All Dog Breeds >>Health of Basenji
There is apparently only one completed health survey of basenjis, a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey. Many basenjis suffer from PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), which causes blindness, and Fanconi's syndrome, which can cause kidney failure. Besides Fanconi Syndrome and PRA, Basenjis also suffer from Hypothyroidism, IPSID (immunoproliferative systemic intestinal disease), and HA (Hemolytic Anemia). Basenjis are also sensitive to environmental and household chemicals which can cause liver problems.
Morality
Basenjis in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey had a medium longevity of 13.6 years (sample size of 46 deceased dogs), which is 1–2 years longer than the median longevity of other breeds of similar size.The oldest dog in the survey was 17.5 years. Most common causes of death were old age (30%), urologic (incontinence, Fanconi syndrome, chronic kidney failure 13%), behavior ("unspecified" and aggression 9%), and cancer. (9%).