My basenji Rusty is very sick and my vet doesn't know why

[RUSTYROO]

I have a 10 year old male Basenji named Rusty. I have had him since he was 6 weeks old and he has always been healthy up until about a month ago.
I have spent around $500.00 at my vet who has seen him since his first
check up 10 years ago, and they are clueless about what is wrong with
him. Unfortunately he is the only Basenji that office treats. Rusty
went from 26 lbs. to 18 lbs in the last month to 2 months. He can not
get enough water to drink and urinates everywhere, which is very
unlike him to go in the house. The vet checked his urine and said it
is almost all water, not concentrating hardly at all. We have rulled out diabetes and fanconi disease that runs in the Basenji breeds. I am desperate
at this point. If anyone has any knowledge on a good basenji vet in my
area, St. Petersburg, Florida or any information you could share with me, I would be so grateful. I love my dog with all of my heart and this has been so
hard for me because I can not help him get better. Thank you , Sheila Shumaker

[Lenora]

The vet has ruled out fanconi and diabetes mellitus, but this sounds like diabetes insipidus to me. DI can be an indication of a pituitary tumor or it can come from damage to the kidneys. The symptoms are pretty much the same, the excessive thirst, excessive urination, and clear almost colorless urine. I know it's treated with vasopressin in humans, and pituitary surgery if necessary, but I don't know about dogs. Rusty probably needs and MRI or brain scan which not all vets have the facilities to do. Ask your vet to refer you to a good veterinary school in your area. Let us know what happens. Lenora

[RUSTYROO]

Thank you for your reply. I have selected another vet just a few moments ago. This new vet owns a Basenji herself and has 6 Basenji's that she currently treats. With any luck she will be able to pinpoint what is wrong with my baby boy!!! Rusty's appointment is Monday, if anything changes or we get any more answers, I will post them Tuesday to let everyone know what we find. Thanks again

[jenwilson]

I wish you the best with Rusty! Keep us updated. My thoughts and prayers are with you & Rusty.

[Duke]

I'm so sorry to hear of you little guys health problem. Sounds like you're in luck with this new Basenji vet. All the best for you and Rustyroo.

[Lenora]

What a stroke of luck. Let us know what happens! Lenora

[RUSTYROO]

Thank you so much

[RUSTYROO]

I sure hope so!! I can not picture my life with out him and trying to stay positive. Thank you

[nala121498]

I'll keep Rusty in my thoughts and prayers, please let us know what happens after the appt. Great to have a vet with a Basenji!

[Quercus]

The symptoms you describe are text book Fanconi. How did your vet rule it out?