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Flame is sick :(

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • What a sudden and unfortunate turn…. I don't know that I could add anything to comfort you at this time, but you and Flame are in my thoughts.

  • Oh, no– I'm so sorry to hear this! It is never easy when a beloved companion is sick and declining, and I know this is just so hard. My thoughts are with you, Flame and the rest of your pack, human and canine.

  • Hugs to Flame and you. What a terrible turn for the worse. I hope his final days will be filled with love and without pain.

  • I gave him his prednisone and antibiotic this morning and then forced some food down him. Hubby came home after work and Flame met him by the gate wagging his tail and looking WAY better than he has in about 10 days. This is so hard. I wonder if it is the antibiotic working or if it is the prednisone. i also looked up Lupus and the SLE form of it produces large lymph nodes. I am so confused. This morning he was looking like he wanted to give up and now he is wagging his tail and everything. I am crying as I write this because now I don't know. The whole waiting game is the hardest part. We called the vet today and he is going to press the lab to rush the results personally. But would he react to the prednisone that quickly?? He has only had 2 doses…..does anyone have prior experience with lupus or prednisone?

  • Prednisone will reduce inflammation so perhaps make him feel better. Lupus is autoimmune, and the steroid suppresses the immune system. I feel for you…....it isn't easy to know what to do in a situation like this. I try to let the animal tell me if it is worth going on or not. Fingers crossed that Flame will help you decide what is best for him.

  • I have no experience with lupus, but Spencer took prednisone once after a seizure and the response was amazing. He went from being listless, almost catatonic, to walking and eating within a day. I have had vets tell me there was little to no hope five times now and every time, meds, force-feeding and TLC made the difference. Sometimes, the will to live, a lot of love and the right meds will help them go on for however long they can.

    Sounds like you've had all the tests, but did the vet rule out tick disease? That can cause swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, loss of appetite and other symptoms Flame seems to be having. I hope Flame continues to feel better! (If you have trouble getting food down him, Hill's critical care canned food is like a souffle and goes down easily in a syringe. It's gentle on a queasy stomach, too. That was a lifesaver for me a few months ago.)

  • Our lab had lupus. She was on pred for a little while, but this was so many years ago. I do remember her daily pills were - tetracycline, niacinamide, vitE, and Zinc?
    I hope Flame has more good days ahead of him.

  • Test results came back and Flame has been diagnosed with malignant lymphoma. We are very saddened at this news but were kind of expecting it. Thank you for everyone's support and I am sorry to have to tell you this bad news.

  • Words don't fix things, I know, but I'm so sorry to hear about Flame. Thanks for letting us know the sad news. You're in my thoughts…

  • I'm so sorry, I hope Flame will have many more good days than bad in the time you still have together.

  • I am so sorry, Tollers are such delightful little dogs. I've had the good fortune to meet several and always liked them. You and yours are in my thoughts/prayers.

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    I sent you a couple of messages... check them please :) (click on the little bell on the top right.
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    I too am sorry for not seeing this thread sooner and hopefully the poster will return. My Basenji had some teeth removed and the vet prescribed Carprofen as the follow up antibiotic. My Basenji turned out to be allergic to Carprofen which caused her liver to fail. I went through the same scenario you are describing. She gradually quit eating over the course of several days and then her water consumption started to go down. The eating had me worried since she had an excellent appetite upon return from the vet and the final purging of the anesthesia from her system. Nevertheless, her condition started to degrade. I followed her outside and watched her urinate. Her urine was a very bright yellow. I suspected then a liver issue. Once back inside she was shivering - off to the vet we went. LIver panel blood work up showed very high on specific indicators for failing liver. Vet prescribed Denamarin (containing SAM-e and silybin). SAM-e helps protect liver cells from cell death and aids in cell repair and regeneration. The Vet also started fluid injections. Fluid injections were everyday for two weeks. My Basenji showed a remarkable response to the fluid injections becoming much more her normal self even after the first day. She hated the injections and I could hear her cry when receiving them at the vet (believe me that will tear you up). But she was doing better and she (me) were going to have to tuff this out. Also a different antibiotic was prescribed to prevent liver infection during recovery. The Denamarin comes in dosages based on weight (medium for us). It is the size of a large human like solid oblong vitamin pill. Instructions want you to give it on an empty stomach and preferably not to cut it or place in something similar to a pill pocket however you can if necessary. My Basenji would not take that size (can't blame her). Cutting and disguising it did not work either. I was frantic and got the SAM-e in powder form. I couldn't slip her that either. All though some folks had success with peanut butter and liverwurst. I finally after three days had to have the vet pill her along with her fluid treatments. A week later another blood sample and her liver panel indicators were coming down. The pilling would last for a month and it took two people to get the pill down her. The important part is - she fully recovered from the liver failure. She is 13 1/2 yrs old. My experience after having 5 Basenjis is that the breed is sensitive to medications (anesthesia also). Many of the medications work just fine in most other breeds and mixes. The vet, if not that experienced with the Basenji, must be cautioned. Mine was not. Before accepting any medication have the vet go over any contraindications with you and to double check their resources for potential side effects when dealing with Basenjis. They may switch to something else if a medication has a bad track history with Basenjis. Know what to watch for should your Basenji start to react in a non-positive manner. The poster did not indicate if there were medications in play when the dog started showing degenerating conditions. I sincerely hopes this helps in some way and helps other Basenji owners
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    My basenji is 10 months and exhibiting the same behavior… what did you discover?
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    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We had to put our Suni down in April and understand what you go through right now. Marli
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    his personality seems to be perking up now that he has been on the batril for a week. thanks for all the info guys!!