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

  • OFA Health Survey

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    4
    3 Votes
    4 Posts
    1k Views
    elbrantE
    @donc The results were rather interesting...
  • Ear health

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    KipawaK
    @vickilb: My little BRAT, Hunter, LOVES to make his own trails when we go hiking. Last year he got one of those Foxtail seeds stuck way the heck down his eardrum. He had to be put under because it was resting on his ear drum and he wouldn't hold still for the vet!!! $500 later, he is as good as new. Do I take him to the same hiking area, you betcha!!!! Those foxtails are BAD! We have them here in the summer, and they are everywhere, so there is not much we can do. Yes, that kind of vet procedure can cost quite a bit. What we don't do for our fur babies!
  • 0 Votes
    5 Posts
    4k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Really, posted and decided to send private because, well because.
  • Health insurance?

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    KipawaK
    I plan on putting some money into a savings account monthly, about $75. All the fine print scares me, and I don't want the hassles if something I thought was covered is not.
  • Pet Health Insurance

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    4k Views
    N
    @smharr4: I also have a Care Credit card (http://www.carecredit.com/) which will allow me to pay the bill at the vet immediately, then I can just transfer the money between bank accounts (which takes a few days) so the Care Credit card is payed off before any interest accrues. At least one of our local vets also has a 'promissory note' payment scheme where you pay half when you pick up your pet then spreads the rest out over 3-4 months, that can come in handy too sometimes. Thanks for the tip. I will ask my vet if he has any 'promissory note' scheme. That sounds good, and…yes it would come in handy!
  • Health Tests

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k 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.