I hope this works out for you… and the dogs. It's such a kind, generous idea and a lovely tribute to your grandmother!

Sadly the vets may simply not be that knowledgeable depending on their experiences and education if the products are not routinely used. To suggest not taking preventative measures appalls me. First, contact these folks. They have always been quick to respond to my questions and I am betting you they have resources to give you better research information and suggestions on whether products have actually been found resistant to flea/mosquitoes. They should also have advice on whether switching to the older daily meds provides more protection: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/ While it is true that fleas may become resistant to some meds, first you would need a long term high usage which, let's be real– Guyana doesn't come to mind. Second, back up flea protection with flea/tick combing as suggested. Before Frontline, I had to flea comb my chow so really, it's not that big of deal I seriously doubt that heartworms are becoming resistant to meds. And while they didn't say not to, again, if they suggest that, to become resistant, they would need to survive, propagate more resistant offspring, etc. With the massive use of the drug here in the USA, we haven't seen resistance. So at least you can feel sure you can protect them. Additionally, heartguard helps protect against OTHER worms too. http://www.stanford.edu/class/humbio103/ParaSites2006/Dirofilariasis/Prevention.htm In South America, success has already been demonstrated with the reduction of heartworm infections across many countries. This can be attributed to: Better control programs for mosquito populations, resulting in a decrease in vector populations. Effective chemoprophylaxis for heartworm to prevent increase in number of disease carriers. Reduction of disease carriers with injectable ivermectin to kill existing microfilariae in dog populations. Side effect reduction of reproductive capacity of worms from ehrlichiosis control with tetracyclines. What concerns me is the mosquito issue. Frankly, not much has ever been proven to help a lot. I don't know how other types of mosquito borne diseases are there. You can help with different products, and I have found that neem tree oil spray works marvelous on humans. But here is a rundown for people products. Sadly most are not recommended for dogs due to likelihood of ingesting them.: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in419 Neem: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/pesticide/hgic2770.html Neem is a relatively new and promising botanical insecticide made from extracts of Neem tree seeds. It is used to control a wide variety of insects including leafminers, whiteflies, thrips, caterpillars, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale crawlers, and beetles. Neem is most effective against actively growing immature insects. Azadirachtin, the active ingredient in neem extracts, has a very low mammalian toxicity. It acts as an insect feeding deterrent and growth regulator. Neem does not produce a quick knockdown and kill, but stops insect feeding. The treated insect usually cannot molt into its next life stage and dies without reproducing. Many commercial neem products exist, including Azatin XL, Neemix, SouthernAg Triple Action Neem Oil and Safer BioNeem. These products are labeled for use on ornamentals, foliage plants, trees, shrubs and food crops. Many neem products and formulations are also effective as a fungicide against powdery mildew.

Good post, reminds me that this can really be a problem that the vet needs to assess. I was just talking to my friend that the last week or two Oakley has been expressing his glands up to 8 times a day… He has never had his expressed but I started thinking this is likely an impacted gland therefore off to the vets we go this week.

I didnt know about pine needles either. I have pine trees all around my house. Though I don't think they would forage on them. But if the tree was in the house it would be a different story. For sure they would have it knocked down the second I got it up. I opted for a fake tree and put it in a room they dont usually have access to. Thank you for the good info!

I have to order mine today, been swamped getting my daughter visa stuff (she is going to study in France next semester then spend summer there).

As we all know here, feeding becomes very personal… but these foods with corn and other "fillers" are like feeding your children a complete diet of junk food.... Hopefully people will come to understand the value of a good quality food for their pets.

The vet thinks that he may have had a small stroke or spinal stroke. Due to his liver disease, I really didn't want him to be anesthetized for an MRI or CT scan. Senji doesn't seem to be in any pain at this time. He's able to jump up on the sofa and is eating and drinking pretty well now. He seems to walk at a bit of a diagonal sometimes and loses his balance a little when he lifts his leg. Otherwise, he seems to be able to run and climb around the neighborhood hills fairly well. In July, we think he may have gotten shocked when he chewed through an electrical cord. We think he may have had a small stroke from that too. He started to get spooked from shadows after that happened. Senji is going to be 16 at the end of this month. 5 years ago, he was diagnosed with severe liver disease. The vet didn't think he'd live more than a year. Here he is…4 years past his expiration date! He's had a good life. He eats good, mostly organic food, drinks filtered water, and gets lots of walks every day. As long as he's not in any pain or losing bladder and bowel function, I'm fine with the way he is. The vet just recommends palliative care at this point.

This knowledge is so important to anyone who owes/loves a basenji. I hope all the pet folks do this cheekswab test.

the thyroid pills are put into sweet potato french fries here. otherwise, cream cheese.

@DebraDownSouth: LOL well responsibility–I don't know. I do know other breed clubs that will NOT advertise dogs without requirements met, or list those with on top. Maybe a free congratulatory notice for litters with all testing done on parents? There are many dog magazines that will and since the BCOA publication is quarterly and only goes to members, even if they did, not much punch to that. The BCOA gives recommendations. Peer pressure is by far for any breed the thing that pushes people to do what others consider required testing.

mine wear coats a lot in the winter. My boyz wear coats inside as it is often chilly inside. Of course my boyz are almost 14 and 15; I don't worry as much about Z who will be 5 next month. The real problem here is the wind. It can be bitterly cold when that wind blows. So I make sure to get them a coat that blocks the wind. Regular fleece feels like nothing out here. I don't do boots, but sometimes I wonder if I should. the B's are pathetic rotating which foot is held up not touching the cold snowpacked ground. I also increase food on cold days. Having said all that, right now it is sunny and in the mid 60s and feels great! I even have a window open. Of course a few years ago when my parents visited, we had a blizzard for Thanksgiving.

@YodelMa: … and supplement generously with fresh Omega 3 ...with a quality Omega 3 supplement–the good stuff isn't cheap, but everyone remarks on my pack's shiny coats. Plus it's an anti-inflammatory, helps keep them young & healthy. As sighthounds, B's have less oily skin that's prone to dryness in winter climates! YodelMa - can I ask you what the brand is of the Omega 3 and where you get it (I'm in B.C.)? When it comes to my Kipawa, I'll pass on my lattes to make sure he gets products that are quality.

YAY!! Nice to see they all tested clear!

Perfectly normal - please don't worry.

I use vitamin E oil as a topical when the kidz skin is truly itchy. It is super in the cold conditions. In fact, when using it on the kidz, my hands were immediately improved - so it was a win win.

Analyzing New Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs, by Jan Rasmusen 11/15/11 http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2011/11/15/new-canine-vaccination-guidelines/

@lisastewart: Thats true, I guesss I could get my carrier retested now. Not sure there is a reason to retest the clear as the parents were clear and carrier. Yes there is a reason to retest clears, if you read Dr Johnson's write up from the Nationals, he clearly says that even pClear to pClear could produce Carriers, so a pClear to pCarrier could make that pup a Carrier or even Affected if that pClear turned out to be a Carrier. It is recommended that all potential breeding stock be retested with the direct test. And if I had a pClear to pCarrier regardless if I were considering breeding, I would retest.

Sorry to hear that Oakley went though this, but I have to say thanks for posting about this. I use Xylitol for my own baking/sweetening while I'm dieting… looks like I'll only keep the Stevia in the house... in the highest cupboad!

I am glad you went to a legitimate site to share more facts to consider. Though, I gave out the information as a reply to a thread only to assume that any person reading it was intelligent and would be able to make a decision to pursue or not to pursue more facts. I was not upset nor do I have to ask myself if it is more important for the dog's safety, that would be for the informed person to pursue or even ask a Veterinarian which you and I are not. We are just sharing OPINIONS and experience on this forum. PS: I only get upset at people who breed more dogs than the world needs and then admits to being part of a rescue(for 30 years), which are quite contradictory actually…...The big picture is out of focus.......

That is a huge relief about the cheek swab…She absolutely HATED having her blood drawn and has been mistrustful of the vet and vet techs ever since. I didn't not realize that there were many errors in the original test. I stopped frequenting this forum shortly after I had her test done and haven't really heard anything from the basenji world until I got the e-mail. I will definitely get this re-test done as soon as possible and will pick up some strips tomorrow so I can start testing her urine. Thankfully she has not been showing any signs of poor health and has always done well on checkups.