Test Your Basenji for Fanconi Syndrome

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Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.
Testing For Fanconi Syndrome

In addition to urine glucose testing, you can now DNA test your Basenji for Fanconi. Click here for information.

About Fanconi Syndrome

Fanconi Syndrome is a disorder 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 (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and glucose in the urine (glucosuria). Untreated Fanconi Syndrome will result in muscle wasting, acidosis and poor condition.

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. The earlier the disease is detected, the less damage is done to tissues and organs. It is generally recommended that strip-testing for glucose begin at age three, but you may want to begin earlier just to get used to the routine.

A Basenji with Fanconi Syndrome will generally die from the disorder; however, if caught early and put on the Gonto Treatment Protocol, affected Basenjis can do very well and live a normal life.

Testing Your Basenji’s Urine for Glucose

Your Basenji’s urine was tested by BRAT prior to adoption, but you should begin checking his urine for this life-threatening condition at least once every month. 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 Diastix bottle shows results of a urine test as a color scale. The far left color is labeled Negative, the same color as the test strip. After the strip is wet with urine, compare the stick to the colors on the bottle for exactly 30 seconds. ANY color change from the Negative color is significant.

We are sending you a few Bayer Diastix Glucose Reagent Strips for Urinalysis (not blood) so that you know what to look for in the pharmacy. The colored end of the strip should be placed in the Basenji's urine stream as he urinates. If it is not possible to place the strip directly into the urine stream, the owner may catch the urine in a clean pie pan or ladle.

The enclosed Diastix strips should be read 30 seconds after being exposed to the dog’s urine. Any test strips purchased in the future should be used according to the instructions on the box or bottle. NOTE: Any color change is significant. A positive result (glucose present) suggests only the possibility of Fanconi Syndrome; it is not sufficient for definitive diagnosis, but indicates a need for further testing, to include a blood glucose level and possibly venous blood gas studies.

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 Syndrome, and it cannot predict whether or not a dog will later develop the disorder. A dog that strip-tests normal now may develop Fanconi Syndrome in the future.

The Fanconi Syndrome Treatment Protocol

In 1989, Steve Gonto, MD of Georgia developed a treatment protocol for dogs, later adapted to treat Fanconi Syndrome in humans. Dr. Gonto was given lifetime membership in the Basenji Club of America in recognition of the importance of his work. He 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.

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.

The Gonto 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 sometimes 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.

Because it is relatively uncommon in other breeds many vets are unfamiliar with heritable Fanconi Syndrome. If your Basenji’s urine tests positive for glucose, or if your dog's DNA test results are carrier, review these two documents:

Fanconi Disease Management Protocol for Veterinarians

Guidelines for “Affected” Basenjis from New Genetic Fanconi Test

Dr. Gonto is available for consultation by your veterinarian at no charge by calling (912) 598-5067, or e-mail outdoc.aol.com for advice and a veterinary protocol treatment card.

Shown is the 50-strip box, #2806. There is also a 100-strip box available, #2803.

Where to Buy Glucose Test Strips

Diabetic test strips for urine testing can be tricky to find. However, you can find the strips at Amazon. You can either click on the links here: Diastix Reagent Strips 50/Box (2806) / Diastix Reagent Strips 100/Box (2803). (These two links go to Diastix sold by Mr. Medical and shipping is free.) Or, you can search on the word Diastix from Amazon's home page.

Drugstore chains such as Wal-Mart, Walgreen, CVS, Target, and many supermarket pharmacies may have these strips. The strips are usually located behind the pharmacy counter, so you may have to ask. If your drugstore does not carry them, ask your pharmacist if he can order them for you.

Either way, be sure to buy glucose test strips, NOT ketone test strips.

Testing Expired Test Strips

At some point you may wish to make sure your test strips are functional. This can be done by dissolving one drop of plain honey in one tablespoon of water, or one drop of Karo syrup in one teaspoon of water, and then testing the solution. Both of these products will change the strip color if the strips are still reactive. Do not use table sugar; it is a different molecule and will not change the strip.

A Final Note

It was announced in September 2011 that a DNA test has been developed which indicates whether an individual Basenji carries the gene that results in Fanconi Syndrome. BRAT cannot DNA-test its dogs due to time constraints and the high cost of testing; our adoption fees barely cover routine vetting. More information about the DNA test can be found at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals web site at.

If you have any questions about Fanconi Syndrome and your Basenji, click here to write to us at.

REMEMBER: Test your dog EVERY month – your Basenji’s life may depend on it!

Revised 03/30/12 C Miller
Links checked 09/30/12 JK

Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc. Testing For Fanconi Syndrome