Basenji Rescue and Transport
Adoption ◦ Placement ◦ Health & Foster Care ◦ Education ◦ Support
www.basenjirescue.org

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.