Posts made by thelees102117

@kembe thank you. your prayers means a lot

@eeeefarm thanks, it’s truly been a difficult time for me.

@elbrant thank you so much.

@tanza The breeder was Susan Ledbury of Birdsboro, PA. We’ve done a background check (nothing out the norm) but it would be nice to track down some previous buyers to get their testimonies. At first, I was really angry with her and concluded it was all her fault but after getting the diagnosis back, Zazie condition is most likely hereditary and I don’t think anyone would have been able to catch it. But I don’t know for sure. Susan seemed super upset about* it, when we spoke. But if you have investigative tendencies and you can find any info on her and her previous sales that would be an awesome help.

*edited "update able"

Thursday, 3.19.20, was the hardest day of my life, I had to say goodbye to the sweetest little pup I’ve ever known. To quote my mom “ God gives us trials and tells us to be grateful for them because they make us strong”. It’s difficult to focus on that fact when you’re hurting. However, the emotions you are feeling doesn’t make the statement less true. It’s true that my heart is constantly breaking when I think of Zazie’s sweet face but my heart also smiles and is reminded of the love I have for her. Though our time together on this earth was short it was worth every second to have her in our lives. She will truly be missed and can never be replaced.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for her may God bless you and yours.
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The internal specialist believes (can’t be confirmed until the results of the autopsy) that Zazie had Immunoproliferative (Basenji) enteropathy/ lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis. Which is basically the GI tract fails due to low protein and the body’s inability to absorb nutrients.

This condition is usually found in older dogs (1-3). The treatment for this conditions would require a biopsy and heavy doses of steroids. Per the doctor, success rate for dogs 1yr old is 46%; 6mth 30%. Due to Zazie’s age (12 weeks), her current weight (3.6lbs) and her underdeveloped immune system, her chance of survival was incredibly slim.

We were informed that we could take her home (without the biopsy) and administer the steroids but all that would do was prolong the inevitable. Neither my husband nor I could imagine seeing our little girl wither away. The first time was unbearable. So we had to make the harder decision of our lives to let her go and be with the Lord.

I think we made the right decision. I feel like any other decision would have been selfish on my part and she didn’t deserve to suffer any longer. I continuously ask God for strength, to overcome this pain, because I genuinely don’t have any at the moment.

The breeder continues to states that Zazie didn’t have any health issues and that she was just a picky eater and petite. We did not know about the murmur. It was not detected at her first vet visit. Unfortunately, her first visit was a basic “general wellness” visit which mostly consisted of hands on, no lab work, blood test, etc. Being a new pet parent we figured this was normal. Kinda like humans going to the doctor, the do won’t run labs unless certain symptoms are being displayed.

After my last conversation with the breeder it was confirmed that a vet never saw her while in the care of the breeder. That bothered me. Because I asked before and my inquire was never really answered.

Zazie is back in the ER. She’s hanging in there to see the internal specialist. Her blood sugar will not regulate. The doctors believe it is a liver shunt. Which btw, the original doctor retracted this theory and had use take Zazie home after one day in the ER. This was when we first took her to the ER, they retracted the idea of the liver shunt based solely on the fact that they were able to regulate her blood sugar levels for 8 hrs without meds (without speaking with a specialist to confirm). But here we are (2) days later with Zazie’s conditions worsen. Her small heart murmur has now turned into a stage 4 murmur and her glucose levels just won’t regulate. But as mentioned, she’s going to see the internal specialist on Monday and we’re praying he can confirm the liver shunt and is able to do surgery. I know God will see my baby girl through this and I ask for all your guys’ prayers and positive energy into the universe. Thank you SOOOO much

Update: Zazie was at the vet all day today. Unfortunately, the doctor could not pin point exactly what’s the cause of her issues. However, she was able to conclude that Zazie is anemic which was the cause in the drop of her body temp and her fatigue. The reason for her lack of appetite no clear answer as of yet. Zazie was clear of all parasites and she’s scheduled for a liver test tomorrow which will require two blood pulls. She was looking A LOT better when we picked her up. We were instructed to do the following:

• force feed Purina Pro plan veterinary diet; 4ml every hour (provided by the vet). Not to exceed past midnight, bc she can’t have any food or water 6 hrs prior to her appt.
• administer .3ml of amoxicillin every 12hrs for 10 days
• discontinue Pedialyte/water solution we were giving her and give her just water
• deworm med for (2) days starting tomorrow
• use iron supplement

So far the feeding process has gone well and she’s gotten a bit of her spunk back but we understanding it’s going to take time to get her weigh back up. Lastly, we ordered Pet Tinic to use as her iron supplement (should be here in two days) and when brought Nutri-Cal to assistance with the dehydration. So with prayer, patience, and doing our part I know she will bounce back.

Update: we provided a stool sample to the vet yesterday to test for giardia. We should hear back Saturday or Monday. Zazie has been doing better with her separation anxiety, she able to sleep during the night, she’s no longer fuss when we go
up for bed. Once the test results come back, I’ll let you guys know the outcome. Thanks for all the advice

@tanza we tried all of that. But we recently provide a stool sample to text for giardia. One of Zazie’s sisters tested positive. we should hear back from the vet Saturday or Monday. She’s been doing better the last couple of days. just her energy level is still a bit low (grated it still a bit cold here so idk is that has anything to do with it)

@tanza I literally just texted my breeder. I inquired about the Vet info at the time of purchase but she kinda skated around it to be honest (now that i’m thinking about it). I’m going to request a copy of the vet notes. Thanks

@dagodingo when we’re home she’s not crated at all except for bedtime but even still she just wants to sleep. I try to engage her in play but nothing. She love to be held and cuddle and that’s about it (no interest in exercise or toys). I’ve reached out to the breeder for more insight. I’m going to revisit the bedroom sleeping arrangements as well. thanks

@eeeefarm she’s never in the crate when we’re home unless it’s bedtime. We decided to crate train so that when we’re working it would not be a foreign item to her (that’s why we crate her at night, in hope that she would settle to the idea when we away from the house). We also got her a pretty spacious play pen but she’s not comfortable going in there either (she’s getting better not it a lot of work to encourage her to go inside).

@eeeefarm Haven’t informed the breeder yet, due to receiving multiple feedback responses of “she’s a pup, that’s normal” or “she’s not settle yet, gives it some time”. but you pose an excellent question regarding how well she was socialized prior to us being her home. I think we’re at the point where I need to contact the breeder. To answer your questions, daily routine: husband’s up at 0430 to take care of Zazie (feeding, potty, play); puts her back to bed to get ready for work, around 0530 one last trip to potty then his off. I’m up at 0645 for water/potty/play session, I let her lounge in her bed as I get ready for work; around 0720 I take her outside for laps/potty bring her in to her crate (treat her) and sit with until she settles in the crate, leave with some tunes then head off to work. return home at 1130 (for hour) and repeat. husbands home around 1530 (feed/potty/training/exercise) then I’m home around 1700, she’s usually in her bed napping when I get home. I’ll try and her her to play but she’s not usually receptive to my invitation.
Sleeping arrangements: we had her in the crate in the bedroom for the first week. This week we try having her in the crate in the living room. We brought her a thunder shirt yesterday so that night we used that and place a warm bottle of water in her crate and that was the most peaceful not she’s had since being her (barely a peep when we left her). She also has a great day today (no accidents in the crate) at least until it was time for bed. tonight and last night were literally not and day. it’s like she has a good day then the next day we’re back at square one

@badbasenji she’s had her initial first visit. she’s schedule for a follow up (for more shots) on the 13th. I will ask the doc to check her ears. thank you

@basenjimom2 our breeder is in PA. But Zazie has an appt on the 13th so I will ask for blood work to be safe. thanks

@dagodingo yes we spend as much time with her as possible. We tag team her morning encounter since we work different shift. I come home for lunch to walk/play with her, etc.
Yes she’s had her first vet appt

@allyn we tried the blanket when we first picked her up, she pooed all over it during the drive home. The breeder is in PA and we’re in VA so it’s an inconvenience to try and go back. We’ve also tried giving her one of my shirts. I worked for about 30mins to an hour.

Zazie was brought home at about 9 1/2 weeks on 2/23/20. Since having her, she’s been dealing with a lot of separation anxiety and as a result we’re noticing (hard not to) that she’s sleep a lot, she’s not eating much (nibs here and there) and she doesn’t want to play (we still haven’t found a toy/object that peaks her interest). We’re going through the trail and error phases (kongs, treats, getting on the floor to try and engage her, mixing solid food with a bit of wet food) just a few examples but nothing seems to work. Btw, we’re still feeding her the same food from the breeder. She just doesn’t seem to be interested in anything. We want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep Zazie physically and mentally health. Any advice the more experienced basenji parents can give will be very mush appreciated.

Thanks
VP