What health problems DON'T they have?

[Shanfl]

I'll post first :)

Working for an animal eye specialist the majority of the cases we deal with are genetic. We see quite a few Bulldogs and because of the way that people have bred them for years away from their original purpose (bull-baiting) they have taken on a shape and build that is nothing like that of what they originally were. That being said, the eye problems Bulldogs are predisposed to include: distichiasis, prolapse of the nictitans gland (aka cherry eye), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), and it is not uncommon for them to have entropion and ectropion in the same eye requiring a more complex and expensive surgery such as an arrowhead entropian or orbital rim tack. All of these require surgery and/or almost constant treatment to maintain a healthy cornea and prevent scarring or other damage.

Add to that, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals reports that 73.7% of dogs x-rayed have Hip Dysplasia. Almost all require artificial insemination and C-section to successfully whelp a litter because the way that we have bred them to look has made natural breeding and whelping almost impossible and VERY dangerous, especially to the female. Many have skin problems from chronic infections to severe allergies and if you watch a lot of these dogs walk you can actually see their bones move in and out of their joints. They are also especially prone to heat stroke because, as brachiocephalic dogs, they are inefficient at releasing excess heat and getting enough oxygen into their blood after exercise, exertion, or extreme temperatures (many turn purple in the gums or tongue after exercise, a sign of lack of oxygen and basically suffocation).

Now, I am by no means a Bulldog expert but have spent much of my life around dogs of all types in grooming, veterinary, and the showing worlds. I love Bulldogs and they are wonderful companions but anyone considering buying one needs to look past the initial cost of the dog, which is usually around or over $2k, and consider the long-term cost and health of your pet. I've met many people who buy these dogs and have no money left for surgeries to fix the problems that are VERY common in this breed. And buying from a reputable breeder is a MUST with any dog. And of course, the Bulldog Club of America has a network of foster dogs waiting for new homes.

[1marineslady]

I did not know this, thanks for sharing shannon. Great info to have.

[Trapper]

We have quite a bit of English Bulldog owners here on the boards. They may not know this stuff. Thanks.

[Shanfl]

With ANY breed it's always important to do your homework and invest the time and money to wait for a dog from a good breeder. Too many people buy dogs on impulse or from the first guy with a puppy and an ad in the newspaper. You have to keep in mind that this is a dog that you could potentially have for the next 15 years. Good, ethical breeders don't need to advertise in newspapers or things like Craigslist and will NEVER ship a puppy without meeting you in person first. Good breeders do necessary health testing on their breeding stock routinely (OFA, Pennhip, CERF, etc) and will always be there for you for the rest of your pets life whether you have a question or for some reason cannot keep your pet. Many have contracts with a first right of refusal clause stating that if you cannot keep the dog for any reason at any point in its life you must first contact the breeder and give them the option of taking the dog and rehoming it themselves.

But of course shelter dogs and dogs in breed rescue need homes too!

[Trapper]

With ANY breed it's always important to do your homework and invest the time and money to wait for a dog from a good breeder. Too many people buy dogs on impulse or from the first guy with a puppy and an ad in the newspaper. You have to keep in mind that this is a dog that you could potentially have for the next 15 years. Good, ethical breeders don't need to advertise in newspapers or things like Craigslist and will NEVER ship a puppy without meeting you in person first. Good breeders do necessary health testing on their breeding stock routinely (OFA, Pennhip, CERF, etc) and will always be there for you for the rest of your pets life whether you have a question or for some reason cannot keep your pet. Many have contracts with a first right of refusal clause stating that if you cannot keep the dog for any reason at any point in its life you must first contact the breeder and give them the option of taking the dog and rehoming it themselves.

But of course shelter dogs and dogs in breed rescue need homes too!
We typically go to the the Humane Society or Animal Friends for our dogs. They take pretty good care of them there and make sure they are healthy first. Do the "fixing" and worming, flea baths, etc.

[gunga55]

I have had pretty good luck at the humane society over all

[hankhoffman]

My Bully has a thyroid issue that she take meds for. Other than that she likes to drink too much water and through it up.

[DearMilSpouse]

Yep if you own a bulldog you better get health insurance for him/her. I already knew of all the possible issues that could face my bullie.

Picking a GOOD breeder is very very important. Food is also important in keeping him/her healthy. This is definitely a breed you should research thoroughly before deciding to buy.

Most don't realize that they also need to be groomed daily in order to keep them healthy. Baby wipes come in so handy!

And even if you have the money, you must also remember they love to chew and chew and chew and chew. Did I mention they love to chew?

I love my baby to death even if he does love to chew my feet to death.

[V8403]

even tho I do not have an English Bull Dog I have been doing some reading up on them. and for those of you that do not have them, here is a little bit of information on the breed . of course Bridget knows all of this stuff allready. probably before she got her little baby. :D

Breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, very susceptible to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Puppies often delivered by caesarian section because of their broad heads. Its digestive system is very active and may be offensive to people with sensitive noses. Susceptible to skin infections. Also hip and knee problems.
The smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles.
the English Bulldogs appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder, and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and stubborn, this breed can be very persistent. They do not give up easily. Bulldogs are very much a peoples dog seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! A lot of human attention is required for the breed's happiness. Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating and need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior . A Bulldog who understands it's *place* in the human pack, is nice to, and reliable with all people. This breed is good with family pets, but some can be scrappy with strange dogs. When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older. They snore very loudly, and most have drool and slobber tendencies.

[hankhoffman]

Good Stuff John

Very true information. My Bully Mackenzie is very low maintenance.

[hmxsgt]

Yep if you own a bulldog you better get health insurance for him/her. I already knew of all the possible issues that could face my bullie.

Picking a GOOD breeder is very very important. Food is also important in keeping him/her healthy. This is definitely a breed you should research thoroughly before deciding to buy.

Most don't realize that they also need to be groomed daily in order to keep them healthy. Baby wipes come in so handy!

And even if you have the money, you must also remember they love to chew and chew and chew and chew. Did I mention they love to chew?

I love my baby to death even if he does love to chew my feet to death.

hahaha that's too funny, and just to let you know it's not a "PUPPY" issue, my 5 year old bully will lay at the end of the bed and gnaw on my toes, socked or bare. Doesn't matter. LOL to funny.

Now to the original post. Yes bulldogs can have many issues, I've had two males and a two females, I have had nothing but good luck with the males and bad luck with the females. We did a lot of homework before we purchased the first one and we were ready for the challenge. The first one was a female, she was kept in cedar shavings and ended up with a severe case of kennel cough which turned into a severe case of Pnemunia which basically killed her one night, literally $1,200 later she was back to "normal" at least what we thought was normal, she ended up having brain damage. We went back to the breeder, they were willing to give us a new pup or pay for the bill, so we were already attached we kept her and took the money. About 6 months later we decided we wanted another, so off we went, same breeder, we figured it was a fluke and hey they payed the bill. Well same problem but not as bad, after that they changed there way of storing puppies. But 4 months later we found out that she had a heart murmur, one that their vet as well as our personal vet missed. Well the only place that could perform the surgery was a vet school here in Mass called Tufts, ya well $3,000 and an 85% chance it would not fix anything and a 60% chance she wouldn't come off the table alive, we opted for leaving it alone, which gave us 2 months. She was put down at around 6 months old. 100% rebate on her and we still had Bella, ya well about 2 months after that Bella went crazy and chase after a 75 year old lady next door hanging out her laundry. She fell, was bit and scratched. She told us she would seek charges if we didn't do something with her. We brought her to our vet, where she snapped on the vet tech and bit her hand requiring stitches. They did some research and the only thing they could come up with is that she had some brain damage from the near death experience she had about a year prior. They suggested we put her down. Two bullys within a year. Well about 6 months later my wife had the bug again and came across another breeder in our area. When we called they had one Male left. We got Dozer and have had him 5 years, his biggest issue is no matter what food you give him he has the worst gas ever, and the next food is worse then the last. About two years later we got another; Diesal, when Diesal was about 2 we gave him to my in-laws, Dozer and Him would get into horrible fights. Both are 100% healthy now and have been since they were purchased. Any pure bred dog is going to have genetic issues. Homework has to be done on any purebred dog.

[innersanctum]

I'll post first :)

Working for an animal eye specialist the majority of the cases we deal with are genetic. We see quite a few Bulldogs and because of the way that people have bred them for years away from their original purpose (bull-baiting) they have taken on a shape and build that is nothing like that of what they originally were. That being said, the eye problems Bulldogs are predisposed to include: distichiasis, prolapse of the nictitans gland (aka cherry eye), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), and it is not uncommon for them to have entropion and ectropion in the same eye requiring a more complex and expensive surgery such as an arrowhead entropian or orbital rim tack. All of these require surgery and/or almost constant treatment to maintain a healthy cornea and prevent scarring or other damage.

Add to that, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals reports that 73.7% of dogs x-rayed have Hip Dysplasia. Almost all require artificial insemination and C-section to successfully whelp a litter because the way that we have bred them to look has made natural breeding and whelping almost impossible and VERY dangerous, especially to the female. Many have skin problems from chronic infections to severe allergies and if you watch a lot of these dogs walk you can actually see their bones move in and out of their joints. They are also especially prone to heat stroke because, as brachiocephalic dogs, they are inefficient at releasing excess heat and getting enough oxygen into their blood after exercise, exertion, or extreme temperatures (many turn purple in the gums or tongue after exercise, a sign of lack of oxygen and basically suffocation).

Now, I am by no means a Bulldog expert but have spent much of my life around dogs of all types in grooming, veterinary, and the showing worlds. I love Bulldogs and they are wonderful companions but anyone considering buying one needs to look past the initial cost of the dog, which is usually around or over $2k, and consider the long-term cost and health of your pet. I've met many people who buy these dogs and have no money left for surgeries to fix the problems that are VERY common in this breed. And buying from a reputable breeder is a MUST with any dog. And of course, the Bulldog Club of America has a network of foster dogs waiting for new homes.

Well, I can attest to this. Zoe has had an allegic reaction twice this year. The first time she didn't damage her eyes but had scabs on her head from all the scratching.

The most recent was yesterday, well more like last week. I took her to the vet last week because her eye looked very unusual. They determined it was an ulcer on her eye. Gave me some meds for her and I administered them every day as prescribed.

Over the weekend, I noticed that the eyes were getting puffy and almost were closed all the time. So I took her to the vet again yesterday morning. The ulcer wasn't healing with the meds so they had to do surgery yesterday on her eye. No vision will be lost and she will heal just nicely. However, i was informed had I not returned with her yesterday, I would have been dealing with a one-eyed dog in the coming weeks.

Total damages for two vet visits and one surgery ...

$37 for the first visit. $80.60 for the second visit (including the surgery). Not bad really but I guess it depends on the vet and the area you are living in. Unfortunately, we don't have any Bulldog specialists in our area but my vet will be one when I am through with her.

[gunga55]

you got lucky on the bill Steve that is for sure.