They can acquire it because of their odd bone structure. Basset Hounds can also have torsion. If it doesn't turn around in time, the stomach dies, causing the dog never to eat. You have to eat to live so, the dog dies. Another problem they can have that is related to torsion, is bloat.
Bloat is when dry food is in the stomach and lots of water is ingested.
This causes the food to expand making the Basset sick. Because the Basset's nose is close to the ground pretty much at all times, it picks up parasites, bacteria, and some viral diseases. Since the Basset hound's ears are so long and floppy, they have a tendency to get odorous ears. Ear wax builds up and can lead to an ear infection if not properly cleaned. To keep your Basset smelling fresh and put an end to ear infections, clean it's ears 2 to 3 times a week with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide.