Basenji Health Issues & Questions

It's settled then. I'm gonna pop it. :) I mess with it sometimes as well. Tucker just wants to sniff and lick my fingers after I'm done scratching at it…then he'll let me go back to work on it. As long as I let him sniff and lick my fingers as I'm messing with it, he'll let me continue and we'll eventually both bore of it and move on...

@Maxie: Hi Tommy, My Basenji has that from time to time. Not inside, just on the ear flaps. Some people call it Winter Ears, but I'm not sure what the name of this problem is. Tried many things, but here's what worked for me. Thoroughly cleaned outside of her ears with ear cleaner from a pet store. Let dry, then used olive oil daily until it cleared up. Let me know if that works for you. Yup, it's just on the inside of the flaps. It's going away VERY slowly. I'll try the olive oil treatment…...thanks!

It really is a large loss. In loving our breed I find it pinnacle that we embrace it in all of its' natural color variations. Ivoss - thank you for the link, I went ahead and read all the letters and found it to be informative. I'll def. keep abreast. It's very exciting to think that with an open studbook to 50 or so new imports we could finally see some recurrence of the colors which have been so hastily discarded.

@Janneke: Yeah, last week we also thought it was a bite.. but it's pretty weird that it happens twice during training.. and nowhere else. Actually, it sounds to me like there is either a bug or plant or something at where you train that he is allergic to. The fact that the reaction happens very specifically when you go to one location would tend to support that there is something at that location that he is allergic to.

Frozen carrots work well also. But usually teething is not a big deal for pups

Thanks guys, I did email Sue at apubasenji's and she forwarded my email to someone on the board who lives close to me. The vet I've been using is fine but I really don't think he's all that familiar with Basenji's and I would rather take my two to someone who is!!

I prefer a stick since it will dry much faster. Using a lotion or cream allows your dog to lick it right off which defeats the purpose. Make sure its water proof. A small amount will not harm your dog. I've checked with my vet and others and they all agree. My boy has a section on his nose which is a light pink. Anytime he goes into the sun it turns a bright red. I know its got to be painful. The sunblock has really helped.

@tanza: Then you are fine…. worst would be a Carrier... no worries.... That's why I chose Katie. After much research into breeders in my area I was very impressed with the bloodlines she produces, and happy with how she has bred to clear any possibility of Fanconi from her bloodline. ALways good to wait longer to get a pup and know you chose the right breeder. :D

Both of mine came in again this year, but in my experience, if they are around another bitch basenji that is in season, it may bring the others in also. Mine showed no inclination to going into season, and yet, first one and then the other! They did go to a show where there was another bitch in season before this.

@Tayda_Lenny: Well the dog park that we go to just made it against the rules to have unneutered dogs in the park. Sad, but I can understand… it is a very popular park and there have been a few incidents recently where some dogs have gotten hurt. Its obviously not ONLY cause they are unneutered, but I'm sure it doesn't help things. Lenny is not the main offender (but he is definitely not innocent either). I just sent his breeder an email saying that I really think that I should have him neutered at this point. We live in a really small apartment and its just not fair to have him cooped up in here without anywhere to run. He's leash aggressive and I normally don't walk them too much around my apartment.... we go to the dog park 4 times a week or so so they can run. He and Tayda have made a bunch of doggie friends at the park (and I've made some human ones) and I just don't think its fair to keep him intact for something that doesn't seem too likely to happen (her finding someone to show him out here that is close enough to me to not make it a HUGE inconvenience for everyone) at the expense of him having fun and socializing w/ other dogs and getting much needed exercise... I said we could arrange to have him collected if she wanted.... I hope she's not mad.... it's not how we planned it to be, but it is what it is..... sigh... My personal opinion, as a breeder is this… the happiness of the dog and the owner is the most important thing... if a breeder thought that the dog was that important to their breeding program... they should have kept them... period... when place... the most important thing is the home... not showing, not breeding, ot anything... but the home... I hope that all works out for you and you can get him neutered.... and enjoy him as a pet and family member.. again that is the most important thing!!! NO question... And in the end.. he is your dog.. you are the owner... it is really your choice to decide the best for you family/lifestyle... I hope that his breeder is one that sees this... and knows that he is in the best of homes... period!!!

It seems like the lower 1/3 of his K9 (that's his fang I'm guessing!) is gone so we can see the pulp inside. It is not discolored and he's eating fine. I'm glad to hear that he can live without those teeth. I am curious to see what the dentist recommends for the future, since Seti obviously has weak teeth.

That is what all good breeders are hoping for. Kudos you babies are healthy.

AMEN Pat!!!! To Everyone, People need to do this with ANY pet they decide to get. It becomes even more important when you are talking about a pure bred dog. We as humans have manipulated and restricted their bloodlines for so many years that EACH breed has its own unique genetic faults, and behavioral issues. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do your research prior to taking on a pet. Remember that by choosing to be an owner, you are choosing to be a steward for that animal. And that YOU are the one with the responsibility to be educated. If you don't have time to educate yourself COMPLEATLY on a pet…....then you should probably consider a pet rock.

Yes, there is a Basenji person in France and she does get Soloxine.. but not sure from where.

No the parents were not. Most of her dogs that have been tested have been negative for fanconi so I figure my chances are good that EL D will be fine.

Thanks pat- I will do it early this week.. I'm kinda nervous about getting the results.. fingers crossed for good news!

Awww, I'm sorry your doggie is "looking kind of lousy"…! :(

@Ninabeana26: I use Sentinel for Dallas' heartworm meds & I give it monthly. He has only had 2 months so far but I have never noticed anything funny after giving it to him. I just place it in with his evening kibble & he's been fine every time. Sentinel is actually two medications in one. It has the active ingredient for Interceptor and the active ingredient for Program. It is supposed to protect against heartworms and fleas. If you are still having problems with fleas, I would seriously consider changing to Interceptor only so you are not giving your dog an medication that is not working and then look for a more effective flea control.

True, I had two to three vets look at Shadow. Everyone knew there was a problem-which is why I had him xrayed as well. Funny how one thing can turn into something else.