Basset Hound Health Issues

The cause. Basset spine geometry (long back relative to short legs) creates abnormal spinal load. The chondrodystrophic gene that gives Bassets their short legs also makes spinal discs degenerate earlier and more severely. This pattern is well documented in chondrodystrophic breeds. For a research overview, see the Clinician’s Brief and AVMA journals.

Symptoms.

• Sudden reluctance to jump or climb stairs
• Hunched back posture
• “Praying” position (front down, rear up), which can be a sign of abdominal pain that masks back pain
• Yelping when picked up or touched along the spine
• Dragging hind legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases

Critical. Any Basset showing IVDD symptoms needs immediate veterinary attention. The window between symptom onset and irreversible spinal cord damage can be hours, so do not wait. Your vet will direct urgent imaging and treatment.

Calgary specialty neurology. VCA Canada West, Western Veterinary Specialist Centre. MRI cost: $2,500 to $3,500.

Treatment costs (directional).

• Conservative care, prescribed by your vet (typically several weeks of strict crate rest plus pain control): $800 to $2,500 if caught early
• Surgical decompression: $5,000 to $15,000 depending on severity and location
• Without surgery in severe cases, paralysis can be permanent. Your vet will discuss the realistic prognosis based on neurological grade.

Prevention is the single most useful thing Calgary Basset owners can do.

• Ramps for car, couch, and bed (mandatory, $80 to $150 one-time)
• No stairs without supervision. Carry the dog or use a ramp.
• Strict weight management. Aim for BCS 4 to 5 of 9. Every extra pound increases spinal load.
• No jumping. Train a “wait” before getting off furniture.
• Harness only. Collar pressure on the neck transmits force down the spine.
• Avoid tug-of-war and rough play.

Enrol pet insurance before any first IVDD episode. Once IVDD is documented, it becomes a pre-existing condition with most Canadian insurers and is excluded from future coverage.

The anatomy. Long pendulous ears block air circulation and trap moisture inside the canal. The canal itself is narrow. Heavy ear flap weight creates a humid sealed environment. Hair growing inside the canal contributes. Bassets also drag their ears through grass, water, and dirt while scent-tracking.

Recurring ear infections are widely reported in Bassets, with elevated frequency relative to most breeds. Many Bassets need ongoing chronic ear management. A foundational overview is on the AKC ear health page.

Symptoms. Head shaking, scratching at ears, redness, dark waxy or pus-like discharge, foul yeasty odour, head tilt in severe cases, and sensitivity to ear handling.

Calgary cost. $200 to $400 per vet visit for diagnosis and medication, recurring two to six times per year for many Bassets without a prevention routine. Annual ear infection management costs: $500 to $2,000 is typical.

Daily routine.

• Weekly home ear cleaning with a veterinary ear cleaner. Ask your vet to recommend a product appropriate for your dog.
• Daily check for redness, discharge, or odour
• Book a vet visit at the first sign of infection. Delaying typically makes outcomes worse.
• For Bassets prone to ear infections, avoid water and swimming, or use cotton during baths
• Keep ear hair trimmed. Discuss specifics with your vet, as opinion varies by dog.

Calgary specialty veterinary dermatology. Western Veterinary Specialist Centre, VCA Canada West. For chronic cases, specialist consultation $300 to $500 to identify underlying causes (allergies, immune issues, or anatomical issues requiring surgical correction).

Verify pet insurance covers recurring conditions. Some Canadian carriers exclude chronic ear disease, which is a meaningful gap for this breed.

Bassets are predisposed because of their eye anatomy: a narrow filtration angle that limits aqueous humour drainage, leading to dangerous pressure buildup. Primary glaucoma in Bassets is well documented in veterinary ophthalmology literature, with elevated lifetime risk relative to most breeds and onset typically between age 4 and 9. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) is a useful reference for breed predisposition.

Symptoms (progress quickly).

• One eye suddenly cloudy or “blue tinted”
• Redness in the white of the eye
• One eye appearing larger than the other
• Squinting or pawing at the eye
• Head pressing or hiding
• Lethargy, loss of appetite
• Dilated pupil that doesn't respond to light

Critical: glaucoma is a veterinary emergency. Even 12 hours of delay can mean permanent blindness in the affected eye. Calgary 24-hour emergency vets: Paramount, VCA Canada West, CARE Centre. Go directly to the nearest emergency clinic and call ahead.

Calgary specialty veterinary ophthalmology. VCA Canada West, Western Veterinary Specialist Centre. Treatment cost: $1,500 to $8,000 or more depending on the intervention your ophthalmologist recommends.

Prevention. Annual eye exams starting at age 3 by a veterinary ophthalmologist (Calgary specialty $200 to $400 per exam, includes tonometry).

Critical follow-up. If one eye develops glaucoma, the other eye is at elevated risk over the following year or two. Prophylactic care for the second eye is part of standard ophthalmology management. Your veterinary ophthalmologist will discuss appropriate options for your dog. Do not start any eye medication without veterinary direction.

Many Calgary Bassets lose one eye to glaucoma but maintain a good quality of life with the other. Annual eye monitoring is the most useful preventive step Calgary Basset owners can take. Earlier detection means dramatically better outcomes.

Why weight matters disproportionately for Bassets.

1. IVDD risk multiplier. Every extra pound increases spinal load on a structurally vulnerable spine.
2. Joint disease compounding. Extra weight worsens hip and elbow dysplasia and accelerates arthritis.
3. Cardiac strain on an already breed-prone-to-cardiac-issues system.
4. Diabetes risk. Bassets are predisposed and obesity raises risk further.
5. Lifespan reduction. Overweight dogs across breeds are widely reported to live measurably less than lean dogs.
6. Quality of life. Overweight Bassets find the calm walks they enjoy harder because their bodies hurt.

Target body condition score (BCS): 4 to 5 of 9. You should feel ribs easily through a thin fat layer, see a mild waist tuck from above, and a slight abdominal tuck from the side. If you can't feel ribs without pressing hard, your Basset is overweight. The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines include a body-condition chart you can compare against.

Practical management. Weigh kibble portions on a kitchen scale (do not eyeball cups). Feed twice daily on schedule. Free-feeding is not workable for Bassets. Eliminate table scraps entirely. Use 10 percent of daily calories for treats as a ceiling. Swap commercial treats for low-calorie alternatives (cooked chicken, blueberries, green beans, carrot pieces).

Prescription weight-loss diets. Several veterinary diet ranges work well for Bassets. Discuss specific brand and formulation with your vet, who will base the recommendation on your dog’s bloodwork and overall health. Calgary cost roughly $90 to $140 a bag, typically a three to six month weight-loss programme.

Keeping the dog at lean body condition is the single most useful day-to-day step Calgary Basset owners can take. It adds meaningful years of life and reduces IVDD, joint, and cardiac risk.

Bassets sit at elevated risk because of deep-chested body structure. Lifetime risk is typically discussed in the low single digits. For a research overview, see the OFA breed statistics and any Purdue / veterinary internal-medicine summaries on canine GDV.

Symptoms (develop within 30 to 90 minutes).

• Non-productive retching (looks like vomiting but nothing comes up). This is the key sign.
• Distended or swollen abdomen
• Restlessness, inability to settle
• Drooling
• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness, collapse

Critical. If you suspect bloat, drive directly to the nearest emergency clinic and call ahead. Do not wait. Do not try to “see if it resolves.” The window from symptom onset to cardiovascular collapse is often only hours.

Calgary cost. $4,000 to $8,000 or more for emergency GDV surgery. Mortality remains meaningful even with successful surgery.

Prevention.

• Feed two to three smaller meals per day. Not one large meal.
• Use slow-feeder bowls
• Avoid exercise one hour before and after meals
• No elevated food bowls. Older recommendations have been reversed.
• Prophylactic gastropexy can be done during routine spay or neuter for higher-risk breeds. Calgary cost roughly $300 to $600 added to routine surgery, with a dramatic reduction in lifetime GDV risk. Discuss with your vet.

If you are adopting an adult Basset that’s already altered, the prophylactic option is no longer available. Focus on feeding management and recognising symptoms quickly.

Hip dysplasia. A meaningful share of OFA-evaluated Bassets show some hip dysplasia. Short legs and a heavy body create unusual joint loading. Current breed-level prevalence is summarised in the OFA breed statistics.

Elbow dysplasia. Bassets carry most weight on their forelimbs because of the front-heavy body proportion, which accelerates elbow joint wear.

Symptoms. Bunny-hopping gait (hip), reluctance to jump or climb stairs, stiffness after rest (Calgary winter exacerbates), decreased exercise tolerance, weight shifting away from the affected joint, lameness that comes and goes.

Diagnosis. Orthopedic exam plus X-rays (Calgary $200 to $400). PennHIP at specialty centres ($400 to $600).

Treatment by severity (your vet directs the actual plan).

• Mild. Weight management is the foundation. Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, $30 to $60 a month, with vet input on product choice). Restricted high-impact exercise, swim therapy, ramps.
• Moderate. Your vet may prescribe a veterinary NSAID, monitored with bloodwork. Joint injections may be part of the plan ($200 to $400 every six months).
• Severe. Surgical options include femoral head ostectomy for the hip ($2,000 to $4,000), total hip replacement ($6,000 to $10,000 or more), or elbow surgery ($3,000 to $8,000). The orthopedic surgeon will discuss what fits your dog.

Calgary specialty orthopedic. VCA Canada West, Western Veterinary Specialist Centre.

Prevention. Keep your Basset lean. Avoid forced exercise on developing puppies. Use ramps. Manage Calgary winter cold (a sweater for short-coat Bassets, slow walks on snow).

Symptoms. Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or after surgery, nosebleeds, bruising under skin (visible on belly or inner thighs), bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool, excessive bleeding during heat cycles. Many affected Bassets aren't diagnosed until they have surgery and bleed abnormally. The AKC breed health page and breed parent clubs are useful references.

Diagnosis. DNA test ($150 to $200 at major DNA testing labs). Platelet function analysis ($150 to $300 at specialty veterinary clinics).

Implications. Affected Bassets need specific veterinary preparation before any routine surgery (spay or neuter, dental cleaning). This includes appropriate medication and blood product availability. Calgary specialty internal medicine consultation is recommended for any affected Basset before any procedure. Do not pursue elective surgery on an affected dog without that workup.

Treatment. No cure. Management focused. Your vet will direct which medications are safe to use and which are not. Always ensure the surgical team is aware before any procedure.

For Calgary Basset adopters. Ask the rescue if thrombopathia DNA testing was done. If status is unknown, request DNA testing within the first six months of adoption ($150 to $200, well spent before any anaesthesia event). Always tell your vet your Basset’s thrombopathia status (or that it is unknown) before any surgical procedure.

Symptoms. Weight gain despite normal eating (which compounds the obesity pattern), lethargy, exercise intolerance, hair loss (often symmetrical, especially “rat tail” and flank), dry flaky skin, recurrent skin or ear infections, cold intolerance (noticeable in Calgary winter), reduced muscle mass, slow heart rate.

Diagnosis. Thyroid blood panel ordered by your vet. Calgary cost $150 to $300.

Treatment. Daily oral thyroid medication, prescribed and monitored by your vet, with annual bloodwork to adjust the dose. Most dogs respond well within several weeks. Discuss specific medication and dosing with your vet.

Why this matters for behaviour and weight. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain that owners attribute to “Basset obesity” when it's actually a treatable medical condition. Any Basset with weight gain despite portion control, reduced energy, and coat changes after age 4 should have a thyroid panel before assuming the issue is dietary.

Eye conditions.

• Cherry eye. Third eyelid gland prolapse. Common in Bassets. Surgical replacement $800 to $1,500 per eye.
• Entropion and ectropion. Loose facial skin affects eyelid position. Both can require surgical correction, typically $800 to $1,500 per eye.
• Dry eye (KCS). Lifetime topical management prescribed by your vet ($30 to $60 a month is typical).
• Corneal ulcers secondary to entropion or dry eye
• Cataracts in seniors

Skin conditions.

• Skin fold dermatitis. Heavy skin folds around the face and neck trap moisture and bacteria. Daily wiping with veterinary skin wipes prevents infections.
• Chronic interdigital cysts (between toes) from trapped debris and moisture in the webbing.
• Allergies. Environmental and food allergies are common. Treatment is prescribed and monitored by your vet, typically $70 to $180 a month depending on what your vet recommends.
• Yeast infections in skin folds. These can be persistent in humid Calgary summers and the dry-winter heating cycle.

Annual eye exams, monthly skin fold checks, and weekly ear cleaning are the baseline Basset care routine.

Pre-op considerations every Calgary vet should know.

1. Thrombopathia status. Critical. If positive or unknown, your vet will plan specific pre-treatment and ensure blood product availability. Elective surgery on affected Bassets should not proceed without that workup.
2. Cardiac evaluation if any murmur is detected. Pre-op cardiac imaging is reasonable for seniors.
3. Pre-op bloodwork including renal and liver values, especially for seniors
4. Body condition assessment. Overweight Bassets carry higher anaesthesia risk and longer recovery. Drug dosing should be based on lean body weight.
5. Glaucoma assessment if any history. Some anaesthesia drugs affect intraocular pressure, which your vet will plan around.
6. Long body positioning. Bassets need careful positioning during surgery to protect the long back.
7. Body temperature management. Bassets cool quickly under anaesthesia; active warming is essential.

Calgary specialty centres (VCA Canada West, Western Veterinary Specialist Centre) handle major procedures, especially for thrombopathia-affected dogs or seniors. For broader anaesthesia safety background, the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) is a useful reference.

Always provide thrombopathia status (or note that it is unknown and DNA testing is recommended) at every vet visit, before every anaesthesia event.

Calgary insurance: roughly $50 to $80 a month for a young healthy Basset with a $300 deductible, 80 percent coinsurance, and a $15,000 or higher annual limit. Specific quotes vary by carrier and dog.

Lifetime savings examples (directional).

• A single IVDD surgery ($5K to $15K) typically pays back several years of premiums.
• Chronic ear infection management ($500 to $2,000 a year for life) covers steady premium costs.
• Glaucoma diagnosis and treatment ($1,500 to $8,000) pays back several years of premiums.

Critical caveats specific to Basset insurance.

1. Verify IVDD and back/spine coverage. Some Canadian insurers have breed-specific exclusions or back-specific waiting periods for chondrodystrophic breeds. Read the fine print.
2. Verify chronic ear infection coverage. Recurring conditions are excluded by some carriers.
3. Verify glaucoma and eye condition coverage.
4. Enrol before the first IVDD episode, first ear infection diagnosis, or first glaucoma symptom. Once documented, those conditions become pre-existing across most Canadian providers and are excluded from future coverage.
5. Verify annual or lifetime limits of $15,000 or higher.

Canadian providers worth comparing for this breed. Trupanion (no per-condition limits is genuinely valuable for chronic ear conditions), Pets Plus Us, and Petsecure are commonly compared. Verify current policy terms before enrolling. Avoid policies with per-condition limits under $5,000.

The Basset insurance equation. Roughly $8,000 in premiums over 12 years can translate to $20,000 to $45,000 or more in covered care for the average Basset over their lifetime, depending on what conditions arise. Your actual outcome will vary.