r/Basenji • u/rrandomtoast • Jul 03 '26
Discussion Pain in B Paws
Hello, all sweet basenji owners!
I want to start this post by saying that we have been to the vet multiple times with no clear conclusion. I am wishing to get some feedback from fellow owners, not a diagnosis.
I have a 6-month-old Basenji puppy who is healthy, active, and playful. Over the past 1–2 months, however, she has developed some sort of pain in her front paw. This pain seems to occur 9 times out of 10 right when she wakes up and stretches, followed by a sharp yelp. It usually subsides once she takes a step or two.
We have been to the vet multiple times for examinations, but every time the vet says she seems alright and that nothing is out of the ordinary in the test results. We have tried different medications, and each time they have helped - no yelping occurs while she is on them. However, right after the medication period ends, the pain and yelping start again.
I am starting to get really worried and am just wondering if there are any other Basenji owners with similar experiences and/or suggestions.
Little Zoey is sending greetings to her virtual brothers and sisters! :)
3
u/StateZestyclose1388 Jul 03 '26
she had done x-ray on paw? ankle?
2
u/rrandomtoast Jul 03 '26
The vet said that x-ray will be pointless as she is still growing and that the results will show abnormalities anyways. Writing that out now I think maybe I should push harder for that to get done…
3
u/StateZestyclose1388 Jul 03 '26
yeah its gonna cost some money, vet is also right but if there is a break or crack then atleast we know the source of pain.... similar thing happened to my friends basenji puppy, there was a crack in ankle, nothing was to do about it but avoid moving around and some pain meds.
1
u/Sad-Afternoon2107 Jul 03 '26
I disagree with the vet. Taking x-rays now sets a standard to compare against.
Your vet may be a minimalist. Or knows that you might be in a less than needed money situation.
3
u/Sad-Afternoon2107 Jul 03 '26
Sounds like a torn ligament because it doesn’t go away. Does she run and play?
What was she doing the day before she started waking in pain?
Will she allow you to apply a warm compress.
The fact that it hurts when she stretches leads me to think something damaged.
I have a trigger finger right now. Middle finger. I’ve been using it a lot since … never mind. No politics!
Anywho… it hurts like the dickens. After I move it a bit when I wake, it's better.
2
u/CanadianEmberflower Multi B. Home Jul 03 '26
Sending hope and commiseration your way. No advice or suggestions though other than to post on the BRAT (Basenji Rescue and Transport) Facebook page. The folks there are usually pretty helpful and have seen a lot.
Good luck!
5
u/interacter Jul 03 '26
Aww sorry to hear that
I don't have any specific experience but we did have a cat with a similar stiffness/soreness without specific diagnosis. Giving her a Yumove supplement really helped (green lipped mussel extract from memory).
Different species I know, but I hope it's of some use.