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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Eyelid and eyelash problems |
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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. |
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Intervertebral Disk Disease |
| Herniated disks may result in dogs who
frequently jump from extremely high heights onto their front limbs. |
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Allergies |
| Some Bassets may be prone to allergies, dermatitis and seborrhea. |
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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. |
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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 dogs who tend to gulp their food quickly. |
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Obesity |
| Obesity is especially harmful for long-backed breeds like Bassets. Spines and
joints cannot handle the stress of excess weight. |
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| Swallowing Foreign
Objects |
| The Basset Hound is highly
susceptible to swallowing foreign objects. It is not unusual for
them to swallow rocks, as well as other foreign objects. Should
your Basset fail to eat its meal (if normally a good eater) seek
veterinary treatment as soon as possible. |
