Basenji Buyers Guide

Buyer beware, If the breeder makes broad statements that claim no genetic health problems, it is not recommended to purchase a Basenji from such a breeder. All animals have genetic health problems. Like diabetes in Man, the Basenji has certain genetic health problems common to the breed. In general, the Basenji has few genetic problems in comparison with other purebred dogs. The responsible breeder will be aware of these problems and breed to resolve them. Purchasing a Basenji from indiscriminate breeder, which breeds without regards to genetic health problems, only perpetuate the problems and reduces the overall quality of the breed. Please do not support these breeders by purchasing their dogs

FANCONI SYNDROME

Fanconi syndrome is noted by a failure of the kidneys to retain glucose and other nutrients necessary to the Basenji for normal bodily functions, and usefully occurs at five to seven years age. It is fatal if untreated. Upon diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome, treatment includes testing for the nutrient deficiencies, and giving dietary supplement of these nutrients to assure ample quantities are provided. There is no known mode of inheritance for Fanconi syndrome, or any test to detect possible carriers. Without a mode of inheritance, it is not possible to predict which puppies will be susceptible to this problem, regardless of their breeding. There are Basenji pedigrees which seem to more prone to this problem than others, but it is still not possible to predict which puppies will be susceptible other than the increased odds of occurrence.

1. Are there any Basenjis within three generations of the pedigree, including litter mates which have been diagnosed with Fanconi syndrome?

If no, ask how the breeder is able to confirm such. The only way a breeder can confirm no occurrence of Fanconi is to be able to produce a three generation pedigree with the name of all the owners, and litter mates owners, and there telephone numbers. Mostly likely they will not be able to produce a list of all the owners, and their phone numbers.

Expect; No, to the best of my knowledge. Ask how many dogs in the pedigree and there litter mate can they confirm.

If yes, Ask where it to be noted in the pedigree.

Do not be overly concern to find a Basenji(s) in a three generation pedigree to have Fanconi, there is an average of 60 Basenjis, including litter mates, in a three generation pedigree. Because of a lack of a mode of inheritance, it is not possible to make a recommendation, such as to avoid purchasing Basenji because a grandparent has Fanconi. A breeder should not intentionally breed a Basenji with Fanconi, and often does not, but since Fanconi does not occurs until five to seven years of age, Basenjis are often breed prior to this age. Waiting until five or seven years of age prior to breeding does not guarantee puppies free of Fanconi. A sire or dam that does have Fanconi may never produce a puppy with Fanconi, nor will it possibly show up in future generations.

2. Ask if the Breeder test their Basenjis for glucose, and maintains records of such. Do they support any research on Fanconi syndrome, and how. If your planning to breed Basenjis, request a copy of these records and continue to maintain such and be willing to share the results with other breeders.

4. How old are the Basenjis in the pedigree, expect grandparents to be 5 to 10 years of age, and great grandparents to be 8 to 12 years of age. Avoid accelerated pedigrees, where the Basenjis are breed consistently at two years of age or younger, such pedigrees, great grandparents may be only 6 years of age. It is not possible to evaluate a history of fanconi in such a pedigree.

Avoid purchasing a Basenji which has a high incidence of Fanconi in the pedigree, such as a consistent history from one generation to the next. Exceptionally when such a pedigree of the dam or sire is breed to a Basenji who also has a history of Fanconi. Most breeders will not intentionally breed a Basenji with a high incidence of Fanconi, and definitely not to an another Basenji with a history of Fanconi in their pedigree. Do not support breeders which do not breed responsibly, or those that are unaware of what fanconi is, by buying their puppies. If you are going to breed, be responsible, study the pedigrees, support the research, and don't breed on a accelerated pace.

If you plan to own a Basenji, plan to test monthly for Fanconi with glucose strips beginning at three year of age to at least ten. The strips are inexpensive, and early detection is necessary for successful treatment. A Basenji with fanconi can live a productive and fulfilling life.

IMMUNOPROLIFEATIVE SMALL INTESTINAL DISEASE (IPSID)

Also known as Basenji Dirarrea Syndrome, Chronic Intractable Dirrhea, Malabsorption Syndrome.

IPSID symptoms are various, chronic dirarrea, poor appetite, aversion to food, occasional vomiting, wieight loss, unthriftiness, dry coat and skin, hair loss, etc. Many times it is precipitated by some form of stress, such as boarding, transportation, major surgery. Current reasearch is amed at the effect of diet on the development. Treatements includes antibodies, and vitamin supplements. IPSID is suspected of being geniticlly inherated, but the mode of inheritance is unknown.

HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

PANCREATIC ENZYME DEFICIENCY

UMBILICAL HERNIA

HYPOTHYROID

PERSISTENT PUPILLARY MEMBRANE (PPM)

COLOBOMA

PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA)

Northwest Basenji Connection