Common English Bulldog
Health Problems

Allergies

A common ailment affecting the English Bulldog is dog allergies. Allergies can come by food, fleas, something in the air or by direct contact. Airborne and contact allergies are very hard to pinpoint. Pollen and dust are good examples. The most effective treatment for these is to keep your Bulldog inside as much as possible during high, outdoor pollen counts and by keeping a very clean home. Food allergies are usually the result of feeding your bully a cheap dog food that contains ingredients that your dog is allergic to. Please see our page, English Bulldog food, to learn more about this. Also, avoid giving your Bulldog the following human foods which can cause allergies: chocolate, onions, garlic, mushrooms, raisins and grapes. Flea bites can also cause dog allergies in the English Bulldog. Once a flea bites the skin, the Bulldog will start to scratch and bite the area to get relief. This can cause major irritation and swelling if severe enough. Please contact your vet if this condition worsens and doesn't improve within a few days. Over the counter flea shampoos and chemicals are not recommended as these can burn and further irritate the skin.

Cherry Eye

Another English Bulldog health problem is Cherry Eye. Unlike the human, a canine has three eyelids. The gland of the third eye produces a significant amount of tear production. In the Bulldog, this gland of the third eyelid is not strongly held in place and if it slips out, will appear as a red mass in the corner of the eye. Once the gland slips out, it will not circulate blood properly and may swell. The only recommended treatment for cherry eye is to replace the gland to it's proper location. There are two ways of doing this. The first way is done by having a single stitch inserted which draws the gland back in and permanently holds it in the correct place. The second way involves removing a wedge of tissue from directly over the actual gland. Tiny stitches are then used to close the gap so that the tightening of the incision margins push the gland back in place.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Another English Bulldog health problem is Brachycephalic Syndrome. Because the English Bulldog has a "pushed in" face, it can suffer from respiratory problems. Compared to other dog breeds, much extra work is required for air to move freely about the airways. Under normal conditions, the compromise is not great enough to cause a problem; however, a Bulldog should never be allowed to become overweight or overheated as these will trigger breathing problems. One form of Brachycephalic Syndrome is Stenotic Nares which is a fancy term for narrow nostrils. The English Bulldog might need surgery if severe breathing difficulties are a result of very small nasal openings. Another type of respiratory condition is Tracheal Stenosis which is when the Bulldog's windpipe may be dangerously narrow in places. This condition creates tremendous anesthetic risk and should be ruled out by chest radiographs prior to any surgery.

Skeletal Issues

Spina Bifida is another English Bulldog health problem. It refers to a defective fusion of the vertebral arches which causes the vertebrae to be incomplete. Spina Bifida may occur anywhere in the spinal column but is seen most often in the lower back area. There is no effective treatment for spinal cord malformations but reconstructive surgery may be helpful for mild cases. Another type of skeletal issue is Hemivertebra. This condition is commonly seen in screw-tailed breeds such as the Bulldog. It refers to an abnormal bony development of one or more of the vertebrae. A Hemivetebra doesn't necessarily cause problems unless it compresses the nerves within the spinal column. Spinal cord compression can cause back pain, weakness, inability to stand or walk and usually requires surgery.

Other English Bulldog Health Problems

Patellar luxation—Symptoms include: limping, hind leg held up, back leg problems and can’t straighten back leg. Caused by an unusually shallow spot on the femur, weak ligaments and misalignment of tendons and muscles that align the knee joint and allow the knee cap (patella) to float sideways in and out of position. This can be caused by injury or be present at birth and can affect both rear legs. It’s most common in dogs like the English Bulldog and other small to medium sized breeds. If your dog has trouble straightening the legs, is limping, or is walking on three legs and holding one hind leg up, look for patellar luxation. Severe cases require surgery for a fully lame leg.

Mast Cell Tumors—Mast cells are found throughout the body of the English Bulldog and help maintain the dog’s normal immune response, health and body functions. The tumors in question are CANCEROUS and spread through the body. There is no known cause for mast cell cancer and no cure, other than surgery for early-detected, low degree tumors that haven't spread too far. The best formula is to keep the dog as healthy as possible and be aware of any signs of tumors or poor health. Whether the dog survives or not depends on how advanced and fast moving the malignant tumor is.

Interdigital dermatitis - An infection occurs between the toes of the dog and pockets fill with pus which brings discomfort to the dog. They will lick and bite at the infection. If you see this condition, clean the infected feet well, and see a vet for medication to prevent returning infections.

Demodicosis—A skin disease known as "Red Mange" is another type of English Bulldog health problem sometimes seen in the breed. Symptoms include loss of hair, itching, reddening of skin and areas can become crusty. Sometimes cured with topical creams. May spread. Treatment is in the form of medications.

Deafness—Hereditary or caused by: Excessive loud noise, intolerance to anesthesia, drug toxicity, and Otitis (middle ear infection). In some English Bulldogs, one ear can have no hearing from birth and the other ear can lose the ability to hear over time, undetected, then suddenly one morning the hearing is totally gone. There is no reversing once that happens.

Facial fold dermatitis - Skin problem that occurs when the facial folds retain moisture and dirt. Infection can occur. These folds need to be cleaned daily with a cotton swab and water and maybe even disinfectant. In humid climates, be sure the folds are DRY. In case of infection, see your vet for the correct medications.

For more information and resource material on English Bulldog health problems, please visit veterinarypartner.com or BCA Health.

Nav from English Bulldog Health Problems to Bulldog Health

Nav from English Bulldog Health Problems to English Bulldog - Home