Understanding Basenji Health Issues and Prevention

Basenjis are known to be prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, making it difficult for them to walk and run without pain.

Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis and mobility issues, which can significantly impact a Basenji's quality of life.

Regular exercise and a healthy weight can help prevent hip dysplasia, but responsible breeding practices are also crucial in reducing the risk of this condition.

Basenjis are generally a healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and discomfort.

Patellar luxation can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, obesity, and trauma.

Proper nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more severe problems.

Basenjis are also prone to eye problems, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Regular eye exams and genetic testing can help identify potential eye issues before they become a problem.

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Eye Diseases

The Basenji breed has some unique health concerns that every owner should be aware of. Basenjis are generally a hardy breed, but certain health issues can affect them.

One of the main health concerns for Basenjis is the concentration of health issues in their gene pool due to a small gene pool. This is particularly true for "western born" Basenjis.

Regular veterinary care and testing can help identify potential health issues early on. By testing breeding stock, breeders can reduce the risk of passing on health problems to their puppies.

The Basenji breed is susceptible to bacterial and viral infections like parvo, rabies, and distemper. These infections are preventable through vaccination.

Some Basenjis may be affected by Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Fanconi Syndrome, or Late-Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy. However, breeders who selectively breed tested stock can reduce the risk of these health issues.

Roundworm infections are another concern for Basenjis, and regular deworming can help prevent them.

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Hip and elbow dysplasia can be a problem for Basenjis, causing arthritis and stiffness in the joints, especially as they mature. This inherited disease can lead to lameness and difficulty getting up from lying down.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, and overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight. This can cause undue pain and suffering for the dog.

We can treat arthritis with X-rays to identify issues early on, and surgery may be an option in severe cases. Treatment should be done as soon as possible to minimize discomfort and pain.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency is another genetic disease that affects Basenjis, causing anemia, pale gums, exercise intolerance, and liver and spleen enlargement. Sadly, there is no cure for this disease.

Most dogs with Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency die by four years of age, and a DNA test is available to identify the disease in young puppies or for breeding purposes. This test can help prevent the disease from being passed on to future generations.

Discerning breeders screen dogs for Hip Dysplasia before breeding, and while it's not as prevalent in Basenjis as other breeds, it's still a concern.

Basenjis are prone to several eye issues that can impact their quality of life. One of the most significant concerns is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), an inherited disease that causes blindness.

Early symptoms of PRA, such as night blindness or dilated pupils, typically begin around three to five years of age. A genetic test is available to detect this condition.

Corneal dystrophy is another inherited condition that affects Basenjis, causing small white crystal deposits to form in the cornea. Unfortunately, there is no known effective medical treatment to remove these deposits.

Persistent Pupillary Membrane is a condition where small strands of tissue that were meant to disappear at birth remain attached to the iris. Basenjis are more likely to have this condition than other dogs.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Basenjis, characterized by cloudy lenses. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and can still lead happy lives.

Here's a summary of the eye issues that affect Basenjis:

Basenjis are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, and weight gain.

We'll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for this disease, which is essential for early detection and treatment. It's a simple test that can make a big difference in your Basenji's health.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. This can help regulate your Basenji's thyroid hormone levels and alleviate symptoms, making it an effective and easy-to-manage condition.

A relatively rare blood disorder called Pelger-Huet anomaly can occur in your Basenji. If he is a carrier of the disease, his infection-fighting white blood cells will look abnormal under the microscope, but will operate normally.

Puppies that inherit a copy of this abnormal gene from both parents usually die before or shortly after birth. This is why it's crucial to diagnose breeding dogs who are carriers of this defect so they don't pass it along to their offspring.

It's essential to be aware of this potential issue if you're planning to breed your Basenji.

Basenjis are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including dry skin and coat, hair loss, and susceptibility to other skin diseases.

Weight gain is a common sign of hypothyroidism, which can also cause fearfulness and aggression in some cases. Other behavioral changes may also occur.

We’ll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease, which is usually simple to treat with replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.

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Pyometra is a serious health issue that can affect female dogs, particularly those that are not spayed or neutered. It can happen to any female dog, but Basenjis seem to be more prone to it.

Each time a female dog goes through her heat cycle, her hormones cause a growth of nourishing cells to line the walls of the uterus. This creates a fertile ground for a raging bacterial infection that can progress rapidly into a critical emergency.

A spay/neuter procedure is the best option for preventing pyometra, especially if you don't plan to breed your dog.

Basenjis are prone to a common skin condition called mange, caused by an overabundance of microscopic mites called Demodex.

Normally, a dog's immune system keeps these mites in check, but some breeds, like Basenjis, may develop an issue.

In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions on the face or feet, which may or may not be itchy.

Secondary skin infections may occur if the condition is not treated promptly.

Prompt veterinary care is essential to keep the disease from getting out of hand.

Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management.

Basenjis are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy, which is often an inherited condition. This means that if your Basenji has a family history of seizures, they may be more likely to develop the condition.

Seizures in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including metabolic problems, brain tumors, and trauma. If your Basenji is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

Knee problems can be a concern for Basenji owners. Patellar luxation is a common issue where the kneecap slips out of place.

You might notice your Basenji suddenly picking up a back leg while running, skipping or hopping for a few strides, and then kicking it out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. This is a common sign of patellar luxation.

If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your Basenji might not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. This can help manage the condition and prevent further complications.

However, if symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap and prevent it from luxating further. This can be a more serious issue that requires professional attention.

For more insights, see: Common Health Issues with Rottweilers

Epilepsy is a common neurological issue in dogs, affecting breeds like Basenjis.

There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary.

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.

If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy, which is often an inherited condition.

Seizures in dogs prone to epilepsy usually begin between six months and three years of age.

An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause of the seizures.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue.

Basenjis are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This can lead to weight loss, foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea, and a dry and flaky coat due to their inability to absorb dietary fats.

A dry and flaky coat is a common symptom of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in Basenjis. It's a visible sign that they're not absorbing the nutrients they need from their food.

Lifetime dietary supplementation with digestive enzymes is an effective therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. By adding enzymes to their food, Basenjis can digest and absorb the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

For another approach, see: Grain Free Dog Food Health Issues

Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Unfortunately, your Basenji is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth.

Tartar build-up on the teeth is the starting point of dental disease, which can progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. This can lead to a range of serious health issues.

If we don’t prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Your Basenji’s life span may even be cut short by one to three years.

Regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene at home can make a big difference in preventing dental disease. We’ll work with you to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.

Fanconi Syndrome is a kidney disease that has affected Basenjis for many years.

Discerning breeders have been aware of a 'kidney disease' since the 1960s.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is a serious issue that affects Basenjis, causing them to have too few digestive enzymes.

The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food.

Basenjis are at an increased risk of having exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which leads to inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.

This can cause weight loss, foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea, and a dry and flaky coat due to their inability to absorb dietary fats.

Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy for this condition.

With proper treatment, Basenjis can manage their symptoms and maintain a healthy weight and coat.

Obesity is a serious health problem in Basenjis that can cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. It's a common issue that can be prevented with proper care and attention.

To keep your Basenji at a healthy weight, it's essential to maintain a consistent diet and avoid giving her people food. A high-quality diet appropriate for her age is crucial, and you should feed her regularly to prevent overeating.

A Basenji's low grooming needs make it easy to keep her coat clean, but regular brushing is still necessary, at least weekly. Brushing her teeth at least twice a week can also help prevent dental problems.

Here's a summary of the key points to prevent obesity and maintain a healthy lifestyle for your Basenji:

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Basenjis, causing or worsening joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

It's tempting to give your Basenji treats, but doing so can lead to obesity and related health issues. You can "love her to death" with leftover people food and doggie treats, so it's essential to be mindful of what you're feeding her.

Giving your Basenji a hug, brushing her fur or teeth, playing a game with her, or taking her for a walk can make her feel better and strengthen your bond.

By being aware of the risks of obesity in Basenjis, you can take proactive steps to prevent it, such as watching her diet and ensuring she gets plenty of exercise.

As you work to prevent obesity in your Basenji, it's essential to establish a consistent routine that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first. Basenjis like to climb and also can't resist chasing cats and other small animals, so a tall fence and leash walking are a must.

A high-quality diet is crucial for your Basenji's overall health. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and keep her diet consistent to prevent overeating.

Basenjis generally have good teeth, but regular brushing is still necessary. Brush her teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Taking care of your Basenji at home requires some common sense and attention to detail. Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise. Regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call a vet or pet emergency hospital if something seems unusual.

Supervising your pet is crucial, so keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldn't put in her mouth.

Brushing her coat as needed, at least weekly, is a low-maintenance grooming task. Basenjis are known for their lack of "doggie odor", but regular brushing can help keep her coat healthy.

Brushing her teeth at least twice a week can keep them perfect. Basenjis generally have good teeth, so this is a relatively easy task.

Cleaning her ears weekly, even as a puppy, is essential. Don't worry if you're not sure how - a vet will show you the way.

A tall fence and leash walking are a must for Basenjis, as they like to climb and chase small animals. Keep her diet consistent and don't give her people food.

Here's a summary of Basenji care:

Feeding a high-quality diet appropriate for her age is essential for maintaining her overall health. Exercise your dog regularly, but don't overdo it at first.

Spaying or neutering your Basenji is one of the best things you can do for their health.

Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

This surgery also eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Performing this surgery gives us a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

If your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time to do it while they're under anesthesia.

This is convenient for you and easy for your pet.

Don't worry; we'll discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives.

Basenjis are prone to several health concerns that owners should be aware of. Hypothyroidism is a common issue in this breed, and it's essential to monitor their thyroid levels regularly.

Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, skin problems, and a dull coat. It's crucial to work closely with a veterinarian to manage this condition.

Immunoproliferative Small Intestinal Disease (ISID) is another health concern that affects Basenjis. This condition causes the small intestine to become inflamed and can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a condition where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Hernias can also be a concern for Basenjis, and owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms, such as a bulge or swelling in the abdominal area.