buy Glucose Test StripsDiabetic urine test strips can be a bit challenging to find. Though they are an over-the-counter product, you won't find them on the shelves but rather behind the pharmacy counter, where you'll have to ask for them. If pharmacy personnel try to sell you anything other that Bayer Diastix or Bayer Clinistix glucose strips politely refuse and ask if you can order the correct test strips. Do not be tempted to buy a similar product where you find the word keto or ketone! Brick and mortar drugstore chains such as Wal-Mart, Walgreen, CVS, Target, and many supermarket pharmacies are good sources for the strips and you can also find them online at at Hocks. (As of this posting a 100-count bottle of Bayer Diastix strips cost $12.99 + $2.99 shipping.) You can also Google around for more online sources, but Hocks is reliable and trustworthy. Once a bottle is opened, it will only last for about six months, so be sure to save/bookmark your ordering information. Or note the date the bottle was opened with a Sharpie pen. Testing Expired Test StripsYou can test your strips—even those not expired—to make sure they are functional. Mix together either of these: One drop of plain honey dissolved in one tablespoon of water, or one drop of Karo syrup dissolved in one teaspoon of water. Both of these products will change the strip color if the strips are still reactive. Do not use everyday white sugar; it is a different molecule and will not change the strip. We recommend testing your Diastix for the educational value. You'll know both how to make the testing mixture and see how the stix change color. A Final NoteTesting your beautiful Basenji is an ongoing, simple, and life-saving process, so please test your dog every month! A dog may test negative today but test positive next month. If you have any questions about Fanconi Syndrome and your Basenji,
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