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Liver issues

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • I tried to read through all the posts but couldn't seem to find if Rocky has anemia. That could explain his lethargy and grumpyness. Max, a few years back was having that trouble and they gave him some iron supplementation which helped. Also did they test him for tickborn illness?

  • So sorry to hear… it is a hard thing when they are ill and there is nothing to help them.. hard as it is.. you just have to "steel" yourself that at some point you know when the quality of life is no longer there... and while for me, it has been with elders, regardless of the age it is never easy.... we just have to do what in our hearts is right for the dog... it is never an easy decision, however since I have been though a few in the last years... you will know when the time is right... it is in their eyes...

  • thanks guys. it's definitely been a rough month. I'll try to keep you posted more often, but nothing really changes unless we go to the vet to get his weight/blood work.


    ^Here he is last night with Dan.. :)

  • well guys, the end is drawing near..

    in the last week, he has swollen up to the point where he looks like he swallowed a basketball in his ribs and pregnant in his abdomen. Hes having a hard time breathing. (they are short but deep breaths) and he is pooping 4-5 times a day. I went to the vet today with Mia for her annual (she's healthy as a horse), and was talking to him about it, and he said its fluid building up and he's basically in the end stages. The fluid is pushing on his insides, which is causing the breathing and pooping issues. We were supposed to go next week to get more blood work but the vet said it wouldn't even be worth the money. He said basically theres nothing we can do now, except let him go on until it gets to the point that we will have him put down. He also said we could try to drain the fluid to make him more comfortable and he may be able to breath better.

    I relayed all that info to Dan when I got home and he called him to talk to him himself. So we are going tonight to have the fluid drained. We'll see how it goes I guess.

    I'll keep you guys updated.

  • Heather,
    I am so sorry to hear that… my heart goes out to you...

  • Heather, Dan and Rocky, my thoughts are with all of you.

  • I'm so sorry about Rocky. My heart sank when I read the post. You're in my thoughts.

  • well your good thoughts must of worked wonders. What we thought was fluid.. wasn't! it looks like he is just gaining weight :) 17 lbs 11oz! There could be SOME fluid but not enough for the vet to tap and the vet said his breathing and heart rate are fine. Were going back in two weeks for blood work again to see if somethings changing ! :) :)

  • @hdolbow:

    well your good thoughts must of worked wonders. What we thought was fluid.. wasn't! it looks like he is just gaining weight :) 17 lbs 11oz! There could be SOME fluid but not enough for the vet to tap and the vet said his breathing and heart rate are fine. Were going back in two weeks for blood work again to see if somethings changing ! :) :)

    What wonderful news…. Keep it up Rocky!!!! We are all pulling for you!!!

  • Wow, good news. I know you are relieved to have him home and feeling better, just "fat"!

    Hugs to you all.

  • Finally fat is good! Way to go Rocky, keep up the good work. Everyone is wishing you the best.

  • Heather, Dan and Rocky, i am pleased to hear your news, i read yesterdays post first and felt so sad, then i went on to read todays and what a surprise :)
    I do hope things keep improving for you, every day is a bonus.

  • Heather, I am so pleased to hear that Rocky is improving. Basenjis have a wonderful way of pulling back from the brink so I do so pray that he continues to improve. Rocky is in my thoughts and prayers.

  • 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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