Skip to content

Basenji with problems

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • It's just like kids. Just when you think they're getting better they do something else or they get worse…and they can talk!!!! Being a mom whether it be to kids or bs is a guilt ridden job. We can only follow out gut feelings and hope for the best. I'm sure the cat is the exception to the rule and not the norm. I think your guy will be fine. Good Luck.

  • Well, we are back from the vet. I am told not to worry about the infection I thought he had, it's probably just him growing up and it being mating season. as for his let, he has a swollen knee and I should keep him from stressing it and have him eat 1/4 pill 2x a day of an anti-inflamitory/pain killer, like tylenol (i think).in a week, i will return and see if he is better and if an x-ray is needed.

  • I am glad you got a GOOD report! Thanks for the update!!

  • @etzbseder:

    Well, we are back from the vet. I am told not to worry about the infection I thought he had, it's probably just him growing up and it being mating season. as for his let, he has a swollen knee and I should keep him from stressing it and have him eat 1/4 pill 2x a day of an anti-inflamitory/pain killer, like tylenol (i think).in a week, i will return and see if he is better and if an x-ray is needed.

    Hopefully NOT Tylenol..as acetaminaphen is toxic for most dogs. Hopefully it was something the vet perscribed. Is it is his knee (rear leg), or his elbow (front leg). If it is his rear leg, he may have a bad patella. They can pop in and out, the dog can appear to be limping, and then be fine.

  • @Quercus:

    Hopefully NOT Tylenol..as acetaminaphen is toxic for most dogs. Hopefully it was something the vet perscribed. Is it is his knee (rear leg), or his elbow (front leg). If it is his rear leg, he may have a bad patella. They can pop in and out, the dog can appear to be limping, and then be fine.

    Good points Andrea (especially the Tylenol)… I was wondering the same thing if it was his patella. but if there was swelling, could just be joint problems... or joint problems leading to something more serious

  • it was his front left leg and his elbow was a little swolen, but even now it's doing better, and no , not tylenol. the vet gave me "Rimady"

  • @etzbseder:

    it was his front left leg and his elbow was a little swolen, but even now it's doing better, and no , not tylenol. the vet gave me "Rimady"

    Be very careful with Rimady….. and you can seach the internet about it... (and should)... short term should not be a problem (usually) but it does/can have terrible side effects

  • This may sound gross but-Shadow sometimes does not clean himself enough-I put a little corn syrup near his opening on his sheath and he starts to clean himself again.

  • @nomrbddgs:

    This may sound gross but-Shadow sometimes does not clean himself enough-I put a little corn syrup near his opening on his sheath and he starts to clean himself again.

    I would be a bit concerned that some would get into his urethra and start a UTI. I think maybe a baby wipe might be a bit safer for cleaning those areas.

  • 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?

  • @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?

    Umbilical hernia are NO problem… 75% of all Basenjis have them... when you have him neutered they can fix it then.

    A couple of my girls had quite large ones and were never a problem not even then they whelped litters

  • @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.

Suggested Topics

  • IBS in basenji

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    15
    3 Votes
    15 Posts
    2k Views
    ZandeZ
    @jengosmonkey That is a very interesting link. My girl suffered none of the possible side effects. No lethargy, listlessness, weight gain and her shape remained immaculate till the day she died. But she no longer suffered from IBS.
  • Sick Basenji :(

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    6k Views
    P
    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
  • Basenji dental

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    37
    0 Votes
    37 Posts
    15k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @tanza: LOL …. so hmm... great weather = higher Vet costs... makes perfect sense to me!!! LOL great weather equals more want to live there. More want to live there, drives real estate costs up. Increased real estate costs drives other expenses up. LOL, it does make some sense. But then, wth is up with NYC which has icky weather? Oh wait, massive overcrowding, never mind.
  • My basenji

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    2k Views
    nobarkusN
    @snorky998: Were you thinking of Vestibular syndrome, Dan? http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=8577&highlight=vestibular+syndrome That's it Snorky!! :D
  • Itching Basenji!

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    8k Views
    nobarkusN
    It's most likely a yeast infection. They get it in the ears quite often. Buddy has a yeast infection right now on his stomach.
  • Basenji and food problem suggestions

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    starcentralS
    I will continue this topic in the FOOD FORUMS since likely this is not a health issue at this time: http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=7726&page=2 Thank you everyone for you comments, I am new here, and new to Basenji's so all the help is appreciated. The longer I keep little Benji confined, the more destruction he starts doing to the laundry room! :D