Skip to content

Love my Basenji's

Member Introductions
  • Hi, I have two Basenji's, my girl is now 10 years old and her name is Mandi, I adopted her from one of the Basenji rescue's around 6 years ago. My other Basenji is a "boy", his name is Rickie and is now 3 years old. I also adopted him. He was a pistol at first, always wanting to attack and growl, but with love and consistent assurance he has come around. I have a concern for Rickie, about 8 months ago he started loosing his hair, around the neck, along the sides of his body, his stomach and at the back of his flanks. He does not itch. I have him on a "no grain" dry food with organic ground beef (cooked). I also have him on Calif. Naturals, which is a supplement with the "good oils" and stuff and also a supplement called Solid Gold Seameal, both of which were recommended by the rescue. Nothing has helped! I had him tested this week for Hypothroidism by asking the Vet to take a T4 test called the FT4 by equilibrium dialysis. This came out NORMAL! Rickie is still a little grouchy and gets cold easily. One more thing, the skin under the hair is now very dark. Does anyone know what this could be or what caused it? Better yet, what shall I do now?:confused::confused:

  • First, he needs a full thyroid panel, not just T4. The T4 can be normal but other parts of the panel can be abnormal and require medication. And…send results to Dr. Jean Dodds, she is an expert and will interpret the results and help you understand what the numbers mean...free!

    It could be something else, but with the combo of grouchiness and hair loss, thyroid is the place to start looking for an answer.

    Good luck!

  • I agree, full thyoid test is needed to know what the thyriod is…. and if it really is normal, I would suggest a specialtist in dermotology

  • Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about Rickies problem, can't offer any advice but hope you get him sorted soon.
    How about some pics of Mandi and Rickie ?

  • Welcome I second thunderbird8588 post. Take care.

    Rita Jean

Suggested Topics

  • Love of basenji,is a constant

    Member Introductions
    1
    2 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • Love my basenjis

    Member Introductions
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    3k Views
    V
    Hi Vicki - I love your name. ;) Welcome and I hope to see more of your postings. This is the best site for help, advice, and friendship. I, too, use the squirt bottle and always keep a cup of water on the counter for more drastic intervention. My two will go at it, then clean each other up once they are wet. It is funny.
  • We love our basenji

    Member Introductions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    3k Views
    AndrewnShangoA
    Congrats on your adoption! You're def. helping the world of lost/abandoned pets…. Tell us more about your new pup!
  • Basenji from S'pore

    Member Introductions
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    3k Views
    A
    @wizard: They look like they are perfectly matched - and neither one looks "fat". I have uploaded the contrasting photos. Go have a kick
  • Anybody's thoughts on Basenji health issues

    Member Introductions
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    5k Views
    LindaHL
    @maxamali: Long story short I am electing to go without surgery and treat with anti-inflammatory medicine as well as a joint supplement. For a joint supplement, I can highly recommend (from personal experience with our previous Basenji, Maxx), Missing Link Plus. It's expensive at places like Petco and PetsMart, but you can find it much cheaper by doing an Internet search.
  • Boxer-HOD and Basenji's

    Member Introductions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    3k Views
    nomrbddgsN
    Yep, we do agree on most things (bossy? or boss?)(both I think-it has something to do with me being a control freak-I like orderly fashion). True there are some dogs/bitches that will just not get along EVER. If I do leave with dogs that typically don't get along-grouch,snarl,sneer,etc.-I'm sorry-but they're separated. Either in separate rooms or crates. If you can't get along when I'm here, then chances are you won't when I'm not!! I did train other people and their dogs (notice I put people first) but as you say-meager. Now I just train my own, the occasional consult and focus on grooming, and the B's. I would love to make a living with just dogs, but, alas, that is really hard to do!