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Early detection of Kidney Disease

Basenji Health Issues & Questions

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  • 0 Votes
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    senjisillyS
    One of my Basenjis is also diagnosed with early kidney disease. The vet prescribed Enalapril Maleate (generic for Vasotec). My vet allowed me to choose whatever prescription food I wanted to use. After some research I chose Blue Buffalo BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support. I looked into and tried a more holistic food, Dr. Harvey's - a dehydrated food, but Kushika couldn't manage to eat it without getting it all over the walls, kitchen floor, and herself so we went back to the kibble. I liked the Dr. Harvey food AND you can call to talk to Dr. Harvey, who asked me to send Kushika's lab results to him so he could make specific recommendations dependent on those results. Kushika came to live with us at almost 10 years old and was immediately diagnosed with kidney disease. At age 12+ she is still with us, going strong and looking better than when she arrived.
  • Spay Early or Spay Later

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
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    senjisillyS
    @mryltis Read this comment from @morgansc within this post dated May 30, 2019, 7:49 AM. It answers your question. Ideally it is best to wait until age 24 months but no early than 18 months. https://basenjiforums.com/post/177284
  • 0 Votes
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    MDSPHOTOM
    We had a Dalmatian that started having these issues at the same age as your B. Vestibular disease got worse causing her to lose her balance and fall when walking, loss of strength in her hindquarters and incontinence. I am not aware of any treatments for the VD, but there are a number of human treatments for strokes that might be able to be used in dogs.
  • Cushings Disease

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
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    D
    Here is the test information that Missy had done and an article with the portion that includes Melatonin for treatment. I have inlcuded the webpage for the entire article. She has not been on the Melatonin long and I am slowly increasing her dosage but she is definitely not as puffy in the intestinal area as she was. The Adrenal Panel with Combined Dex Supp/ACTH Stim Test for Dogs: The following hormones are tested in the adrenal panel: Cortisol, Estradiol, Androstenedione, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Progesterone and Aldosterone. REVIEW ARTICLES Steroid Profiles in the Diagnosis of Canine Adrenal Disorders Jack W. Oliver, Proceedings 25th ACVIM Forum, Pp. 471-473, Seattle, WA. 2007. http://www.vet.utk.edu/diagnostic/endocrinology/pdf/Steroids%20Profiles%20in%20the%20Diagnosis%20of%20.doc Melatonin. Results of in vitro cell culture (human H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells) studies in our lab55 revealed that both 21-hydroxylase and aromatase enzymes were inhibited by melatonin. Also, in dogs with adrenal disease that are treated with melatonin, and repeat adrenal steroid panels are done, cortisol levels are consistently reduced, and estradiol levels are variably reduced.29 Inhibition of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme would lower cortisol levels, and inhibition of the aromatase enzyme would lower estradiol levels. Estradiol levels were decreased in a prior study of dogs treated with melatonin.31 Results of in vitro studies with human MCF-7 breast cancer cells also revealed that melatonin inhibited aromatase enzyme, which resulted in reduced estradiol levels.56 Melatonin treatment for cases of mild adrenal disease in dogs may be effective, and particularly in cases where sex steroids are increased. Jennifer
  • Cushings Disease :(

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
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    tanzaT
    @MaxBooBooBear: Yes–I was trained how to do it--and did do it at home a couple of times, but it was really a struggle for me. Both my dogs reacted very, very poorly to the procedure--and it really took two people to do it comfortably. Since I live alone, it was best for me to go have it done at my vets who is only about 5 minutes from me. They also got a special contraption for the bag of fluids that expressed the fluid out so it went much more quickly. But I know many people who are able to do it at home because their dogs or cats are more tolerant than mine were. It's much cheaper that way :) One of the best ways is to have a grooming table that comes complete with a "noose"…. It supports the head and keeps them standing.... you can fairly easily hang the IV bag off the same support.... while I agree the first couple of times it helps to have two, one to hold the dog, one to "stick" the needle in.... but once you get the hang of it.. it usually works.... But whatever works... and that is great that you could just run down to your Vet...
  • Fanconi Disease

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    tanzaT
    @sharronhurlbut: As the test is easy and doesn't hurt the dog, why not test them all? Exactly… and hopefully before the end of the summer we will have a test for Fanconi....