Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.
RESCUE HEALTH INFORMATION
Because rescued basenjis often have had a difficult life before they came
into rescue it is important to carefully check them for health problems. The information
below will make it easier for you to do this. You may want to show this sheet to your
veterinarian. Please note that before incurring any expenses that you expect BRAT to
reimburse, you should verify reimbursement arrangements with Debbi Johnson
at debbijbasenjirescue@comcast.net.
Also, since BRAT is a volunteer, non-profit organization
and subsists solely on contributions it is important that you help us save
on veterinary care. Always ask your veterinarian about rescue discounts.
In addition, call 1-800-248-SPAY to get a list of vets and clinics in your
area that provide substantially discounted services, including spay and
neuter services, vaccinations, and tests.
1. Rescued basenjis must be vaccinated in
accordance with state law and current veterinary protocols (rabies, parvo, distemper,
etc.) and also checked for fleas, ticks, worms, giardia, and heartworms. BRAT will
generally pay for these vaccinations and tests and, depending on the age and condition of
the dog, may pay for treatment to eliminate parasites, including heartworms.
2. All rescued basenjis, regardless of age, must be
spayed/neutered before placement unless a veterinarian certifies in writing that such
surgery would adversely affect the health of the dog and a BRAT officer concurs in writing
with the vet's certification. (If a rescued basenji cannot be neutered for such medical
reasons, BRAT will foster the dog until neutering can be done--in no event, will intact
animals be placed by BRAT). If a rescued basenji needs neutering or other surgery, a
heartworm test, fecal test, bloodwork (SMA, CBC) and/or laboratory urinanalysis must be
done before surgery, even in young, apparently healthy dogs. BRAT will pay for these tests
and for the neuter/spay surgery. Before any surgery, discuss the type of anesthesia the
vet plans to use and ask the vet how well sighthounds tolerate it. If you have any
questions, post a question to the BRAT-CHAT list. If the vet does not understand why you
are having this discussion, find one who does understand the importance of extra care when
anesthetizing sighthounds. Finally, be sure that you do not leave the dog at the vet's
office overnight after the surgery."
3. Some basenjis inherit a kidney disorder
called Fanconi Syndrome in which the renal tubules do not process nutrients
properly. Every basenji over age three should have its urine checked monthly
for the presence of glucose, since sugar in the urine is the earliest
indicator that Fanconi may be present. Bayer makes a product called Diastix
that can be used for this
test. Diastix strips are available from online sources such as webrx.com or
at some pharmacies. (Discount stores that have pharmacies, such as Wal-Mart
and Target, and supermarket pharmacies are two places you can find them.)
If you discover glucose in the basenji's
urine, your veterinarian can order additional urine and blood tests to
diagnose Fanconi.
4. Some basenjis are hypothyroid. Symptoms can include
obesity, sluggishness, hair loss, poor coat, skin disease, weakness, grouchiness, and
fearfulness. If these symptoms are severe, BRAT may pay for a blood test to detect
hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is very easy to treat and is usually not a reason to put a
basenji to
sleep.
If you believe the basenji may have a low thyroid, have
the vet draw blood and send it to Dr. Jean Dodds of Hemopet. You can find
out what test to ask for and where the sample should be sent by going to:
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/DrDoddsInfoForm.htm
Be sure that you order the complete thyroid panel D8T (T3,
T4, Free T3, Free T4, T3 auto antibodies and T4 auto antibodies)
5. All BRAT basenjis should be heartworm
tested before placement and should also be given monthly heartworm
preventative. Brands of heartworm preventative such as Interceptor and
Heartgard Plus are acceptable. No BRAT dog should be given a Proheart 6
injection.
6. Although BRAT tries its hardest to save as many dogs as
possible, as a responsible rescue organization, we realize that euthanasia
must sometimes be considered when the basenji has shown serious biting
habits, and/or has aggression issues, and/or has health problem(s) that
seriously affect that dog's quality of life. If the dog's foster family,
coordinator, or other involved individual recommends euthanasia, the BRAT
Executive Committee/Officers will make the final decision as to whether the
dog should be put to sleep. Such a decision will be based on all available
veterinary and behavioral information. All medical emergencies will be dealt
with quickly so there is no undue pain and suffering experienced by the dog.
Note: These are only basic health guidelines. It is
impossible to deal with every conceivable problem in a one page handout. If you are
working with a dog with severe separation anxiety--or with major disabilities or other
problems—be sure to contact us at brat-help@lists.basenjirescue.org
for additional information on how to handle the dog. |
