What Your Basset Hound Inherits

This short-legged breed of dog of the hound family, a Basset Hound attracts the attention of many dog lovers because of its long downward ears, wrinkles around its sad eyes and tail tipped in white. Though this breed tends to be healthier compared to other breeds of dog, they are not exempted to inherit diseases and disorders that could damage their health and stop them from doing their usual activities.

Dog lovers, especially those who prefer a basset Hound should be aware of these diseases and disorders that could possibly be inherited by their dogs.

Bleeding Disorders - Bleeding disorders inherited by dogs are Von Willebrand's disease and Canine Thrombophatia. Von Willebrand's disease affects the blood's ability to clot while Canine Thrombophatia is a disorder of small blood cells called platelets or thrombocytes. Excessive bleeding will occur when a dog with one of these diseases is wounded because of the inability of the blood to clot. Signs of bleeding disorder include excessive bleeding from wounds, bleeding from the nose or gum, blood in stool or urine and red spots on the underside of the belly.

Bloat - Bloat is another term used to describe gastric dilatation. It is a life-threatening condition in which a dog's stomach fills up with swallowed air and then rotates. A dog normally swallows air during exercise or strenuous activity or when a dog swallows food or water. However, the swallowed air should be released through burp or else bloat develops. Bloat may quickly result in death because once the stomach has rotated, the blood supply is cut off and the dog's condition declines quickly. A swollen belly and non-productive vomiting and retching indicate this disease. 

Another indications include restlessness, abdominal pain, rapid and shallow breathing and profuse drooling.

This disease can be easily prevented. To prevent bloat from developing, veterinarians recommend dog owners to feed their Basset Hound two to three small meals a day instead of the usual one large meal. Giving water during meals or immediately after feeding is not advisable. After meal, wait for a while before allowing your dog to drink water. Avoiding strenuous activities before and after eating is also recommended.

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia - Abnormal development of the elbow and hip joint result to elbow and hip dysplasia in a growing dog. Lameness is often the indication of this disease but if not properly treated will result to arthritis. Aside from acquiring this disease genetically, environmental factors such as nutrition, weight gain and rate of growth may also trigger this disease to occur.

Luxating Patella - Luxating patella is an inherited disorder in which the kneecap dislocates or mover out of its normal position. Trauma can also cause this disease to occur. Lameness in the affected rear leg is the indication of this disease.

A Basset Hound that is seriously affected with any genetic disorder must be excluded from all breeding programs to best prevent the occurrence of these inherited diseases.