Skip to content

Health Vent

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • I just got off the phone with our vet, and while I feel good about our ultimate decision, I'm still kind of confused.:confused:

    Cooper's thyroid levels came back normal. My vet spoke to two other vets, an endocrinologist and an allergy specialist, in trying to interpret the results and determine the plan of action. The endocrinologist (an MSU vet!) had the audacity to tell my vet that basenjis are no more prone to thyroid problems than other breeds, and that their levels are not normally higher than other breeds!!! And the allergist suggested that we do food trials, even though we have done that and the blood tests, and have come up with NO positive food allergies. And they both suggested a million other things we do, like using air cleaners, vacuuming often, keeping his food in airtight storage, etc.

    So I told our vet that I wasn't convinced that Cooper does not have a thyroid problem. The treatment is reversible and cheap. We should see results quickly if that is the issue. So we're starting meds tomorrow!!!

    I'm glad that my vet is willing to take my gut feelings and personal research in consideration. And while I'm glad she sought assistance from her colleagues, I'm dissapointed in their essential dismissal of our problems. I have a nearly hairless basenji who is very prone to skin infections and welts. Something has to be done!!!:eek:

  • I googled canine hair loss and I got one other disease you should see if your vet checked for especially since another Forum member just had a dog recently diagnosed with Diabetes. Hair loss can be a symptom of canine diabetes and if the other tests are coming back normal, have they checked to make sure there is not elevated blood glucose?

  • You do sound frustrated, if you are still feeling unsatisfied you could contact Dr Jean Dodds, she has done wonders for helping dogs with thyroids disorders.

    Here is a website that has contact info, and how to send in samples if you want
    [removed ad link]

  • @WBL:

    You do sound frustrated, if you are still feeling unsatisfied you could contact Dr Jean Dodds, she has done wonders for helping dogs with thyroids disorders.

    Here is a website that has contact info, and how to send in samples if you want
    [removed ad link]

    If you have the results (full panel print out and you should be able to get that from your Vet) you can just send that to Dr. Dodd's, she will read the results and give you a recommendation… Don't really think that she is all that much better then others, however she does see many B Thyroid results.
    I have sent her results from MSU and she agreed there was no need for supplements at that time.

Suggested Topics

  • Joint health

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    3k Views
    ChanningsMomC
    Thanks for the input! He does get chicken & duck feet sometimes for a snack!
  • Just need to vent - *@^@#$ Fanconi!

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    59
    0 Votes
    59 Posts
    42k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Michelle, I am so very sorry. :( I know it is hard, but try to not focus on their screw up. They didn't hurt HER, they stressed you. Focus on how much loved that dear dog was and that you gave her a fantastic last day. I wish caring could ease your hurt, but it doesn't– but know you are, in fact, cared for. Thank you for sharing her with us. ((hugs))
  • Health Result Records

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    28
    0 Votes
    28 Posts
    10k Views
    misspodhradskyM
    @Nemo: Of course they don't have to register them at all to sell puppies. thats for sure :(
  • Health Tests

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    2k Views
    lvossL
    The fanconi test needs to be ordered from the OFA website, https://secure.offa.org/cart.html Have you talked to Nilo's breeder about health testing. Without pedigree information his tests alone don't provide a very complete picture since disorders like PRA are late onset.
  • Health testing results

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    2k Views
    basiB
    Great news:D Belle is having her eyes done in a couple of weeks then her hips are being done a few days after that.
  • Basenji Health Endowment

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    2k Views
    tanzaT
    @Quercus: Important update from the Basenji Club of America: The Basenji Health Endowment is pleased to announce the establishment of its own website and information portal for the Basenji Fancy. The BHE can be found at: http://www.BasenjiHealth.org or http://www.BasenjiHealthEndowment.org. To inagurate our new website, the Basenji Health Endowment is pleased to announce that it has directly funded Dr. Gary Johnson of the University of Missouri to develop a marker-based test for Fanconi Syndrome. You may read the complete press release at: http://www.BasenjiHealth.org/bhe042007.pdf And also there are links if you would like to donate to the Health Endowment… this is a very important break through for our breed and especially for breeders. For anyone that has had or knows of a Fanconi Affilicted Basenji.. knows what a terrible affilication this is.... and for us to finally start to get a handle on it is something we have been waiting for..... Please all remember strip test your Basenjis... at least once a month....