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Basenji Eyes

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • J

    Please let us know how the vet opthomologist visit went. Any news? Sending postive thoughts and wishes yours and Keba's way.

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  • KebasmomK

    Hello again.

    I found out this evening that my vet was wrong. My dog is NOT blind. She can still see a little bit. She does not have PRA but rather optic neuritis caused by some kind of infection which then causes the optic disk to swell. The veterinary opthomologist (VO) was a great guy. He talked to us for a while and then set up a little obstacle course which Keba slowly negotiated. Then he turned off the lights and she wouldn't do it. Then he did the exam. Keba has a referral to see a vertinary neurologist, hopefully tomorrow. The VO said that the neurologist would prob do a spinal tap, figure out what's wrong and then give her a shot of steroids and maybe something else. He also said that she should regain some of her sight but not all of it.

    The VO smiled when I asked him if he knew Basenjis and then he said "of course I know Basenjis, I'm the eye man".

    Thanks so much to everyone for your suggestions, ideas and good thoughts. We're not in the clear here yet. You all are wonderful. I'll keep you posted.

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  • tanzaT

    Well at least you know… and sounds like there is treatment... and good thoughts coming your way.....

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • J

    Thanks for the update. Please keep us posted.

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  • jys1011J

    Thanks so much for sharing here with us…I would have NEVER thought there was VOs or VNs!! WOW!! I swear I love this board because I'm always learning something new.

    Basenji Mom of C3PO & TOPAZ

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  • MaxBooBooBearM

    @jys1011:

    Thanks so much for sharing here with us…I would have NEVER thought there was VOs or VNs!! WOW!! I swear I love this board because I'm always learning something new.

    There is just about any kind of specialist that humans have. Over the years, my B had his regular vet (GP :)) an opthomologist, neurologist, physical therapist, dentist, psychiatrist (animal behaviorist), and oncologist (for his chemo when he had cancer)….and I know there are many more.....

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  • KebasmomK

    Hello Everybody. We saw the Neurologist on Friday and he did a spinal tap on Saturday morning. The initial results are a UTI and something else that may be autoimmune related. He called my regular vet to check initial blood tests for thyroid level and said that they look normal. Samples of the spinal fluid were sent to a lab in Texas, meanwhile Keba is on Amoxicillin and Prednisone beginning yesterday. If she doesn't improve quickly then he will up the dosage.

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  • MaxBooBooBearM

    It sounds like Keba is getting very good care–both from her doctors and her mom. How do they do the spinal tap on a dog? Was she under anesthesia? Was it painful for her after?

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  • KebasmomK

    The spinal tap took only about 45 minutes from start to finish. The vet gave her what he called a "little gas" because she had to be totally still. They also shaved a large spot from the back of her ears to her shoulders. There was a small spot on the back of her neck where they drew the sample. She was a little groggy but she didn't exhibit any pain and was all better later in the day.

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  • MaxBooBooBearM

    I'm glad to hear the spinal tap went so easily. What a brave little girl Keba is. When I first saw she was getting a spinal tap, I thought oh–that sounds painful. I hope things start improving for her.

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  • DebraDownSouthD

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    Of course required for artificial… reread and don't know where you got I didn't know that. I said: As for proving, if you are not using semen, you don't have to test generally. Pretty clear I know if you use semen (ie not live cover) you have to test. But you ALSO have to test when producing lots of litters. I saw no reason to get into the specifics there. But let me state it clearly so you don't argue more on item that has nothing to do with the issue.. If you use semen (ie not live cover) you have to do DNA. If you do live cover, generally you do NOT have to do DNA unless you 1. use more than one stud 2. the stud produces a certain number of litters (not looking up number) and a few other situations. And Pat, chill, really. I didn't say looks was the ONLY. My point, which I stated repeatedly, is that the African dogs also don't KNOW for sure if pure basenji.
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    @jys1011: HA HA..I was thinking the same thing…where do I get a bamboo stick?? Asia is the best place.:D :D :D But I do have some in the back yard.:D