Worried about senji the basenji

[abracabubble]

Hi,
I have a basenji that is about 13 years old and we think he is on his way out. His condition actually came on very suddenly. One week he was running across the fields and the next he was stubbling around bumping into things. It is almost as if he cannot see, he is literally staggering around, as if he cannot control his direction. He also keeps balancing himself into corners, putting his head against walls and things, like he is trying to stablize himself. My concern is that he is in pain, and suffering. If anyone has experienced a similar condition or situation in an older basenji, please tell me a bit about your experience. I am not sure if he is just an old dog trying to leave this world, or if he needs medication or something. Thanks…

[BDawg]

Awww, that is very sad. Have you taken him to the vet?

[Quercus]

@abracabubble:

Hi,
I have a basenji that is about 13 years old and we think he is on his way out. His condition actually came on very suddenly. One week he was running across the fields and the next he was stubbling around bumping into things. It is almost as if he cannot see, he is literally staggering around, as if he cannot control his direction. He also keeps balancing himself into corners, putting his head against walls and things, like he is trying to stablize himself. My concern is that he is in pain, and suffering. If anyone has experienced a similar condition or situation in an older basenji, please tell me a bit about your experience. I am not sure if he is just an old dog trying to leave this world, or if he needs medication or something. Thanks…

There is a medication out there for dogs with these symptoms. You should make a call to your vet Good luck!

[BasenjiDiva]

I wonder if your basenji might have something as simple as an inner ear problem that could be affecting his equilibrium? I hope the vet finds something medically manageable.

Pat

[MaxBooBooBear]

I would definitely take him to the vet. Sudden onset of symptoms that noticeable I don't think is normal old age. And 13 isn't really that old for a B. My Max was in great health and active up until his 15th year. His old age symptoms came on slowly over a period of about 1-1/2 yrs.

[red and white furever]

Considering your b's age, my first thought would be vestibular disease. I'd definitely give your vet a call and get your b in for a visit and diagnosis.
Here's a website on vestibular disease and some causes:
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/vestibular.html
Good luck and I hope your furkid is feeling better soon.

[tanza]

@abracabubble:

Hi,
I have a basenji that is about 13 years old and we think he is on his way out. His condition actually came on very suddenly. One week he was running across the fields and the next he was stubbling around bumping into things. It is almost as if he cannot see, he is literally staggering around, as if he cannot control his direction. He also keeps balancing himself into corners, putting his head against walls and things, like he is trying to stablize himself. My concern is that he is in pain, and suffering. If anyone has experienced a similar condition or situation in an older basenji, please tell me a bit about your experience. I am not sure if he is just an old dog trying to leave this world, or if he needs medication or something. Thanks…

Please take him to the Vet ASAP…. there is lots they can help with... And I have two 16 yr olds that have trouble with balance.. not as bad as you describe, but they manage quite well....

[jenwilson]

I have no new advice, everyone here has great info. Please keep us updated on his condition. We will keep you in our thoughts!!

[Craigh]

Both of my Basenjis had occurances of Vestibular Syndrome at about 13 years of age. Alex actually had a 2nd occurance about 8 months after the first. Rapid eye movement and the inability to walk were the first symptoms noticed. Cassi made a complete recovery after about a week. Alex completely recovered after the first episode, but has had some lingering effects after the second.