Fanconi Syndrome

To all owners of Fanconi Afflicted dogs OR their relatives,

Dr. Johnson at University of Missouri has been one of the geneticists conducting research into identifying the gene set responsible for Fanconi Syndrome in our dogs. Using a mouse model, his lab has found a candidate gene that looks promising. This is an exciting finding, since identifying the correct gene set for Fanconi could result in a true, verifiable test for the disease and allow us to finally breed it out entirely. Furthermore, while less likely, a known gene set could even potentially lead to newer and better treatment options for afflicted dogs.

I stand in full support of Dr. Johnson and his work, but it will be up to each and every one of YOU out there to make this research a success. What Dr. Johnson needs now is DNA SAMPLES from which to carry out his work. The easiest way to obtain this DNA is a simple sample of whole blood, drawn by your vet and sent in a Purple Top EDTA tube (which any vet should have), into Dr. Gary Johnson, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Molecular Genetics Lab , Basenji Fanconi DNA Research, 209 A Connaway Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 or contact Liz Hansen, Dr. Johnson's assistant by phone (573-884-3712), email (hansenl@missouri.edu),

Dr. Johnson is in need of samples from AFFLICTED DOGS, and even better would be samples from FAMILIES. This would include Siblings (afflicted or not), Parents, Grandparents, and, if the dogs have been bred, Offspring.

All the information on sample submission is available online at http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/Docs/DNAhowto.html This is part of the website on Canine Epilepsy, http://www.canine-epilepsy.net but PLEASE do not be confused, since this is the same research group and the samples they need are the same. The samples MUST be identified, however, as being for FANCONI RESEARCH.

I have tried for years to offer each and every one of you, along with your vets, free assistance and information on treating your pets successfully with Fanconi. Now it is time for YOU to step up and offer help to ALL the canine community and to future generations of this breed. PLEASE see to it that your vet submits a sample to this important work, next time you have a vet visit. If not for the fact it is the RIGHT thing to do, then at least do it because you want to say THANKS for the Protocol and any help it has offered you and your beloved pet.

I think this may be a pivotal moment in the health history of our breed. Up till now I have been VERY proud to be part of the Basenji community, since as a whole, we have faced health issues "head on." Well, now is the time to once again not let "the other guy do it," but to do whatever each of us can.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

Dr. Steve Gonto, Author, Fanconi Management Protocol for Veterinarians