HEALTH CONCERNS FOR BASSETS

Although compared to many other breeds, the Basset has relatively fewer inherited diseases, it is still necessary to know about the following health problems that can occur in the Basset Hound

Panosteitis  (Pano, wandering lameness, puppy limp) An inflammation of the long bones often seen in Bassets from 5 months of age to two years.   Because dogs outgrow pano, it is not considered a serious health problem.  Lameness caused by pano may move from one leg to another and can last from a week to 6 months or more.  Bassets with pano should not be exercised until symptoms disappear.  Although pano itself is not serious, if a Basset is otherwise injured and the ensuing lameness is mistakenly attributed to pano, lasting harm may result.  Because X-rays can determine the presence of pano, a veterinarian should be consulted in any case of lameness.

Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD)   A genetic disorder of the blood which may cause moderate to severe bleeding, similar in some ways to hemophilia.  Up to 15% of Bassets may carry this platelet abnormality.

Thrombopathia  Another blood platelet disorder, also similar to hemophilia.  The clinical presence of Von Willebrand’s and thrombopathia are fairly easy for Basset owners to spot because bleeding which cannot be stopped is the symptom of these disorders.

Glaucoma  This eye disorder has been found in the Basset Hound breed.  Symptoms include painful, bulging eyes and sensitivity to light.  Consult a veterinarian immediately.

Eyelid and eyelash problems  Bassets are prone to ectropian (a turning out of the eyelids), resulting in a dry cornea, and entropian (a turning in of the eyelids), causing lashes to dig into the surface of the eye.  Both conditions can be surgically corrected.

Intervertebral Disk Disease  Herniated disks may result in dogs who frequently jump from extremely high heights onto their front limbs.

Allergies  Some Bassets may be prone to allergies, dermatitis and seborrhea.

Ear Infections The Basset’s long ears do not allow sufficient circulation of air. Ear infections often develop because owners are not diligent about cleaning their Basset’s ears every week.

Bloat (Gastric torsion)  The stomach twists and traps gas inside, causing extreme pain.  Unless treated quickly, death may result.  Avoid exercise after eating.  Placing a very large rock in a Basset’s feeding bowl to slow down eating and swallowing air, may help prevent bloat in some cases.

Obesity  Obesity is especially harmful for long-backed breeds  like Bassets.  Spines and joints cannot handle the stress of excess weight. 

PREVENTATIVE HEALTH MEASURES THAT
OWNERS CAN TAKE

• Buy a Basset Hound from a reputable breeder who will stand behind the health of his/her dog.  Pet store and puppy mill Bassets are always more susceptible to numerous health problems and genetic defects.

• Don’t overfeed your Basset. Obesity is harmful to your Basset Hound’s heart, spine and joints.

• Religiously clean your Basset’s ears once a week, trim toenails once every two weeks as well as check for impacted anal glands.  Scale teeth every two weeks.

• Give your Basset regular heartworm medication and check for fleas and ticks.

• Immunize your Basset for distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, lepospirosis and parainfluenza.

• Do not let puppies climb long flights of stairs or jump off objects such as beds, couches or porches, especially before one year of age.

• Never let your Basset wander loose in the neighborhood.

• A Basset is safest in a secure, fenced area.

• If there is any sign of a medical problem contact your veterinarian immediately.

TRAINING YOUR BASSET

Providing some basic training for your Basset will make  it  a safer and happier pet.  Enrolling in a local obedience class can be a rewarding and bonding experience for you and your new puppy.  Owners can check their local newspapers, request information from local pet stores or ask their veterinarians about obedience classes that may be available in their area.

SHOULD I BREED MY BASSET HOUND?

Unless you have purchased a “show quality” basset and have a pre-arranged future breeding agreement with a reputable breeder at the time you purchase your basset hound,  it is not advisable to breed your pet basset.

Basset Hounds that are purchased from pet stores or back yard breeders should not be bred because their puppies will not improve the breed as a whole, which is the goal of a reputable breeder.

Do not breed your basset for any of the following reasons:

• You love your pet’s personality and want to have puppies like him or her.

• You think it would be a good experience for your children.

• You plan to make a money on the litter

• It will provide a nurturing  or sexual experience for your pet.

A litter should be bred only after much thought, study and research has been done by the prospective breeder and with the help of an experienced breeder who is a mentor. If you do decide to breed your basset be prepared to make the following commitments:

• Have flexible working hours.

• Be able to function on little or almost no sleep.

• Have a least one person to stay with the puppies at all times.

• Be prepared to deal with illness or death of any puppies you place or decide to keep.

• Be prepared to keep puppies you can’t place and the possibility of caring for geriatric dogs.

• Be aware that puppies are extremely noisy and require hours of cleaning up after and socializing.

• Be prepared to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in vet bills if something “goes wrong” with the litter.
  
   

  THE BASSET HOUND CLUB OF AMERICA’S RECOMMENDATION ON THE QUESTION OF BREEDING YOUR BASSET HOUND

  

   

  Because the question of whether or not to breed your pet basset hound is so important, below we have printed the Basset Hound Club of America’s recommendation (reprint is from  “Congratulations on your new Basset Hound!” Copyright BHCA, INC. 2001):

   

    TO BREED OR NOT

  “New owners frequently ask, “Shall I breed my dog?” the answer is complicated, for there is much to consider.  Breeding is not a casual undertaking.  All breeds have genetic defects which can be passed along from parent to puppy.  The Basset is no exception.  Responsible knowledgeable breeders know these problems and strive to avoid them when selecting mates. 

  “Breeding is a commitment.  You must have a good understanding of the breed standard and what health problems exist.  You must study canine structure and movement.  You must breed only the best and be prepared to spend considerable time, effort and money.  Bassets may have several major health problems, some of which can be detected through testing (bleeding disorders, glaucoma) and others to which he may be predisposed including bloat and immune deficiencies.  And of course, one must be very careful with temperament, for this trait is also hereditary and the dog or bitch with known genetic problems should not be used for breeding.

  “The breeder who encourages the AKC limited registration, a spay-neuter or non-breeding agreement, is the one who understands the over-population problem and has concern for the future of the breed.

  “Old wives tales regarding the benefits of breeding abound.  They are just that – old wives tales.  You will have a healthier, happier pet if he or she is neutered or spayed.  Your dog’s disposition will not change adversely with alteration.  In fact, you will have a more polite house pet who will not be apt to wander or leave his mark on your couch or cabinets if neutered.  And having a litter is in no way beneficial to a female; in fact, it can lead to problems, even death.  It is fact that spayed bitches often live longer and have fewer health problems than unspayed females.

  “Breeding dogs is a real responsibility.  One must have knowledge of what makes top quality animals, understanding of pedigrees and genetics, and have proper facilities to keep and socialize puppies and to take them back, is the situation demands.  Also financial resources for shots, food and unfortunate medical emergencies are also necessary.  The average size of a Basset litter is 6 to 8, though 10-12 also occurs.  Pet population is a serious problem in all breeds today.  Bassets are being produced by indiscriminate breeders in unhealthy environments and with serious health problems which are likely to cause much financial and emotional stress for the  owners.  Many dogs are put to death annually in animal shelters, and Bassets share in those statistics.  You would not want to contribute to this problem.

  “As with all American Kennel Club recognized purebred dogs, there is an approved breed standard for the Basset Hound.  The standard of perfection is a word picture of how the Basset should look, move and behave.  All responsible breeders strive to produce dogs that conform to this breed standard.  Bassets with serious deviation in appearance, structure, movement and temperament should never be bred.  A copy of the standard may be found in several books devoted to the breed, or may be obtained from the BHCA (http://www.basset-bhca.org/About_BHCA/akcstd.htm).

  “The American Kennel Club allows altered dogs to participate in obedience, tracking, and junior handling, but not in conformation classes.”