so are all basenjis clumsy? mine is such a clutz….he's always falling off of things, getting stuck in things, running into things...it's really cute

although yesterday i did get a little worried because he hurt his leg (not bad)...for some reason when i'm in the backyard he likse to dash around and try to run under the patio furniture, but sometimes ends up running into it instead........he also always falls off the couch. he'll strech out in his wierd positions, or start scratching his ears and then down he goes :p he's so silly

Dallas will always slightly underestimate where the table is or bed is while he is running around the apartment & has on occasion hit something during his run. However, he hasn't slowed down yet from any of these. They are resiliant little pups!

EL D occasionally underestimates where a wall/table is when he's running around and is looking the other way (just like a kid). However, my previous beastie developed cataracts in one eye (eventually blind) and the vet said he thought it was because of hitting his head on something - like a wall. So I'd be a little cautious if yours is hitting objects constantly. Maybe next time at the vet ask to have his visions checked just to be sure.

It is always a good idea if your breeder has not already had it done to have a board certified Eye Vet do an exam on pups. This gives you a base line and there is a condition called juvenile catracts, along with other conditions that you would want to know about. Your Vet can give you a recommendation… and it is not very expensive. When we did Kobey last year (at 12wks) it was I think 60 or 70.00

I have my pups done at UC Davis and it is $35 per dog.

@lvoss:

I have my pups done at UC Davis and it is $35 per dog.

Hmm… maybe my next litter I will take the "herd" of them to UC Davis....

Just be sure to call in when the pups are about 2 weeks old to be able to get an appointment before they need to go home. They are usually booked several weeks in advance.

@lvoss:

Just be sure to call in when the pups are about 2 weeks old to be able to get an appointment before they need to go home. They are usually booked several weeks in advance.

Same with all eye vets….

I'm going to call my vet tomorrow and find out about checking his eyes since I am almost certain that was the one thing Midge didn't check & my vet hasn't mentioned a darn thing about it…figures. I just don't like this guy!

@Ninabeana26:

I'm going to call my vet tomorrow and find out about checking his eyes since I am almost certain that was the one thing Midge didn't check & my vet hasn't mentioned a darn thing about it…figures. I just don't like this guy!

Honestly, most regular Vets will NOT suggest a eye exam unless there is something to be concern about.. it is really not high on their list of things to do or talk about.

Here is a link to find a board certified Vet Ophthalmologist in case your Vet doesn't give you a referral.

http://www.acvo.org/locate_an_ophthalmologist.htm

Most vets do not know about the specific health concerns of each breed and therefore do not recommend testing for those diseases. Most end up waiting for symptoms to show. Some will be aware of certain issues like HD in large breeds or slipping patellas in toy breed but only generalizations not specific concerns. It really is up to the owner to become educated on what testing should be done and then request the tests at the appropriate ages.

Thanks…except there are none within even 3 hours of driving distance!!! I'll ask my vet if he has anyone local...

If there are no vet opthamologists in your area, check and see if there is a dog show in your area that may offer a CERF clinic. Many shows offer this because they can get a discount for the large number of exams done and the vets come out to the show grounds and do them.

We joke that Joey has no sense of self-preservation. He will be under the coffee table, where his ears are touching the bottom of it, but if you call his name, he hears something, or decides to do something else he will look up and whack his little melon on the table. He also likes to stand right behind you and then be offended when stepped on. Sometimes he falls short when jumping, or my personal favorite is trying to jump when already standing on his hind legs. It totally doesn't work, but is adorable.

Bassitt is pretty sure that she's agile like a cat. Except she outweighs cats by at least 10 pounds. She's forever falling off of the back of the couch because she thinks her butt's smaller than it is. (Then she gets scared because she fell off. Then she runs away and doesn't look where she's going and runs into stuff and gets scared.) In short…She's a total klutz, but in such a delightful way!