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  3. Extreme GI issues? Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Enterocolitis? Crohns in Basenjis?

Extreme GI issues? Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Enterocolitis? Crohns in Basenjis?

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • k.rassK

    Hello All
    My newly adopted 7 year old rescue Basenji (puppy mill baby and we are his second family) has come down with a terrible GI problem. Severe ulceration of the small intestine, high white blood cell count (42000), anemia, extreme weight loss and muscle tissue degradation. He started with bloody vomit and bloody diarrhea over three months ago that cleared up after antibiotics, but over the last two months started to eat less and less. His mood was good and he still acted pretty normal (except for poor eating) but we finally brought him into the vet after he lost so much weight and completely stopped eating. We found it much worse than we thought. Doctors think it may be lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis. I did some research and found that Basenji's are a breed with which this disease occurs with more frequency. What about Crohn's Diease? Can anyone share their experiences?
    Thank you, we are desperate to save him.

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  • tanzaT

    https://www.basenji.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=155&Itemid=292#IPSID

    You may want to try the above link.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • k.rassK

    Thanks for the input Pat. I brought the article to the vet who was very happy to have this information. Endoscope results are not on yet, but all symptoms looked like this disease. They will probably start prednisone today as he is deteriorating rapidly. I wish vets would research breed specific diseases especially with Basenjis. Would have saved critical time. I guess it's up to us to educate them.
    Thank you!!

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  • tanzaT

    Your welcome…. please make sure since many have found that Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and not IBS or IPSID is the problem. Good luck and hopefully treatment will take effect..... Biospy is this key as noted in the write up.... to determine. http://www.epi4dogs.com is the best place fro EPI information.
    While I agree that Vet's should take the time to research breed specific diseases… I can understand that sometimes they don't really even think about it. Be happy that your Vet "accepts" your input... as I know many that will or do not... which is a huge problem... as they look as owners as being "stupid" and not able to educate even Vets about different breeds health issues.... LOL, not all owners are "stupid"... sad to say, many, many are... Have been at my Vets many times when people bring in their pets and say "Oh he has been doing "this or that" for a few weeks.....".... DUH?? Would you do that with your human child?

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • agilebasenjiA

    I think Pat gets today's gold star!!!

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  • tanzaT

    Thanks… it is something that all pet owners should research on their own... when you have a purebred, you have many options to find out about possible breed specific problems, especially on breed specific websites that talk about health concerns. Honestly I am surprised that BRAT doesn't make sure that people know of the Basenji Club of America site that talks about health concerns in our breed. That said, it is harder if you have a possible mix as there are many things that can and do contribute to health issues and just because you think you have a B Mix, doesn't mean that health issues that are mostly for Basenjis could be the problem, something like EPI is NOT just for Basenjis... it is common to many breeds and/or mixes.... But learn about them... present them to your Vet... You will find out pretty quick if your Vet is open to listen to you or just try and blow you off... if that if the case (blow you off), time to find a different Vet.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • k.rassK

    Sadly I got the bad news today. My B Boy has lymphoma of the GI tract - T cells, the worst to have. Vet thinks he will be with me one to two months and he already may have "used up" one while we were diagnosing him. The best now is palliative care. I am heartbroken, poor guy. Not fair to a truly sweet boy.

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  • eeeefarmE

    I am very sorry to hear this. It's never easy to learn bad news. Thank you for giving this boy a chance, and I hope you manage to have some good days for the time you have left.

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

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  • Chealsie508C

    So sorry to hear, that's heartbreaking news. Putting myself in your shoes I just can't imagine. Make these days count and make them memorable. Wishing you both the best

    "I know I've found the breed for me because he totally turns my life upside down and I love it!"

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  • agilebasenjiA

    How heartbreaking. You must be a very special sort of person and I'm so glad this little basenji found you so that his last little bit of his short life is filled with people who love and care for him. peace.

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  • k.rassK

    I wanted to let everyone know that I helped my boy cross over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. My heart is broken but I know my sweet Gombo is not suffering. I miss him already. Thanks for your support and words of kindness.

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  • tanzaT

    So sorry for your loss….

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • MDSPHOTOM

    I am very sad to hear about your loss.

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  • agilebasenjiA

    I am so sorry. I was hoping you would have more time together.

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  • tanzaT

    I agree, but thank you for giving him a special place and sending him over the rainbow bridge to be free of paid and sickness

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • Q

    I am so sorry for your loss. I had a little girl die in a tragic accident a year ago

    I am so sorry for your loss. Run free, little Gombo…

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  • ?

    Sorry for your loss, always harder when they are taken too early and we aren't prepared to let them go.

    Jolanda and Kaiser

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  • R

    Sick Basenji :(

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    I too am sorry for not seeing this thread sooner and hopefully the poster will return. My Basenji had some teeth removed and the vet prescribed Carprofen as the follow up antibiotic. My Basenji turned out to be allergic to Carprofen which caused her liver to fail. I went through the same scenario you are describing. She gradually quit eating over the course of several days and then her water consumption started to go down. The eating had me worried since she had an excellent appetite upon return from the vet and the final purging of the anesthesia from her system. Nevertheless, her condition started to degrade. I followed her outside and watched her urinate. Her urine was a very bright yellow. I suspected then a liver issue. Once back inside she was shivering - off to the vet we went. LIver panel blood work up showed very high on specific indicators for failing liver. Vet prescribed Denamarin (containing SAM-e and silybin). SAM-e helps protect liver cells from cell death and aids in cell repair and regeneration. The Vet also started fluid injections. Fluid injections were everyday for two weeks. My Basenji showed a remarkable response to the fluid injections becoming much more her normal self even after the first day. She hated the injections and I could hear her cry when receiving them at the vet (believe me that will tear you up). But she was doing better and she (me) were going to have to tuff this out. Also a different antibiotic was prescribed to prevent liver infection during recovery. The Denamarin comes in dosages based on weight (medium for us). It is the size of a large human like solid oblong vitamin pill. Instructions want you to give it on an empty stomach and preferably not to cut it or place in something similar to a pill pocket however you can if necessary. My Basenji would not take that size (can't blame her). Cutting and disguising it did not work either. I was frantic and got the SAM-e in powder form. I couldn't slip her that either. All though some folks had success with peanut butter and liverwurst. I finally after three days had to have the vet pill her along with her fluid treatments. A week later another blood sample and her liver panel indicators were coming down. The pilling would last for a month and it took two people to get the pill down her. The important part is - she fully recovered from the liver failure. She is 13 1/2 yrs old. My experience after having 5 Basenjis is that the breed is sensitive to medications (anesthesia also). Many of the medications work just fine in most other breeds and mixes. The vet, if not that experienced with the Basenji, must be cautioned. Mine was not. Before accepting any medication have the vet go over any contraindications with you and to double check their resources for potential side effects when dealing with Basenjis. They may switch to something else if a medication has a bad track history with Basenjis. Know what to watch for should your Basenji start to react in a non-positive manner. The poster did not indicate if there were medications in play when the dog started showing degenerating conditions. I sincerely hopes this helps in some way and helps other Basenji owners
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