Sick Basenji

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
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  • R

    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

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  • Buddys PalB
    First Basenji's

    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

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  • DebraDownSouthD

    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.

    Debra

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  • R

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    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
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    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.
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