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Health Issues for Mixes

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • This may be a crazy question but after reading about the health issues regarding basenjis, do you have to worry about Fanconi Syndrome or the other genetic problems with a basenji mix? I'm assuming that since my Shelby is half senji half labrador retriever, the genetics should be different enough that those health problems shouldn't become an issue. At least, I'm hoping…

  • my dog is a basenji-boxer mix, and I will start testing soon, with the home strips. I was under the impression (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that if basenji is in the mix, fanconi is a possibility. Also, I do believe other breeds get Fanconi too - not just Bs. IMO, it's better to be safe than sorry. It's easy to test at home, and if caught early, is manageable. I'd feel terrible if my dog got sick when it could of been detected early & treated.

  • This is a incert from a former post discussing fanconi and mix B's…

    if you wanted to be on the super safe side you could test for your mix for Fanconi. But, in my opinion, and educated guess....it is virtually impossible for a dog that is half basenji or less to get Fanconi. The current understanding is it takes two basenjis that are carrying a gene/s for Fanconi to produce it in their offspring. So, *unless a Basenji mix has one parent that is full Basenji and one parent that is half or more Basenji, they shouldn't have the genetic combination that makes Fanconi.

    I dont really know for sure about testin mixes, but i plan on testing just to be on safe side.

  • Thanks, I'll have to pickup some testing strips. Do you get them at the vet's or can you get tham at a regular pharmacy?

  • Never mind. I just read another thread that answered that question. I will pick up some diastix from Walmart. I don't really think it is a possiblity that she could develop Fanconi's since she is a half B but it won't hurt to occasionally test her urine because I would feel awful if something happened to her and I could've done something. Thanks again.

4/5

1 Dec 2006, 12:24

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    @Patty: Personally I would take her to the vet to get her checked out for bowel or urinary infections. If she is losing sight and hearing she may be frightened. It sounds as though you need to step back a pace to calm your reactions. I can appreciate that you are getting fed up with all the work but she is an old dog. My present oldie (15) has taken to peeing (and pooing) indoors at times but I know I need to put her outside more often as she doesn't have the control she once had. She has also become blind and is certainly more aggressive with the others because of that. Any way first things first and do take her to the vet, please. Let us know how you get on. I have to agree with everything Patty wrote. Changing behavior ALWAYS needs a vet check. Increase aggresssion can be due to thyroid issues, pain, tick-born diseases, constant hunger (due to other things), etc. You didn't say in your post if you'd recently seen a vet and discussed her new issues. My oldest (16 in December) has failing kidneys (nonFanconi) and does need to pee more often. So, I put pee pads down in the house in his favorite pee spots. He's usually pretty good about that, but he does still pee in other spots if I'm not watching him carefully or if he gets a bit aggitated about the sitting arrangements. Would your pup stay in an exercise pen? That would give her a little more room than a crate.
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    I didnt know about pine needles either. I have pine trees all around my house. Though I don't think they would forage on them. But if the tree was in the house it would be a different story. For sure they would have it knocked down the second I got it up. I opted for a fake tree and put it in a room they dont usually have access to. Thank you for the good info!
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    @tanza: These kinds of problems are not uncommon when your Basenjis start to reach their "golden" years. You might want to try him on Dr. Dodd's liver cleansing diet. http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Liver%20cleansing%20diet.htm Many have used it and had great results regardless of what you find out the issue might be. Good Suggestion Pat as I had an older B with liver issues in 2008 and that diet brought it down into normal range.
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    And in the end, just treasure your time together and give him the best care you can.. which to me sometimes means just keeping them comfortable…. that is the best any of us can do...
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    If she's loosing hair then it sounds like it might be something more than just stress-of-an-intruder. The stray could have brought something nasty along. Maybe there's mites or something. I would take both to the vet.
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    @WBL: You do sound frustrated, if you are still feeling unsatisfied you could contact Dr Jean Dodds, she has done wonders for helping dogs with thyroids disorders. Here is a website that has contact info, and how to send in samples if you want [removed ad link] If you have the results (full panel print out and you should be able to get that from your Vet) you can just send that to Dr. Dodd's, she will read the results and give you a recommendation… Don't really think that she is all that much better then others, however she does see many B Thyroid results. I have sent her results from MSU and she agreed there was no need for supplements at that time.