One of my Basenjis is also diagnosed with early kidney disease. The vet prescribed Enalapril Maleate (generic for Vasotec). My vet allowed me to choose whatever prescription food I wanted to use. After some research I chose Blue Buffalo BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support. I looked into and tried a more holistic food, Dr. Harvey's - a dehydrated food, but Kushika couldn't manage to eat it without getting it all over the walls, kitchen floor, and herself so we went back to the kibble. I liked the Dr. Harvey food AND you can call to talk to Dr. Harvey, who asked me to send Kushika's lab results to him so he could make specific recommendations dependent on those results. Kushika came to live with us at almost 10 years old and was immediately diagnosed with kidney disease. At age 12+ she is still with us, going strong and looking better than when she arrived.
No longer eating
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@ttobler - Glad to hear that your Pharmacy can compound into liquid, hope that works. When I need to give pills and can't get them to take them in things like yogurt (which they grow up on eating off a spoon, so not usually an issue) but with elders will be if they don't want to eat and they know that you are hiding pills in the treats, I make a pack with them.... I put them between my legs, facing forward, tilt the head back and shove the pill down them... I promise them I will not hide pills in their food... learned this from a very good long time Basenji owner with a dog that had Fanconi. Had to take 14+ pills twice a day (thankfully with DNA testing for Fanconi and as long as Basenjis are tested there is never, ever a reason for a Basenji to be afflicted with Fanconi). This works 90% of the time... be prepared however that at times you might get "chomped" on.... trying to push the pill down...
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@ttobler
As Zande said *“ They get too canny if you bury it in their food and you find an empty pan with pills licked clean and sticking to the bottom.”*This is exactly what happened to me when I tried hiding medication in my B’s food. They’re just too smart for their own good! Try this method- it worked for me : https://youtu.be/ZN5Iil1hCAg -
If you have ever encountered a dog that is difficult to pill, you know there is no sure fire method. Many will notice it in food, however yummy it is, and spit the pill while swallowing the good stuff. Using the method in the video, which I have done many times, sometimes they swallow and then, just when you think you have achieved victory, they spit the pill that they have managed to retain.
OTOH, if you have a super cooperative dog, like my Border Collie.....he spit out the pill, I said "Blackie" and gave him an annoyed look, he looked at me and licked up the pill and swallowed it. "Sorry Boss". But Basenjis are not Border Collies, so don't expect that level of cooperation!
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During Jengo's last year he was on lots of medications including pills several times a day. I used pill pockets, cottage cheese, real cheese, pieces of steak, a similar method to that shown in the video. None of them worked 100% of the time, so I alternated to keep him guessing. As others have mentioned... pay attention because they will hide it till they think you're not looking and then spit it back out. One thing I did find that worked pretty well was to wet the pill before putting the slippery thing in his mouth like shown in the video. He seemed to swallow it that way pretty easily and fast. Still, not always 100%.
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@kembe Thanks, great technique which I can use with the liquid meds as well.
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@tanza Yikes, that's a lot of pills! I am also glad we were able to get it on short notice. Our little guy does great at game of hiding the pill and spitting it back out later. When not ill, it was easy to stuff it into a piece of meat after giving him 1 or 2 pieces first w/o the meds. But as I stated, he is still not eating. He is hungry, comes into the kitchen any time I am there, but seldom takes anything. As of late, sliced ham is what he will take. was able to give him 2 slices yesterday and 1.5 today. Will see how he does a but later after the meds get into his system.
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Hello All,
I am sad to share that our Moe passed away just after midnight on the 21st. We were able to feed him grilled lamb chops for a few days but he was just getting weaker. Sunday he did not eat and could hardly stand on his own with out stumbling. I was holding him when he passed, so glad to have shared that last moment with him. Once I get the biopsy reports from the specialist, I'll be sure to come back here and share it the hopes that it may help someone in the future. -
@ttobler I am so very sorry - but you can rest easy that you did all you could and you gave him a good life, better than that enjoyed by many Basenjis. All mine, bar one - the last, Hoover - have died in my arms. Its the last chance we get to show these incredible creatures we love them.
Bless you for getting a biopsy which may help others in the same boat.
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@zande I appreciate the kind words. He was a rescue, so know we gave him better home and he did have a good life, its just never long enough. And you are correct, it I am glad we spent his last moments together and I was able to comfort him one last time. Sorry to hear about losing yours..
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@ttobler I’m so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family. Moe had such a tough bunch of weeks. To me, you’re a super hero for staying by his side till the very end. I can tell you wouldn’t have done it any other way. Still... not everyone does. I hope your hearts heal.
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@ttobler His fight is over and his pain is gone. I can only imagine how hard this must be. If you think it would help you to process your loss, share his life's bright moments with us. You are in my thoughts.
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So sorry for you loss, he can run free without pain...Godspeed... and remember you will always carry his soul in your heart. Hugs
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@ttobler
Please take comfort in knowing that you did everything possible for Moe. Allow the happy memories to sooth your grief and mourning. So sorry for your loss.
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(So sad
- we’ve lost too many basenjis from this forum in the past few days.) -
Very sorry to hear this. May your memories sustain you through the difficult times. Know that many people on this forum are hurting in sympathy with you. Every loss brings back my own.
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@ttobler
May your grief and sadness melt with time, and may the good memories bring you comfort.
Did the lab results show anything?
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@JENGOSMonkey, @elbrant, @tanza, @Kembe, @eeeefarm, @helle-devi Thank you all for the kind words, it has not been easy but this does help. We actually got his ashes back today and the place did a fantastic job, came back with ceramic paw print and all. It will last bring final closure, he is home.
@helle-devi results confirmed what was suspected, IBD, for which we had already started his medications. I think it was just his time.
