Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  3. Liver issues

Liver issues

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • KipawaK

    I'm so sorry that Rocky is not doing well. Sending hugs to all of you. It hurts like crazy to lose a beloved pet. All we can try to remember is the wonderful times.

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

    0
  • k.rassK

    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?

    0
  • tanzaT

    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...

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • hdolbowH

    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.. :)

    Heather.

    0
  • hdolbowH

    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.

    0
  • tanzaT

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

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • KipawaK

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

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

    0
  • k.rassK

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

    0
  • hdolbowH

    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 ! :) :)

    Heather.

    0
  • tanzaT

    @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!!!

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • MacPackM

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

    Hugs to you all.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

    0
  • KipawaK

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

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

    0
  • thunderbird8588T

    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.

    Shelley

    Basenji Malaika

    Basenji Malaika
    Basenji Kwame

    0
  • P

    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.

    0
  • tanzaT

    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...

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0

Suggested Topics

  • R

    Weight issue

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    598 Views
    tanzaT
    @Rebel - Full blood workup including full Thyroid panel (full panel no just what the normal vet workup that is not a full thyroid panel)... as they say make sure that he is in good health. Also what are you feeding him? How much total are you feeding a day? Also with reducing food, add veggies to his food to fill his belly... green beans are good to use... I use Cauliflower and Broccoli... Note also that low normal is typically too low for Basenjis.
  • S

    Age issues or behavioral issues

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    agilebasenjiA
    @Patty: Personally I would take her to the vet to get her checked out for bowel or urinary infections. If she is losing sight and hearing she may be frightened. It sounds as though you need to step back a pace to calm your reactions. I can appreciate that you are getting fed up with all the work but she is an old dog. My present oldie (15) has taken to peeing (and pooing) indoors at times but I know I need to put her outside more often as she doesn't have the control she once had. She has also become blind and is certainly more aggressive with the others because of that. Any way first things first and do take her to the vet, please. Let us know how you get on. I have to agree with everything Patty wrote. Changing behavior ALWAYS needs a vet check. Increase aggresssion can be due to thyroid issues, pain, tick-born diseases, constant hunger (due to other things), etc. You didn't say in your post if you'd recently seen a vet and discussed her new issues. My oldest (16 in December) has failing kidneys (nonFanconi) and does need to pee more often. So, I put pee pads down in the house in his favorite pee spots. He's usually pretty good about that, but he does still pee in other spots if I'm not watching him carefully or if he gets a bit aggitated about the sitting arrangements. Would your pup stay in an exercise pen? That would give her a little more room than a crate.
  • ZolasMommyZ

    Skin Issues?????

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    36
    0 Votes
    36 Posts
    21k Views
    D
    I was only recommending a shampoo to use in the future, not one that would clear up any skin problems. If the dog has allergies, she needs to be careful about what kind of general shampoo to use. Jennifer
  • B

    Issues with legs

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    D
    How old is your dog? I would take her to a specialty clinic or university clinic that would have both a neurologist and an orthopedist. My 1 year old deaf rescue girl who is a herding/spitz mix has shuffling feet, tremors, and other problems. She was seen first by the neurologist and they suggested x-rays and more testing. My regular vet did take x-rays of the neck, back and hips. I took her to an orthopedist to review the x-rays. Since she was a stray they do not know what caused the problem but it was suggested distemper or perhaps another infectious disease. I just took her to an opthalmologist and her eyes are good but she does have sensitivity to light. Distemper almost always causes eye problems. The specialists are suggesting an MRI of the back, neck and a spinal tap for her. If your dog was adopted as a puppy or an older pup, I would check with the Humane Society to see if she may have had distemper or some other disease. Did she have an accident where she might have injured her back or neck? You might want to look into getting a doggy wheelchair since she has good movement in her front legs. I am sorry for the problems your girl is having and I hope you find out what is causing it. Jennifer
  • T

    Layla's Liver Issue

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    6k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    Great news, i'm glad Layla is doing so well. Thanks for the update
  • jmnycJ

    Dental issues

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    nodakerdebN
    Periodontal disease is a tough one to get on top of once it takes hold (in both humans and dogs) because the bacteria gets down in the pockets and it is very difficult to keep clean. People have better luck because they have the ability to floss daily, but that is very difficult with a dog – and believe me, I've tried. :D Periodontal disease is not the same as an auto-immune disease that dogs can get (lest I be accused of getting them confused). I believe the reason our furry companions, and especially the dry-mouth (non-slobbering types) often get it is because of a couple things in addition to not being able to floss. 1. They don't slobber so their mouths really don't get a good natural rinse, and 2. they are fed an unnatural diet. In the wild they would be crunching up bones which acts like a natural toothbrush/floss, and they wouldn't be eating cereal grains which are carbs on steroids turning to sugar once it hits the saliva. There are kibbles out there that do not contain grains which may help by keeping the sugars at bay in the mouth. Evo is one, Instinct is another. Feeding raw is a great alternative. I am also a big fan of the PetzLife product and think it works wonders to keep plaque at bay on the teeth, but not sure how well it works with the plague and bacteria already under the gumline. My rat terrier does not have periodontal disease. I feed him Evo and brush his teeth daily (with a three-sided toothbrush) with Petzlife and he has the teeth of a two year old which isn't bad considering he's almost 11. If his gut could handle it I'd feed him raw, but that has not bode well with him unfortunately. FWIW, in a past life I worked as a chairside assistant for a dentist so I do know a bit about teeth and periodontal disease. I came away from that experience realizing that if I were on a deserted island I'd rather have an endless supply of dental floss vs. a toothbrush. I would be more likely to keep my teeth with the first rather that the latter. Now if we could just figure out how to floss a dog's teeth. :)