Skip to content

Sick Basenji

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • Hi folks,

    I have a 13 year old boy that has always been very healthy, however in the last two weeks he has gotten sick. The symptoms are: loss of appetite, trembling, and high water intake. My vet did a complete blood test and found nothing that stood out. He has lost almost four pounds and I'm starting to get very worried. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

    Ray

  • what about an urinalysis? or xray to rule out an impaction or blockage in the GI tract….It is sad when our pals get older, we still worry about them as children....it is very curious that the blood work did not show anything. Maybe you can ask the Vet for some more tests, another Vet for a second opinion. Strange things could have happened to the blood work, mixed with someone else, a false positive for what ever reason,...I would not accept the diagnoses of "nothing wrong" if he was my boy! could he have possibly gotten into chocolate candy, any dangerous cleaning solution, or anything???? just some ideas..............go to petmd and click on the symptoms you describe. maybe something will jar your memory of something he got into....? PS: {I just went on the site and clicked the symptoms you described, here is what came up: (regular blood tests wont show cancer)}

    intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) in Dogs

    Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating in the glandular and epithelial tissue (the lining of the internal...

    Symptom(s): Poor Appetite, Shaking, Weight Loss
    READ MORE

  • I agree with Buddys Pal… if they didn't do either urinalysis or xray, I'd get them done. If you have a sick dog and the vet just sort of says "oh well, blood work looks okay".. may be time for a new vet. Something is obviously wrong.

Suggested Topics

  • 7 yr old Basenji sick - HELP PLEASE

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    3k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    I sent you a couple of messages... check them please :) (click on the little bell on the top right.
  • 0 Votes
    6 Posts
    5k Views
    MacPackM
    I hope your pup is better soon. I do know that it can take a long time to treat pneumonia, and a 'tracheal wash' with cultures can point you to the correct antibiotic if puppy doesn't improve. Years ago our young dog had pneumonia and we went through 3 antibiotics with poor success, the cultures showed an unusual organism and we switched antibiotics and he was on them for another 3 months but recovered and lived to be 15. If you are not comfortable with your vet, go to a specialty group for a second opinion. We often go straight to our local specialists, saves time and money in the long run.
  • Sick Basenji

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    5k Views
    O
    Yes, Spencer is much better now, but he is still very thin. He lost six pounds. Even strong antibiotics cannot fight a severe abscess. I'm sure your vet found and resolved the problem under anesthesia, so that should put Egyn over the hump. SubQs and a few weeks of antiobiotics will hopefully get him back on the road to health. I had to feed Spencer critical care dog food through a syringe for several days after the surgery, then make him special soft food– the aforementioned meatballs-- for weeks after that. Good luck to you-- and positive thoughts to Egyn!
  • Those Basenji ears?!?

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    4k Views
    BarklessdogB
    Our red girl dog has the same problem. Freaks out when you touch her ears with a swab, but loves the inside of her ears rubbed when petting her. You know the two handed ear & cheek rub. That gave me an idea!. I found some real soft white - tight gardening gloves (unused), gave her an ear massage and cleaned her ears out. it worked well. I was extra careful not to push the dirt down her ears, but did kind of a wiping motion out and away from her inner ears. She loved it!
  • Basenji with problems

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    22
    0 Votes
    22 Posts
    10k Views
    QuercusQ
    @etzbseder: While I've got people looking at this, my B also has a minor umbilical hernia, I was wondering, how big of an issue is it, and should I get him fixed. Do the potential problems get overweighed by the benefits? That is usually not a big deal. The majority of Basenjis are born with umbilical hernias. Should you get him fixed? As in neutered? Yes. Should you get the hernia fixed? They could do it when they neuter him if it bothers you…but it isn't a health concern unless it is quite big.
  • Sick Basenji

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    5k Views
    B
    An update on Ben's condition. He had his teeth cleaned this morning and the vet had to remove several teeth. A large tooth in the back of the mouth had a cavity that went all the way to the root. He never lost his appetite during the whole ordeal or seemed to have any sensetivity of his mouth. I hope this is the end of the suffering he was going through. He was a rescue dog so we don't have the previous owners records as to dental care he had in the past. You can be sure he will be monitored from here on out for any sign of tooth decay or tarter build up. Thanks to everyone who replyed to my inquiry on Basenji health.