IVDD in Basset Hounds

Clinical overview

Why Basset Hounds carry elevated IVDD risk

Basset Hounds are predisposed to intervertebral disc disease relative to many mixed-breed dogs, driven by conformation and heritable risk. Owners who centralize imaging, labs, and flare logs avoid dangerous gaps during emergencies. Keep symptoms, diagnostics, medications, and surgical notes together so every caregiver sees the same IVDD history.

Watch list

Symptom checklist

• Sudden cry-out pain with a hunched back
• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
• Wobbly gait progressing toward paralysis
• Loss of bladder or bowel control in advanced grades
• Knuckling or dragging of pelvic limbs

Digital vault protocol

Emergency & longitudinal management

1. Log mobility grade (pain → ataxia → paresis → plegia) with exact timestamps
2. Archive MRI level(s), neurology notes, and surgical reports
3. Document crate-rest compliance windows and exceptions
4. Track bladder expression schedules and UTI treatment
5. Photograph ramp/home setup for sitters and rehab teams