Information about Basset Hounds

What is a Basset Hound? Where did the Basset Hound come from?
The Answers the these questions and many more can be found at the Basset Hound Club of America web site.

Discover the Basset Hound - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Discover1.htm

This and the other 7 pages provide a wealth of good information about basset hounds and how to select the right basset for you and your family.

Is a Basset Hound the Right Dog for You and Your family - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Discover2.htm

Never Buy a Basset From a Pet Store! - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Discover4.htm

Finding a Basset - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Finding_A_Breeder.htm

BHCA and Basset Hound Rescue Groups - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Rescue1.htm

Health Concerns for bassets - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Discover8.htm

BHCA Health Policy - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Health/healthpolicy.htm

BHCA Health Links - http://www.basset-bhca.org/Health/healthpolicylinks.htm

Getting Along With Your Basset - A great article by Jim Connelly which will help you to understand the differences between Basset Hounds and other dogs.

Dental Infection and How it Affects Your Pet - Your Dogs Teeth and and Gums are Important.  We have had first hand experience with this problem and it can be a serious health risk for your pet.

Interesting Dog Facts - Body temperature, bad breath, chewing, neutering, and more.

Tips to Help you House Train Your Puppy - House training your basset

Penelope & Her Pups - A gut wrenching true experience by Bill James about what can go wrong with indiscriminate breeding.

Don't Forget . . .

If you plan on boarding your dogs, don't forget to get that Bordetella vaccine (kennel cough)!

A good annual visit for your dog should include all shots and worming checks (including the Ocult heartworm test).

If your dog has bad breath, he may need his teeth cleaned.

Take off your dog's flea collar when he goes to the beach. Salt water on a flea collar can result in a serious (or even fatal) reaction.

Many foot disorders in dogs are related to long toenails. Check your dog's nails once a month and trim when necessary, avoiding the vein.

Help for Medical Problems

If your basset has a medical problem your vet cannot identify or resolve you may wish to seek advice from one a College of Veterinary Medicine.

UT Knoxville College of Veterinary Medicine -
The Small Animal Clinic is a 25,000 square foot facility located within the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The facilities includes:

• 10 examination rooms
• 10 patient wards with a capacity of 160 small animals
• 8 operating rooms
• anesthesia and surgical preparation rooms
• an intensive care ward
• special in-house diagnostic & treatment facilities
• a complete radiology unit
• and all of the support laboratories necessary for diagnostic testing

The caseload of the Small Animal Clinic is approximately 12,000 dogs and cats per year with approximately 7,000 of these being referral and 1,500 emergency cases. The departmental faculty consists of 24 faculty representing 30 Diplomats in 11 different specialties including internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology, radiology, radiation oncology, surgery, emergency medicine and critical care, and behavior. Emergency and critical care services are provided on a 24-hour per day basis. Other personnel include 22 veterinary technicians, a physical rehabilitation team, and a support staff of receptionists and kennel associates.

Note: Please refrain from using e-mail to seek the advice or opinions of the faculty. Advice should first be requested from your veterinarian. Information about referrals or appointments are available on http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/referrals.shtml

Some of the services include -

Clinical Behavior Science http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/behavior.shtml
In general, behavior modification training is not done at the Behavior Clinic. The treatment plan is explained and training techniques are demonstrated to the owners by the behavior clinic staff. The owners then work with their animal at home. An exception to this is the behavior modification technique of "noise phobia desensitization." Pets with a noise phobia undergo this training at the Behavior Clinic which has a high fidelity audio system providing accurate reproduction of noises to which animals are fearful.

Evaluation of behavioral problems is by appointment. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the Small Animal Clinic Appointment Desk at (865) 974-5667. Owners MUST be referred for appointments by their veterinarian.

Dermatology - http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/dermatology.shtml
The University of Tennessee's veterinary dermatology service consists of two board- certified dermatologists, a dermatology resident, and a veterinary technician. The service maintains an active local and referral case load and consults with veterinarians from all areas of the country. The dermatologists have expertise in all aspects of veterinary dermatology including allergic, endocrine, and immune-mediated diseases of both small and large animals. Diagnostic tests routinely performed include intradermal skin testing for allergies, endocrine testing, and histopathology. The dermatologists are actively involved in research relating to the field such as diagnostic tests for hypothyroidism, pathomechanisms of allergic disease, and sex hormone imbalances as they relate to hair loss. Visit UT Skin Vet at http://www.utskinvet.org/

Ophthalmology - http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/ophthamology.shtml
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine offers a comprehensive veterinary Ophthalmology service, which is staffed by board certified ophthalmologists, residents, and technicians to provide the most current diagnostic and therapeutic techniques available in veterinary Ophthalmology. Dogs and horses constitute the majority of our Ophthalmology caseload, but we also perform ocular examinations on and treat eye disease of cats, birds, exotic pets, wildlife, and zoo animals. Patients seen by the service are from the local areas as well as from surrounding states. Microsurgery is a major part of the Ophthalmology program, and we have capabilities for phacoemulsification surgery for cataracts, laser surgery, and glaucoma surgery. The Ophthalmology clinic is fully equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment available, including slit lamps, applanation tonometers, and indirect ophthalmoscopes. Other diagnostic and treatment modalities available include ocular ultrasonography, CT, and radiation therapy.

Orthopedic Surgery - http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/orthopedic_surgery.shtml
The small animal orthopedic surgery service, at The University of Tennessee, is available for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including fractured bones, joint disorders, and muscle diseases of small animals. Specialized equipment available for the diagnosis of orthopedic disorders includes nuclear scintigraphy and a force plate for gait analysis. Options available for fracture repair include intramedullary pins, bone plates, external skeletal fixators ad interlocking nails. Surgical treatments for hip dysplasia include triple pelvic osteotomy and total hip replacement. The orthopedic service consists of board certified veterinary surgeons, residents in surgical training, interns, and veterinary students. Patients may be scheduled for an appointment by referring veterinarians

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine - http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/

Other Veterinary College Websites - http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/links.html

10 Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years, any separation from you will be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me.  It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.  You have your work, your friends, your entertainment.  I only have you!
5. Talk to me.  Even if I don't understand your words,  I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me.  Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old.  You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys.  Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or, "Let it happen in my absence."  Everything is easier for me if you are there.  Remember, I love you.

Anonymous