Skip to content

Liver issues

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • I'm so sorry that Rocky is not doing well. Sending hugs to all of you. It hurts like crazy to lose a beloved pet. All we can try to remember is the wonderful times.

  • I tried to read through all the posts but couldn't seem to find if Rocky has anemia. That could explain his lethargy and grumpyness. Max, a few years back was having that trouble and they gave him some iron supplementation which helped. Also did they test him for tickborn illness?

  • So sorry to hear… it is a hard thing when they are ill and there is nothing to help them.. hard as it is.. you just have to "steel" yourself that at some point you know when the quality of life is no longer there... and while for me, it has been with elders, regardless of the age it is never easy.... we just have to do what in our hearts is right for the dog... it is never an easy decision, however since I have been though a few in the last years... you will know when the time is right... it is in their eyes...

  • thanks guys. it's definitely been a rough month. I'll try to keep you posted more often, but nothing really changes unless we go to the vet to get his weight/blood work.


    ^Here he is last night with Dan.. :)

  • well guys, the end is drawing near..

    in the last week, he has swollen up to the point where he looks like he swallowed a basketball in his ribs and pregnant in his abdomen. Hes having a hard time breathing. (they are short but deep breaths) and he is pooping 4-5 times a day. I went to the vet today with Mia for her annual (she's healthy as a horse), and was talking to him about it, and he said its fluid building up and he's basically in the end stages. The fluid is pushing on his insides, which is causing the breathing and pooping issues. We were supposed to go next week to get more blood work but the vet said it wouldn't even be worth the money. He said basically theres nothing we can do now, except let him go on until it gets to the point that we will have him put down. He also said we could try to drain the fluid to make him more comfortable and he may be able to breath better.

    I relayed all that info to Dan when I got home and he called him to talk to him himself. So we are going tonight to have the fluid drained. We'll see how it goes I guess.

    I'll keep you guys updated.

  • Heather,
    I am so sorry to hear that… my heart goes out to you...

  • Heather, Dan and Rocky, my thoughts are with all of you.

  • I'm so sorry about Rocky. My heart sank when I read the post. You're in my thoughts.

  • well your good thoughts must of worked wonders. What we thought was fluid.. wasn't! it looks like he is just gaining weight :) 17 lbs 11oz! There could be SOME fluid but not enough for the vet to tap and the vet said his breathing and heart rate are fine. Were going back in two weeks for blood work again to see if somethings changing ! :) :)

  • @hdolbow:

    well your good thoughts must of worked wonders. What we thought was fluid.. wasn't! it looks like he is just gaining weight :) 17 lbs 11oz! There could be SOME fluid but not enough for the vet to tap and the vet said his breathing and heart rate are fine. Were going back in two weeks for blood work again to see if somethings changing ! :) :)

    What wonderful news…. Keep it up Rocky!!!! We are all pulling for you!!!

  • Wow, good news. I know you are relieved to have him home and feeling better, just "fat"!

    Hugs to you all.

  • Finally fat is good! Way to go Rocky, keep up the good work. Everyone is wishing you the best.

  • Heather, Dan and Rocky, i am pleased to hear your news, i read yesterdays post first and felt so sad, then i went on to read todays and what a surprise :)
    I do hope things keep improving for you, every day is a bonus.

  • Heather, I am so pleased to hear that Rocky is improving. Basenjis have a wonderful way of pulling back from the brink so I do so pray that he continues to improve. Rocky is in my thoughts and prayers.

  • And in the end, just treasure your time together and give him the best care you can.. which to me sometimes means just keeping them comfortable…. that is the best any of us can do...

Suggested Topics

  • Weight issue

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    575 Views
    tanzaT
    @Rebel - Full blood workup including full Thyroid panel (full panel no just what the normal vet workup that is not a full thyroid panel)... as they say make sure that he is in good health. Also what are you feeding him? How much total are you feeding a day? Also with reducing food, add veggies to his food to fill his belly... green beans are good to use... I use Cauliflower and Broccoli... Note also that low normal is typically too low for Basenjis.
  • 0 Votes
    41 Posts
    4k Views
    ZandeZ
    @channingsmom said in Gallbladder/liver issues: He is getting enough to eat that he hasn’t lost weight That in itself is very good news. It can be very difficult to keep weight on a picky, elderly Basenji. Once they really start to lose it, often there is no putting weight back on. Good luck !
  • Eating Issues

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    4k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    The FDA can only do what the laws allow and if the govt is controlled by lobbyist, well.... But this isn't the place for politics so I'll leave it at that. I am very sorry about your horse. :( With meat.. it's particularly red meat that research is linking to cancer... early research shows amount is a big factor (recommendations from 4 oz a day to max 18 oz a week), but who knows. Processed meat is the worse, and I saw some headline (didn't bother to read since I like my beef shortly after it stops mooing) that well done steaks more carcinogenic. For the world, reducing red meat is good for the environment and health. I was reading a study last week on red meat and joint inflammation. Studies the last 15 years actually only have general connection, but that most do is a pretty good indicator. I had a doctor tell me to stop all red meat and milk when I was a teen and experiencing joint pain. It helped, but back then, no internet and not much access to current research. Here we are 45+ years later, and still no strong proof and some show that reducing carbs with increased LEAN red meat actually decreased inflammation. However, we then get this Science Catch-up. Red Meat And Gut Inflammation: Harvard Study ... https://thehealthsciencesacademy.org/science-catch-up/science-catch-up-28/ Jan 18, 2017 - Red meat and gut inflammation: Harvard study. According this new Harvard study involving 46,500 participants, eating high amounts of red meat daily might be a risk factor for gut inflammation and the development of diverticulitis. << So no one has absolute proof, but my money is on reducing red meat is more likely to be healthier than not. I just don't rule out all meat (ie fish and fowl) as getting enough protein is pretty hard and we don't have enough hard research for ME to go vegetarian. But I'm open to it and glad you are having success.
  • Urinary issues

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    11k Views
    No one has replied
  • Layla's Liver Issue

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    Great news, i'm glad Layla is doing so well. Thanks for the update
  • Eye issues

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    2k Views
    wizardW
    If she's loosing hair then it sounds like it might be something more than just stress-of-an-intruder. The stray could have brought something nasty along. Maybe there's mites or something. I would take both to the vet.