Posts made by Flash

My B girl is 13 years old and has developed osteoarthritis in her front leg for which she is being treated successfully. However, in the last two months her back legs seem to have lost their spring. She finds it difficult jumping up on the couch or the bed and sometimes she falls backwards when trying. She also finds it difficult walking upstairs. Her gate is affected and she slopes from the back when standing - even her tail unravels! The vet does not seem overly concerned. But I was wondering if you might know of this condition and might be able to recommend something.
Best wishes from Australia

@docgonzo said in Which dog fits me best?:

There is no other dog like a Basenji. Nearly every breed from poodles to pit bulls have retained approximately 8% of wolf genetics. Being an “Ancient” and the “daddy” of most Of today’s domesticated breeds, the Basenji retains approximately 24% of the Wolves genetics. A recent study also determined that of all breeds the Basenji has one of the largest “play drives” (You will find this out quickly) which was key and essential to the domestication of all dogs. The Basenji is truly unique genetically and in in temperament. This dog responds quickly to kindness and a soft touch, NOT yelling and physicality. YOU WILL NOT WIN A BATTLE OF WILLS. Adapt & overcome. LOL, This info will come in handy for the next couple of years. Congratulations, amazing animals.

So true. Even when life defeats them they revenge themselves. My 13 year old B tried unsuccessfully to jump up on the bed. When she unceremoniously fell off - twice, she turned around and bit the doona before running out of the room.

Thank you for your kind words and comments

@eeeefarm your absolutely right!

[Osteoarthritis
My 12 year old Basenji girl, Minke has developed osteoporosis in her front leg. Apart from that she is in good health and likes to be active. Like all Basenjis she is stoic but virtually can’t walk on her leg. Sometimes she screams with the pain and when walking she has a terrible limp and sometimes resorts to walking on 3 legs. It breaks my heart She has been given a series of cartrophen shots by the vet and is taking an analgesic on a daily basis - all without much relief. Do you have any suggestions about what else I might try? In the end I might just have to resort to a dog pram. If that is all I can do, dyou have any suggestions about the best one? Warmly, Helen (Australia)

Having just lost my basenji boy to cars my heart goes out to you.

I’m so sorry to hear of Pogi’s death. Like you I’m remembering all the wonderful things about Tikka that made him so special to me - how he would cock his head to one side when listening, how he put his head on my knee and look up at me with his brown eyes and lick my legs when I got out of the shower... so many good memories - love and sadness at the same time.

Thank you so much for all your kind words and sharing your own stories. Gosh it makes a difference to actually FEEL you are not alone. Minke remains subdued but is responding well to new situations and lots of grooming. We are beginning to forge something new as we move forward.

Last night my basenji boy, Tikka was killed on the road. I was out walking him and his sister basenji when he escaped and ran onto the road. The humans in our household are utterly bereft - he was a wonderful little being and so much part of our family. Our girl, Minke keeps looking for him or retreating to her crate, at other times she seems restless and unable to settle. There are a lot of smells around the house to remind her of her brother. I am taking her for long walks along the beach - a perfect landscape for tears and reflection. If you have any suggestions I would be most grateful. In the meantime, fellow basenji lovers be so careful about busy roads!

Thank you very useful article

It must be very distressing to hear your b cry. We had a similar situation with our boy. He would cry piteously when left and our girl would chime in as if to sooth him. We found crating them (their safe place) with a treat, kind words and a covering as if they were being tucked in at night did the trick when home alone. Crating occurred after a walk so they were comfortable and, as far as I can tell, they slept until we got home. Then greetings and another walk. We’ve also found letting them loose whenever we’re at home is a necessary complement to this - they are such loyal little pack animals! Have you discussed this situation with your vet? As a last resort, a pharmacological intervention may be a short term possibility during an adjustment period.

I have a 9 year old girl and an 8 year old boy (from different breeders). Despite the girl being our first, the boy has assumed dominance. Over the last 6 months he has started to bully the girl. He will growl and nip her then smell her butt. It’s sad to see her cower. I will step in and say NO! Then attempt to soothe both dogs but he continues to bully her in this fashion at random times for no apparent reason. Any suggestions about how I can curb this behaviour?

@ember-the-basenji
I relate to your comment about your basenji being aggressive towards white fluffy dogs. I wonder why these dogs attract their attention.

Lumps
My male b has developed a rather large lump (about the size of a golf ball) on his belly. I’ve had it examined thoroughly by a Vet and am reassured that it is benign. My b is 9 years old. I’m wondering if I should have it removed as it is slowly growing and somewhat unsightly. Has this happened to your b and if so what would you advise? I would welcome your comments.

Unfortunately we have the same problem with our boy (9) and girl (10). Off leash they play well - 95% of the time. The other 5% can be a disaster especially with small frightened dogs. My guys have gone after such animals and even bitten them - once drawing a small amount of blood. This behaviour seems quite instinctive and regrettably I have not been able to curb it. I do hope your pleasant little fellow doesn’t go this far. But we are talking about a very primitive breed.

Thank you all for your useful tips. Through this trial and error process I have found that crating them has been very helpful. I guess it is there safe place.

Howlin
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• list itemg- whenever my basenji male is separated from us he howls- LOUDLY. He is always in the company of our female basenji who chimes melodiously in with him to comfort him. We have just relocated to a more densely populated residence and his howling will not be tolerated. If we are unable to curb his howling we will have to re home him. So your urgent advice would be most welcome.

My Basenji girl has just enjoyed eating a wonderful leather collar that I had handcrafted for her in England some years ago. It was made out of saddle leather - it was soft but durable and designed priniply for grey hounds and whippets and wide back. I got the web address from someone on this website but alas am unable to relocate it. If you are aware of the site I would be most greatful to hear from you. Alternatively if you could suggest another suitable collar that would be terrific. My girl is just over 5 and still lovins chewing!

Omega 3 and the horse brush have restored their coats to a rich red - thanks for advice. The horse brush removed (bit by bit) the pale, fluffy winter fur.

We are just entering summer here in Australia and my 2 bs (both desexed, male and female) are looking very drab. Although they have retained their rich red fur along the spine the hair on their flanks, sides and cheeks is very pale looking and faded. At fist I thought it might be their winter undercoat because it was fluffy. I've tried in vain to brush it out. Several months have now passed and they remain faded and patchy looking - they in fact look like old dogs but are only 2 and 3 years old respectively. The vet thinks its winter coat but I would be interested in your views.