Basenji without spunk - very sick, pls read

[jenwilson]

Betsey, I am glad to see you are looking into a playmate for Ceasar. Sounds like he needs a companion. Good luck with the puppy, I can't wait to see pictures.

[bellabasenji]

I know you would like to have a puppy, Mantis, but did you see Rocky on the Basenji Rescue and Transport? He was just added on the 22nd and he is a beautiful red & white! I think they said he is good with other dogs, but has not been tested around children yet. He is a fairly young guy! Just a suggestion, I know puppy love is sooooo hard to resist. It sure got to me when I 1st saw my Bella!! There were the puppy challenges of course, but I feel I bonded to her quickly because she was a baby.

[Mantis]

oh I know. I have been watching the rescue sites for a while now….just havent seen the right match there....

[Mantis]

BTW, the specailist called and left a message on my VM today. She was checking in and had more info from a few tests that have just come back on Beta. I will post her input tomorrow.

[Mantis]

The specialist contacted me today about additional test results that have been examined more extensively. Here is an overview of what she said:

Biopsy
Submitted stomach and intestinal
Assessment of pathologist
Hypertophic gastritis is definative
Intestine was also inflamed
Some features were consistant with IPSID
Problem w that type is it is non specific
Irritable bowel disease in basenjis can be IPSID, very hard to differentiate
Could be IPSID in intestines
The only article on the hypertrophic gastritis did also have IPSID mentioned in the intestines

Most basenjis that have IPSID have an elevation in gastrin levels
Acidity in the stomach
Her levels were normal. Doesn’t rule it out
Acidity test sent to Texas A&M

The doctor talk with others at the GI conference….

Lymphocitic plasmacitic aneritis(spelling) is what Beta had in her intestines.

IBS
Definitely- has on all 3 biopsies, 1st surgery, 2nd scope, and 3rd after death

Same principle as IPSID

Diet allergy seems to be the problem….with IPSID and IBS in basenjis
Both have malabsorption.
IPSID is more severe in basenjis genetically….

Specialist at Oakhurts Vet

They suggest changing the food on a regular basis to avoid allergies. Over active immune system in basenjis with IBS or IPSID.

Beta had been on the same food (Eukanuba) her whole life because Caesar's stomach is very sensitive with any food change.

If anyone has a basenji with IPSID or Hypertophic Gastritis or IBS please refer your Vet to this text or have them contact:

Dr. Cuypers DVM (female)
VM 727-517-7200

What has been so difficult about this is that Beta showed the shaking once 3 months before this episode when she had giardia. She would eat bits of towels and seemed to have a stomach of steel over the past 4 years.

No other signs were present.

She just started the second episode and didnt make it through. The doctors treated her with medicines for IBS and IPSID as well as for ulcerations and there was no treatment that improved her state.

One of the major flags what the intestine that was layered. The first doctor mentioned in the notes did the ultrashound and thought the intestine was folding in on itself which it wasnt in the surgery. Thickening of the intestinal walls and stomach lining were present with what Beta had.

[markusa59mn]

This info could save a lot of discomfort and pain for Basenjis/owners. Though rare, many could not go to the lengths you did to battle this illness. My B had stomach problems from antidiotics a couple months ago, it's so scary. Luxor has always eaten Iams Smart Puppy and now at 13 months, I'm going to switch him over to big boy food, any suggestions out there? All the best. Mark n' Lux

[Mantis]

I had switched Beta and Caesar over to Natural Balance Duck and Potato dry (for Caesar) and wet (for Beta's sensitive stomach at the time). The vet suggested this brand because as Beta's progression became worse they said diet could make the biggest difference if she had IPSID or Irritable Bowel Disease or what she actually had….

The Duck and Potatoe is a no soy, no preservative, no wheat, no rice, and no corn product. It is made as the sensitive food.

Now that Beta is gone, I am feeding the dry to Caesar (loves it) and the wet canned food will be for the new puppy.

I began searching for the best puppy foods within the Innova family or the Natural Balance family and found that the Duck and Potato I have been feeding them is recommended for puppies as well.

Thank goodness because I spent about $150 on the food....buying cases of the canned expecting Beta to have a long period of needing soft food.

The Innova EVO products are very popular in the Tampa FL basenji community. The dry form has some of the grain group that I was trying to avoid with Beta's condition. The Innova EVO wet food is 95% meat and the vet suggested Venison. I give it to Caesar as an added treat from time to time and he goes nuts.

The vet also said that the IBS or IPSID in basenjis is best controlled by switching their foods up so that the body doesnt have allergies to the foods and learns to build up strength in the intestines.

The Natural Balance line has several sensitive stomach foods as well as regular foor.

I didnt think the price was too much more than Eukanuba which is what I have fed my two for years....who would guess that Euk Lamb and Rice isnt great for your pup....

Here are a few pics I took on Beta's last days at home. I just found them in my camera....

Beta and Caesar sleeping together....Beta is the tri girl

Beta in the yard….

My baby girl….lovingly called my little Beta Potata

[markusa59mn]

Thanks for the info! Great pics, what a doll. Like my boy, you can't tell to look when the B's are even sick. It's their wonderful nature shining through.

[JoeyQ]

Thanks for sharing all your info about Beta, what a gorgeous face! I can see why you would compare other females to her. Thanks too for the insight on choosing a male. I wonder how Cesar would react to an adult male. I know Joey has hated other male dogs in the house or even other adult dogs. We did have a female pup, Havanese, here once and after the "introductions", they played like crazy together. It was a blast to watch!

[Mantis]

When I first aquired Caesar, he lived with my husband and myself in a townhome where he was an indoor dog. We took him to the dog park every weekend and he has become extremely socialized and well behaved with interaction with children, cats, and other dogs. He has never shown any interest in territory at our house when other dogs come in to visit.

Beta, she was very territorial…

If you have an opportunity to get to a dog park with another basenji, do it. It is amazing to see the similarities that you originally think are unique...like the stand off ish nature with strangers, or the crazy running, or the snarfy girls.

I loved my snarfy girl even when I didnt know it was okay for her to be snarfy. Once I was around other basenji females, I realized that is just how they talk when greeting. LOL

Two boys should be fun.

I am a little scared about it all. Silly right? Caesar has been extremely depressed, so I am sure it is the right thing to do, but I am very anxious about it all.

Waiting 2 more weeks doesnt help either!

[Mantis]

Here is a pic of the little boy…

[Basenji_Boy]

@Mantis:

Here is a pic of the little boy…

Good luck to you Mantis, he's a cutie…....you deserve a Baby B;)

[jys1011]

Good luck Betsey..I'm sure that all that you did for Beta will help many families if they ever encounter anything like this. Beta's life has supreme purpose now…her little spirit will always be remembered in Vet Medicine & perhaps as a case study forever.

I have no doubt that you & Ceasar will provide a loving & caring home for this new little guy. Lot of ((HUGS)) and luck to all of you!

[JoeyQ]

Aaaaawwwh! What an adorable little fella! I do have to get Joey to the park. I left out one piece of info regarding his nature with other adult dogs…he wasn't neutered at the time. He is now and I will be curious to see if he remains terrritorial in the house. He is fine outside with other dogs. He is always good with kids and people inside or out. He greets people more readily than dogs and is only really standoffish when you really want him to do something. Then his "powers" become evident!
All the best to you, your new little one and Ceasar! You have a much deserved break coming your way! (Well maybe a distraction is more appropriate ;D)

[bellabasenji]

Awwwww, what an adorable fellow! Did you pick out a name yet?

[Mantis]

no, and it is sooooo hard. I have a thread going in the puppy section asking for help naming him….

[nala121498]

Your pictures are beautiful of **all **of your babies, past, present and future! Thanks for sharing…

[felakuti]

oh i feel so bad for you going through this with your baby. my prayers are with you. the picture was so sweet.