French Bulldog Health
French bulldogs are prone to certain genetic diseases, but in general they are considered the healthiest of the three bulldog breeds. Here is a quick summary of diseases that you can see in your dog, and some symptoms to look out for…
French bulldogs can suffer from Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD), which is a bleeding disorder that is found in many breeds of dogs. Basically it is a defect in the clotting mechanism, which can result in excessive blood loss during injuries or surgeries. A simple test can tell whether your dog has this inherited condition.
These dogs can also suffer from hypothyroidism. Low thyroid hormones can result in metabolic changes and weight changes. A blood test can confirm this as well.
These dogs also suffer from a condition called Brachycephalic syndrome. All bulldogs do. This is where there is an elongated soft palate, a hypoplastic trachea, and everted laryngeal sacs. This makes it hard for the bulldog to breath. If you hear your bulldog snorting this is why. It makes it harder for them to breath, but this is what is unfortunately considered breed standard.
Also due to the physical appearance of these dogs, large heads and small bodies, females can have a hard time giving birth to puppies. The large heads of puppies can become stuck in the birth canal leading to a difficult birth or dystocia. In cases like this a caesarean section is needed.
If you have a pregnant bulldog then careful monitoring of your dog when it is giving birth is a must.
These are some of the more prominent factors playing into your French bulldog’s health. Overall they are considered a very healthy breed though. By taking your bulldog to the vet clinic on a regular basis you can prevent a lot of these disease before they become life threatening.
