Please insist that his Thyroid be checked. It is a common problem in Basenjis to have a low thyroid, especially spayed/neutered ones… even a low normal Thyroid in Basenjis is not normal.... medications for this are easy to give and pretty inexpensive.
And yes, there are medications for mental problems.... there are a couple of different ones....
Remember, while Vets are great, they don't know everything about all breeds and like your own health sometimes you have to push….. Your Vet should not take it as "you are a know it all"... but should listen to what you have to say....
ok. Thanks for all your Advise. Id like to know if anyone has their B's on medication for behavioral problems…??
There was another thread about separation problems… which is different then "behavior problems"... There is no medication for behavior, per say.... unless there is a problem with his Thyroid... having Thyroid problems can cause a lot of different problems.... but it is not a "cure all"
Basenjis seem to have a propensity for thyroid problems, so a full thyroid panel is definitely in order, IMO. You'll need the full six-panel test, not just T3 and T4, to make a definitive diagnosis. It's more expensive (I paid $83 this year in Minnesota), but I feel it's worth it.
Although others may disagree, I get Magnum's thyroid tested every year and fax the results to Dr. Jean Dodds (Homeopet), who, upon the advice of other B fanciers, I've decided to trust in matters regarding Basenji thyroid levels. Dr. Dodds does not charge for giving you her opinion on the results, which I find remarkable.
There is "behavior" medication. I tried "Clomicalm" for Magnum for his SA, but he was allergic, so we had to take the long road. I've heard there are others, but haven't tried them. Feel free to PM me for more info.
Basenjis seem to have a propensity for thyroid problems, so a full thyroid panel is definitely in order, IMO. You'll need the full six-panel test, not just T3 and T4, to make a definitive diagnosis. It's more expensive (I paid $83 this year in Minnesota), but I feel it's worth it.
Although others may disagree, I get Magnum's thyroid tested every year and fax the results to Dr. Jean Dodds (Homeopet), who, upon the advice of other B fanciers, I've decided to trust in matters regarding Basenji thyroid levels. Dr. Dodds does not charge for giving you her opinion on the results, which I find remarkable.
There is "behavior" medication. I tried "Clomicalm" for Magnum for his SA, but he was allergic, so we had to take the long road. I've heard there are others, but haven't tried them. Feel free to PM me for more info.
Please note, behavior medication is limited to separation problems… it doesn't help regular behavior problems....
Well, SA is a type of behavior, yes?
What kind of behaviors are you referring to, Pat?
Caesar barely had a UTI and became very growly at times in his routine. It is amazing how animals can mask pain. Caesar would growl, Beta would shake.
He may be in pain and acting out when he feels like he is being bothered, like on your walk.
The destructive behavior and the crying at night can be helped by more attention. He may be feeling better and has more energy than when he was achey.
Try going back to what you would do when he was a puppy. Give him something that takes a long time to eat in the kennel at night to help with that anxiety time. I have found my boy cries less if his kennel is covered by a blanket. He quiets down right away.
Try walking at the time when your guy was being destructive. He may just have energy that is making him rambunctious. Another good way to burn energy is to play fetch inside or do some fun training with cheerioh treats or something small that will keep his attention?
Just a few non medication suggestions. Keep us posted!
Well, SA is a type of behavior, yes?
What kind of behaviors are you referring to, Pat?
Things like biting behaviors.. just wanted to make a point that meds are for specific behaviors.. not a cure all
WELL its all been great advice guys. Im worried now about the thyroid problem, but my vet appt. is on the 18th and im going to have him tested. Still, deep down inside im hopeing its the Lyme medication hes on. only two more days of that after today. I DID do some research on the side effects of the Diphenhydramine and Doxcycline on dogs as well as humans. (im not sure how they would know if a dog has aches or pains or dry mouth lol, without asking.) BUT some of the side effects would make Me grumpy. We'll just have to wait and see on the 18th. Ill keep you all posted!!
Don't worry about the Thyroid, nothing you can do but to have it tested… and really all Basenjis should be checked, especially older spay/neutered.... and it is always good to have a base line done at an early age... IMO... Of course I am a BIG, BIG pusher of Blood work and to have it done as a pup as a base line and of course before any surgery.... and as they age, senior panels at least yearly are a certain requirement.. in my book anyway (and my Vets...)
Things like biting behaviors.. just wanted to make a point that meds are for specific behaviors.. not a cure all
Oh, I agree completely! They are definitely NOT a cure-all. IMO, drugs used for unwwanted behavior should only be used as part of a behavior modification program, especially when dealing with SA.
