@zande said in Extra Long Heat in Young Unbred Basenji:

Dogs don't have to be registered by their national authority, be it AKC, KC, CKC, RKF, KUSA or any other - to be in the database. The intention of the database is to show a history of the Basenji. This is why I encourage 'fun' photos as an alternative to show poses.

Well then, count me in when I get a chance to come up for air. Flying with Feebs (in the cabin) on Monday from Costa Rica to the USA. Once we get settled I'll find your link again and add her name and lineage.

Thanks again for all your comments and support. Big help and we can all use help getting through puberty. Wish I'd had a support group when I was doing it.

@debradownsouth Hi and thanks for your comment. so confusing as to what to do. The breeder said her dogs are in heat for three weeks. But her dogs are bitches who've been bred... I hear you about the pyometra. Another person said this was particularly an issue with bitches that had "split heats." Your concerns are definitely worth considering...I'll have to think about what to do but probably won't spay until she is 21/2 or 3. I gather from most Basenji breeders this is the age of full maturity.

@zande @DonC Hi again. Definitely waiting until Feebs is at least 2 ½ and now that you say 3, three and maybe not then either. I am the one who posted about the conversation I had with the owner of Bellator Basenjis about waiting to spay/ neuter. In fact, I bought the Puppy Culture book on the subject.

As Phoebe has gone through this heat cycle, her first (six weeks and I think we are finally tapering off, BTW) I can SEE physical changes in her muscle mass. And that's just what I can visualize. I'm sure there is all manner of joint, tendon, and organ maturity going on as well. So, not to worry...I only mentioned the spaying because she can't be registered without doing that. So...she may never be registered. I do have all her linage for the database, though...

Yes, I think she is tapering off... we are at six weeks (yesterday) and down to a minimal of rose-tinted discharge. the swelling has gone way down as well, so...I think we are in the final stretch. Next time I'm definitely buying her britches.

Thank you so much for all your sage advice and supportive voices. Love this group!

@zande Nice. I'm flat out with an international move but when I come up for air, Feeb is neutered ( a requirement by the breeder,) and subsequently registered, I'll definitely fill this out. I'm trying to hold out until she is two...at least to spay her...

@zande I don't know what that is so... probably not. What is it?

@zande OMG, what an idiot vet! And... refused to educate himself. My vet is curious and that is a good thing. I have talked with her a lot about Basenjis, about single heat cycles, coming into heat earlier than the local mutts here, and she is receptive. She just knows she'll never care for another other than mine. I'll let you know how things go this week. I can tell you that Miss Phoebe looked at her food this morning and then at me as if to say, Really? Green beans and kibble? This is what it''s come to between us?

@donc Thanks again. I will cut those two items from her diet for the moment and see if I can dry her up that way. Yes, I've kept a record of her cycle in my journal just because I wanted to track it. She seems fine otherwise and I'll keep you posted. Such a great resource you all are here on BF. Especially since I live in a remote area without Basenji savvy vets!

@zande Hi. Thank you, Sally. I did see a post from you several years ago that indicated you've had bitches with long heat cycles and thank you for weighing in again here. Very helpful. Yes, the vet is an issue where I live (end of the road in very rural Costa Rica) and they know nothing about Basenjis. In the meantime, I'll follow Don's advice and see if I can dry her up with reduced dairy and meat. I'll keep you posted.

@donc Thanks for this info! Yogurt, she does get a dab of yogurt with her combined raw meat and Nutri-source small and medium breed puppy kibbles twice a day. Do you suggest cutting out the meat and yogurt?