Dog health

Basenji health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Basenji, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 20 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 5 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and digestive problems. A typical vet bill for a small dog runs $273 – $1,110.

Health problems linked to the Basenji

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [5]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6]
HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [7]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [8]
Kidney diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste. It is managed with diet, fluids and regular blood tests rather than cured. [9]Ongoing medication (owner bills): $40–$225 [10]
Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [8]
Digestive problems (IBD)Named by: AKC breed page [1]Long-term inflammation of the gut causes repeat vomiting or diarrhea. It is managed with diet and sometimes medicine. [11]Vomiting and diarrhea treatment (owner bills): $250–$1,050 [12]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: Basenji are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen for health disorders such as hypothyroidism, a type of inflammatory bowel disease called IPSID and canine hip dysplasia. Gene tests are available to identify carriers of Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disorder, as well as progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA; such tests allow breeders to plan breedings that will not produce those diseases. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Basenji) (PRA) - DNA Test, Fanconi's Syndrome, Paradoxic glucosuria - DNA Test. [1][13] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 3 DNA health tests for the Basenji, including Fanconi Syndrome (FS) in the Basenji; Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in the Basenji; Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef) in the Basenji. [14] One health test costs $58 there. [15]

What to budget

For a small dog like the Basenji, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [16]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Basenji at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 13–14 years and you get roughly $11,400–$19,400 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [16][17] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [18] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [19] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [20]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Basenji?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and digestive problems. That doesn't mean every Basenji will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Basenji?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508).

Should I get pet insurance for a Basenji?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Basenji breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Basenji) (PRA) - DNA Test, Fanconi's Syndrome, Paradoxic glucosuria - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Basenji live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13–14 years.

Basenji breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (20) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Basenji breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
  6. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
  8. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  9. VCA – Chronic kidney disease in dogs
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Chronic Medication Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. VCA – Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs
  12. VetReceipt – Dog Vomiting & Diarrhea Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  13. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  14. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Basenji DNA tests
  15. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  16. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  17. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  18. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  19. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  20. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)