What diseases are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens prone to?

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle regarding activities and exercise.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Eye Issues: This breed may be prone to lens luxation, a dislocation of the eye that occurs when the support ligaments of the lens (a sphere-shaped area of the eye that focuses light on the retina) weaken or break. The weakening of the ligaments causes the lens to dislocate from its normal position. Depending on the direction the lens falls, it can prevent proper drainage of fluid from the eye and lead to glaucoma. The condition is also very painful and can cause blindness if the luxation is not surgically fixed. Glaucoma, a condition that causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness; and persistent pupillary membranes, where remnant strands of fetal tissue cross over the iris, are also issues that can affect the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

• Others: Hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy and a brittle coat; ear infections; epilepsy; allergies; otitis externa, an inflammation of the ear canal; and inguinal and umbilical hernias, defects of the abdominal muscles that can cause internal organs to become trapped and swell under the skin of the belly or groin.