Health

Basset Griffon Vendéen Health

With all living beings, whether human or canine, health issues and illnesses can occur. Grands and Petits have a common origin from long established, rustic working stock, so overall they are healthy hounds with few problems. However this is not to say that they do not exist. Over the years, various countries have become aware of a few health issues in the breed and therefore it is important that breeders only breed from a sire and dam that, at the time of mating, they sincerely believe to be sound, healthy and of good temperament - and whose forebears had no known health issues.

Here are a few of the known problems with advice for you, the owner, in the unlikely event that your BGV should become ill.

Eyes: Grands and Petits have few eye problems but it is wise to have an active eye testing programme for any BGV. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a recognised problem in Petits. Eye tests from age 2-6 on an annual basis are therefore extremely important for all PBGVs, whether for breeding or just pets. While there is certainly no need for alarm, if found early, there are remedies which may increase the length of time that the PBGV's eyesight remains good.

Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM) is a recognised condition. Pupillary membranes are a normal neonatal structure that should disappear by the time the puppy is about 8 weeks old. If they persist, they are "non-progressive" and often disappear later in life.

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a disease in which the cells that produce sight in the retina are destroyed by a slow rise in the internal fluid pressure in the eye. Normally this fluid, known as the aqueous, is constantly produced inside the eyes to feed the lens and the cornea. It is drained from the eye back into blood vessels and the production and drainage rates are balanced. In POAG it is a disturbance of drainage which leads to an accumulation of this fluid and hence the pressure rise. The sight gradually diminishes and, as the fluid pressure increases, the eye enlarges and the lens may dislocate. Eventually the dog becomes blind.

It is therefore wise for all PBGVs, especially breeding stock, to undergo these two tests:

Gonioscopy This test is done once in the dog`s life - from 4 months of age onwards. Its purpose is to ensure that the angle is open and to gather information on the significance of what is generally described as pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD). There may be both primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle closure glaucoma in the breed, although the latter has not yet been seen. PLD may influence the speed of POAG progression. It may indicate other angle abnormalities within the ciliary cleft that might contribute to the overall situation - so gonioscopy must be done.

Tonometry This is done annually, especially from 3-6 years. Every 6 months during those years is better and every 3 months wise in BGVs related to known affecteds - as it is not yet known how this disease is inherited in the breed. This test measures out-flow pressure and aids early identification of problems such to POAG, Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Lens Luxation.

Hip Dysplasia In spite of their short legged, low set conformation, Bassets Griffons Vendéens are remarkably free from many of the joint problems that affect other breeds. Even hip dysplasia, the scourge of so many breeds, appears to have a low incidence. Joint problems may happen, especially if a growing puppy is over-exercised.
X-ray of good position for testing

Hypothyroidism has been reported in a few BGVs. Among other signs, this can result in hair loss. There is no evidence at present that this is hereditary in BGVs but obviously, if the condition is diagnosed, it is prudent not to breed from that individual.

Juvenile Pain Syndrome, aseptic meningitis, or spinal meningitis are all names given to a condition which has caused concern among Petit owners in several countries. It is also know to occur in Grands and usually affects young dogs up to two years. A similar problem appears to occur in some other breeds. Although no genetic predisposition has been established, clearly it is unwise to breed from any affected individuals. Most cases respond to treatment with drugs that include analgesics, antibiotics and corticosteroids. Your vet is likely to warn you that relapses can occur, although beyond the age of about four years these are unlikely.

Skin complaints can occur in BGVs, particularly in summer time. Some are due to flea allergies - or fox mange (sarcoptes scabei), which may be transmitted to dogs, can also be a problem. Nowadays it is not only restricted to rural areas but can also surface in suburbia. Hot spots - like a moist dermatitis, can also be a problem. These can be treated by trimming the hair away around the area to allow the skin to breathe and dry out and then by washing with antibacterial soap and applying an antibiotic cream or antiseptic solution. However, in general, any skin problem, particular if involving itching, scratching and hair loss, should be seen by your vet.

Seizuring: This is known to appear in both Grands and Petits. In some cases it may be inherited and clearly it is wise to avoid breeding from any affected dogs. With recent advances in DNA testing, breed clubs in some countries arrange for samples to go to central veterinary research laboratories who work together - all that is required is a cheek swab from volunteered hounds. Researches will hopefully establish the mode of inheritance for this and other possibly inherited diseases.