Fanconi

Much has been written about the importance of testing our Basenjis for this genetic disease and still many Basenjis in Australia go untested.

Fanconi Syndrome is a genetic disorder of Basenjis in which the proximal renal tubules of the kidney do not properly reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients into the body, but “spill” them instead into the urine. Symptoms include excessive drinking, excessive urination, and glucose in the urine. Untreated Fanconi Syndrome will result in muscle wasting, acidosis, poor condition and death. An inexpensive treatment protocol is available for those dogs who test “Affected.” Most dogs in Australia that have been tested are “Clear/Normal” or “Carrier” which require no treatment. A few “Affected” dogs have been found in Australia so testing is important. You can view dogs tested for Fanconi in Australia at the link on this page: OFA Australian test results.

The onset of Fanconi Syndrome is typically between four and eight years of age, although onset has occurred as early as two years and as late as eleven years. and can be misdiagnosed as Diabetes if your vet is not familiar with Genetic Fanconi Syndrome. The earlier the disease is detected, the less damage is done to tissues and organs. DNA testing for Fanconi Syndrome is done by taking a cheek swab of your Basenji. The DNA test kit cost around $65 USD, which includes laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases and is available from The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website: OFA Online Shopping.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

DNA testing for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is also done by taking a cheek swab of your Basenji. The OFA cost for each DNA test kit is around $65 USD, which includes laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases. Kits are available from The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): OFA Online Shopping.

The PRA, DNA test identifies one type of PRA, which is related to night blindness. There are another two types of PRA, for which there are currently no DNA tests available. Test results for Australian Basenjis who have been tested by OFA for PRA are updated automatically in an overnight report along with Fanconi test results:OFA Australian test results.

More will be published on these pages on: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM), Thyroid testing, and Hip and Patella testing.

Thyroid in Basenjis

Here is a link to a research paper on Thyroid in Basenjis by Dr Aine Seavers: Pdf file