Basenji Health Information

All breeds of dogs have inherited health problems known to occur in that specific breed. Basenjis are no exception. Potential owners need to familiarize themselves with the breed's health issues, so they can make informed choices.

Breeders need to familiarize themselves with these health issues so they can do their best to produce healthy Basenjis.

Below is a list of serious or common health problems found in Basenjis.

The mission of the Endowment is to promote, further & facilitate health research that will benefit and help to ensure the continued survival of the Basenji dog as an unique breed.
 

For more information about the Endowment & how you can help
Click HERE

Fanconi Syndrome

Description
Fanconi syndrome is a disorder in which the kidney’s proximal renal tubules do not properly reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients back into the body, but instead "spill" them into the urine. Symptoms include excessive drinking (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and glucose in the urine (glucosuria.) If Fanconi is left untreated, muscle wasting, acidosis, and poor condition will also occur.

Untreated, a Basenji with Fanconi syndrome will generally die from the disorder. If caught early and put on the treatment protocol, affected Basenjis can do well.

Checking for Fanconi
The earlier the disease is detected, the less damage is done to tissues and organs. The vast majority of Basenjis with Fanconi "spill" glucose into their urine, although it is possible in very rare cases for a dog to have Fanconi and not spill glucose. It is generally recommended that Basenji owners test their dog's urine for glucose every month, starting at age 3. Urine glucose test strips (not blood test strips), such as those used by diabetics, are inexpensive and can be purchased at most pharmacies.

The strip should be placed in the Basenji's urine stream and then read as specified in the strip instructions. If it is not possible to place the strip in the urine stream, then the owner may need to catch the urine in a clean container. (Some breeders use a pie pan, ladle, or serving spoon.) A positive result (glucose present) suggests the possibility of Fanconi, but is not sufficient for definitive diagnosis. Owners should then go to their vet for further testing, including a blood glucose level.

Strip testing indicates only the current presence or absence of glucose in the urine. It does not definitively diagnose Fanconi, and it cannot predict whether or not a dog will later develop Fanconi. A dog that test strips normal now may later develop Fanconi. Additionally, a dog that test strips normal and does not have Fanconi does not mean it cannot produce offspring with Fanconi.

Because elevated urine glucose is also found in diabetes, Basenjis with Fanconi are often misdiagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes will show high blood glucose along with urine glucose. In Basenjis, a combination of urine glucose and normal or low blood glucose strongly suggests Fanconi syndrome. Venous blood gas studies can verify an electrolyte imbalance consistent with Fanconi syndrome. A veterinarian should evaluate dogs that have Fanconi symptoms but are not spilling sugar.

DNA testing for Fanconi
A linkage marker DNA test has been developed to test for the mutation for Fanconi syndrome. The mode of inheritance has been determined to be recessive.

The test can determine if a dog is a carrier, clear, or affected with a high degree of accuracy, and can predict that a dog will become affected prior to the development of symptoms. The test is available through the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, see www.basenjihealth.org

All Basenji matings should have at least one parent that tests clear, so affected offspring are not produced. Breeders should test breeding stock. All litters should have at least one clear parent.

Pets can be tested to verify a Fanconi diagnosis or to help assess their likelihood of coming down with Fanconi. However, check with your breeder first - pets with a clear parent do not need to be DNA tested. Further, even if your dog is DNA tested clear or carrier, you should still strip-test, as there is a small risk of error with the linkage DNA test.

Onset and treatment
The onset of Fanconi is typically between four and eight years of age, although onsets as early as three years and as late as ten years have occurred.

In 1990 Dr. Steve Gonto developed a treatment protocol, based on the treatments human Fanconi patients receive. The protocol involves acid neutralization, and replacing the lost electrolytes and nutrients, using bicarbonate and other supplements in specified doses to re-establish the body's acid-base balance and keep electrolytes at appropriate levels. Dr. Gonto was given lifetime membership in the Basenji Club of America in recognition of the importance of his work.

The Gonto protocol was studied and validated for the veterinary literature by Jennifer Yearley, DVM, while she was completing her professional studies. This was an important step in expanding the awareness of the treatment. The protocol has been very successful in improving both quality and length of life for Fanconi-affected Basenjis. The disorder can be controlled by the protocol, but it cannot be cured.

IPSID

Description
IPSID stands for immunoproliferative small intestinal disease, but it is a disease of many names. It is also called basenji enteropathy, immunoproliferative lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, basenji diarrheal syndrome, and malabsorption

IPSID is one of several different types of inflammatory bowel disease, which result in the dog not being able to utilize and absorb nutrients correctly from food.

Genetic predisposition
While IPSID is considered to be inherited, inheritance alone appears to be only one of the factors involved. When normal Basenjis have food allergies or a viral or bacterial infection and they become sick, at worst, they will come down with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With proper medical care they can be cured or maintained for life. A dog genetically predisposed to IPSID and its resultant immunicological weakness might start with plain vanilla IBD and eventually progress to IPSID. Stress of a physical or emotional nature also seems to be a factor.

Symptoms
Symptoms can include diarrhea (both large and small bowel), vomiting, weight loss, protein loss, increased or decreased appetite, depression, and gas. The type of symptoms and their severity differ from dog to dog, and from one time to another. Dogs with IPSID often will have good periods and bad periods. While the prognosis has been very poor I have been hearing of dogs that do well using a holistic approach to treating the disease. I have also talked to one holistic vet who feels comfortable treating a dog with IPSID with the possibility of returning it to health.

Typical diagnosis and treatment
Most of the time vets will use a process of elimination to diagnose IPSID. Blood serum protein levels may be low. Barium x-rays may show an enlarged section of the intestine. Biopsy is the only reliable way to diagnose IPSID; it is done to rule out irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome and disease, lymphangiectasia (which most basenjis with IPSID have as a secondary condition), colitis, cancer, and systemic fungal infections. Endoscopic biopsies are preferred to prevent complications with healing.

The traditional methods of treating IPSID include systemic prednisone and antibiotics. Symptoms may diminish or increase over time, and a veterinarian must oversee treatment and changes to treatment. IPSID affected dogs may be adverse bacterial reservoirs, and can harbor organisms that may cause problems for other dogs in the household.

Diet
It may be a good idea to change the dog's diet to one that is better tolerated and allows better nutrient utilization. Some veterinarians suggest switching diets on a monthly basis. A homemade diet also can be used. Additional vitamin supplementation may be indicated.

Further resources
There are holistic veterinarians who treat IPSID. Some will do phone consults and will work with your allopathic veterinarian.

Dr. Michael D. Willard of Texas A&M, an internationally recognized enterologist, is also available for consultations by phone with vets needing more information on the disease. He asks that everyone understand that he often travels and holds clinics so at times he will be out of the office. He can be reached at 979-845-2351, e-mail address mwillard@cvm.tamu.edu

Additional references:
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Newsletter Vol. 10 number 10: Sept. 1996 pgs.3-6
Immunoproliferative Enteropathy of Basenjis By Edward Breitschwerdt, Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (small animal), Vol. 7 no 2 (May), pp 153-161

Hemolytic Anemia

Description

Pyruvate kinase-deficient hemolytic anemia was first diagnosed in Basenjis in the 1960s, although prior to that date Basenjis had died of a then-unknown form of anemia. Research began in the 1960s, with a carrier test available in 1972.

Testing and inheritance

The gene is a simple recessive. Affected dogs may faint, typically have very white gums and mucous membranes, are likely to have low energy levels, and have light, "golden" colored stools. Affecteds typically die by age 2, with age 4 being the outside limit of survival.

Most Basenjis are now descended from tested clear stock. A few carriers still exist in the gene pool, so it is a good idea to use only dogs descended from tested clear stock or dogs that have themselves been tested. A DNA test, available by cheek swab, is available from VetGen and the University of Pennsylvania. A blood-based test is available from Dr. Johnson at the University of Missouri. OFA has an open registry for hemolytic anemia DNA status.

DNA testing gives an actual reading of the dog's status as a clear, carrier, or affected, so the testing does not have to be repeated.

Thyroid problems

Description
Basenjis are known to have a higher than average rate of hypothyroidism. The most common symptoms include weight gain, poor coat, and reduced activity level.

Testing
Studies have suggested that Basenjis have a higher than average incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis. Elevated TSH and TgAA levels are used to diagnose autoimmune thyroiditis - however, over time, these levels may subside. Thus, dogs must be checked regularly, since dogs that have had autoimmune thyroiditis for some time may not later show the elevated TSH and TgAA needed for definitive diagnosis.

For that reason, it is a good idea for breeders to periodically check their breeding stock with a full thyroid panel. It is also a good idea for pet owners to check their dogs, especially if they show any symptoms. A full thyroid panel is one that includes total thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 by dialysis, and thyroglobulin autoantibody (TgAA or TAA.) Hypothyroidism is easily treated with an inexpensive thyroid supplement.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has an open registry for dogs that have been tested for autoimmune thyroiditis at 12 months or older.

Thyroid panels test only for current thyroid status. They cannot predict future changes, and they do not indicate if a dog can produce offspring with hypothyroidism.

Hip Dysplasia

Description
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is badly formed, often leading to lameness and arthritis. It is believed to be polygenic, with multiple genes involved in its expression.

Approximately 3 - 3.5% of Basenji x-rays submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) are dysplastic. The actual rate of hip dysplasia may well be higher, as the veterinarian and owner may not submit dysplastic results.

Testing
Breeding stock should be x-rayed for hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has a web site that permits downloads and searches of dogs that have passed with a grade of Fair, Good, or Excellent. In addition, the OFA has recently added the option of having results placed in an open health registry, so that Borderline and Dysplastic ratings can be made public.

Good and Excellent are the preferred grades for breeding stock, although Fair is not considered dysplastic.

Dogs can be OFA-screened for hip dysplasia at 2 years of age or older. Screening tests, studying and considering the hip scores of progeny, and breeding from tested stock are the recommended methods of controlling hip dysplasia.

OFA status at 24 months of age is generally considered definitive of that dog's hip status. However, there is a small chance a dog can go dysplastic later in life.

Patellas

Some Basenjis have been reported with patellar luxation. This can be diagnosed by a veterinarian. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has an open registry of dogs whose patellas have been evaluated at 12 months of age or older.

Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM)

Description
Persistent Pupillary Membrane is a condition where the fetal membrane of the eye does not completely reabsorb. It is extremely common in Basenjis. This disorder does not progress, and in fact often puppies with mild PPM become normal as they get older.

Testing
It is a good idea for breeders to have an ACVO certified veterinary ophthalmologist check their puppies at 7-9 weeks of age, to determine the presence or absence of PPM. Most PPM is not associated with visual problems, although very severe PPM can cause visual difficulties. However, PPM that severe has become very uncommon as breeders breed away from it. Breeders should be aware of the PPM status of their dogs.

A Basenji with iris to iris PPM can receive a Canine Eye Registration Foundation certificate. All other grades of PPM (iris to lens, iris to cornea, and iris sheets) cannot. Most Basenji breeders will not disqualify a dog from breeding solely due to mild PPM.

PPM can get better, but does not get worse. A CERF exam will show current PPM status, but it does not tell you whether or not the dog can produce offspring with PPM.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Description
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an eye condition in which the retina begins to deteriorate, causing visual loss and generally leading to blindness. A form of late-onset progressive retinal deterioration is known to occur in Basenjis. Onset is typically late to very late, with typical onsets between ages 4 and 10. Onsets have been reported between ages 3 and 13.

Basenjis can also have some unusual, but benign, forms of retinal pigmentation that can easily be confused with PRA or retinal degeneration. Both false positives and false negatives are common with Basenji PRA.

It is not currently known if Basenji PRA is one disease or more than one. Mode of inheritance is presently unknown, although most forms of PRA are recessive.

Research
If your dog is diagnosed with PRA, blood samples of your dog, his or her parents, any offspring, and any full siblings should be sent to the Canine Phenome Project, our breed’s DNA bank. There are plans to use this DNA for research on PRA, with a goal of identifying the mode of inheritance and the causative gene.

Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) exams by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) certified veterinary ophthalmologist include examinations for PRA, as well as the other eye anomalies noted below. CERF exams are recommended annually for breeding stock. Dogs that test normal can receive a certificate.

A CERF exam indicates only the present state of a dog's eyes. Since PRA onsets later in life, a CERF exam cannot predict whether or not a dog will develop PRA in the future. Further, a CERF exam cannot evaluate whether or not the dog will produce PRA.

Other Eye Anomalies

Coloboma
Coloboma is the absence, complete or partial, of a portion of the eye. The mode of inheritance of coloboma is not yet understood. Basenjis with colobomas typically have optic nerve colobomas. A Basenji with a coloboma will not receive certification from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) breeding recommendation is not to breed an affected. Since Basenjis can, in some cases, have normal optic nerves that are somewhat more deeply cupped than other breeds, it is possible to have a false positive. If a Basenji is diagnosed with a coloboma, a second opinion, with an ophthalmologist familiar with Basenji eyes, has been recommended by some of our researchers.

Corneal Dystrophy
Epithelial/stromal corneal dsytrophy is not uncommon in Basenjis. This is a condition where the cornea becomes clouded. It is believed to have a hereditary component, but does not normally compromise vision. The ACVO breeding recommendation on epithelial corneal dystrophy is Breeder's Choice - the breeder should consider this, but it is not a reason, in and of itself, to disqualify a dog from breeding. Basenjis with epithelial corneal dystrophy will CERF.

Endothelial corneal dystrophy is less common in Basenjis. This is a more deeply-seated disorder than epithelial. The ACVO breeding recommendation on this condition is NO, and Basenjis with endothelial corneal dystrophy will not CERF.

These anomalies can be detected in a CERF exam (see above under PRA.) An annual CERF exam is recommended for all breeding stock. Coloboma is present from puppyhood, but many other eye disorders, such as corneal dystrophy, can onset later in life. Thus, a normal CERF exam does not guarantee that the dog will not later develop a hereditary eye problem. And a CERF exam cannot measure whether or not a dog carries genes for a hereditary eye problem.

Umbilical and Inguinal Hernias

Description

Umbilical hernias are very common in Basenjis. They can be repaired at any time; the surgery is often done when a pet is spayed or neutered or during any other procedure requiring anesthesia. Small closed hernias generally do not cause problems; large or open hernias can cause problems if a loop of intestine gets caught in the hernia. Some breeders routinely repair even small closed hernias. Dogs who have had umbilical hernias repaired are still eligible for participation in AKC conformation events.

Inguinal hernias are uncommon in Basenjis. They generally do require surgical repair. Dogs with repaired inguinal hernias are not eligible for participation in AKC conformation events.

Cardiac Certification

Some Basenjis have been reported with heart murmurs. This can be diagnosed by a veterinarian. The OFA has an open cardiac registry of dogs whose hearts have been evaluated at age 12 months or older.

Cardiac exam results can change over time, and a dog with a current normal cardiac exam may later develop a heart problem. Additionally, cardiac exams cannot test for whether or not a dog can produce offspring with heart problems.
 

IPSID section courtesy of Cindy Griswold