COMMON HEALTH ISSUES WITHIN THE FRENCH BULLDOG BREED

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If you are interested in owning a French Bulldog, we implore you to do thorough research so that you understand the possible health problems that your Frenchie could be affected by.

While selective breeding and genetic testing can reduce the chances of these disorders developing, no test can guarantee your French Bulldog will be completely free of disease throughout its life. We’ve compiled a list of the most common French Bulldog genetic health problems to help you understand what gives Frenchies a bad rep.

 

 

HEAT STRESS

French Bulldogs have shorter airways. Shorter breathing system which means that there is less time to cool the air which is drawn into its body. 

To prevent heat strokes:
1. Never leave your dog in a locked car, even if the weather does not seem too hot 
2. Be conscious of the dog’s proximity to the hot pavement
3. Give your pup lots of water and shade

 

ELONGATED SOFT PALATE

Brachycephalic breeds often have forms of airway obstruction due to an elongated soft palate. The soft palate is an extension of the hard palate which forms the roof of the mouth. A soft palate that is elongated hangs in front of the airway or falls into the larynx when the dog takes in a breath. The purpose of the soft palate is to regulate the food and water to fall down the throat and prevent it from entering the nasal passages during swallowing. Due to chronic airway obstruction (CAO) the dogs tend to breathe noisily, especially when excited, hot, or during exercise. Dogs tend to deal with this issue by gagging or bringing up foam and saliva to clear their airway. An elongated soft palate is rather difficult to positively confirm. In severe cases surgery may be helpful. 

 

TRACHEAL COLLAPSE

Tracheal Collapse is a syndrome in which the trachea becomes weakened. This happens due to internal or external pressure which is created during activity. This syndrome interferes with normal breathing. Further irritation to the trachea such as coughing will most likely worsen the condition. Tracheal Collapse can occur by itself, as well as with another airway disorder such as chronic Bronchitis. In mild cases the dogs respond to cough suppressants and stress reduction (less intense exercise and excitement). In advanced cases the dog may need surgical correction.

Symptoms:

1.  Dry honking cough.
2. Difficulty breathing
3.Unproductive efforts to vomit (retching)
4. Abnormally rapid breathing
5. Abnormal breathing sounds
6. Inability to perform routine exercise
7. Bluish colored membranes
8. Spontaneous loss of consciousness

 

STENOTIC NARES:

Narrowed nostrils in Frenchies are known as Stenoic Nares. This condition restricts the amount of airflow into the nostrils. With a mild case of Stenoic Nares the dogs will exhibit noisy breathing, which increases their demand for oxygen. This condition is diagnosed during a physical exam. Some pet owners decide to have Stenoic Nares surgically corrected to improve the pup`s breathing ability.

Symptoms:
1. Noisy breathing

2.Gagging
3.Retching
4.Vomiting
5.Heat intolerance
6.Exercise intolerance
7.Mouth breathing

In Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, weight control and proper exercise are a must. Frenchies with Stenotic Nares show improvement when they get controlled exercise, as well as avoid hot and humid conditions. For short-term relief of airway inflammation or respiratory distress, anti-inflammatory medication, tranquilizers and oxygen therapy may help. However, it is important to note that these are only temporary relief solutions. These medications do not fix the underlying cause of this condition. The best way to fix Stenotic Nares is with surgery.

 

CHERRY EYE:
 

What causes cherry eye in French Bulldogs?
Cherry eye is a health disorder that occurs when the tear gland of this third eyelid pops out of position. 

A congenital weakness of the tear gland in the eye is usually associated with cherry eye, however, it has not yet known whether it is inherited from parents.

It’s also much more common in younger French Bulldogs, however, it can happen at any point in your Frenchie’s
lifetime.

If your French Bulldog has a large, red mass protruding from its eye, take them to your veterinarian immediately. It’s important that you seek treatment quickly in order to minimize damage to the eye.

If cherry eye is left untreated, it may cause damage to the eye or third eyelid gland which may result in chronic dry eye.

Severe cases of dry eye can seriously impair your French Bulldog’s vision. Don’t wait for cherry eye to go away on its own; go see your vet.

Symptoms:

•  Eye redness(conjunctivitis)

•  Swelling around the eyes

•  Excessive tear production

• Abnormally dry eyes

• Pawing/rubbing at the eyes

• Squinting

• Vision impairment

• Pus-filled discharge

• “Eye rot” and changes to a black colour

 

 

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FOOD AND SKIN ALLERGIES:

Just like us humans can suffer from allergies, our Frenchies can as well! While genetics can increase the risk of your French Bulldog developing an allergy, it’s important to note that they can develop allergies at any point during their lifetime.The gastro intestinal problems in Frenchies are most likely caused by parasites, bacteria, indiscretion eating, etc. The skin problems are usually due to environmental allergens (pollen, dander, and plants), fleas, bacteria or medications. To diagnose the cause of allergies, foods and skin irritants should be ruled out one at a time before the introduction of hypoallergenic food. 

 

Symptoms of allergies

• Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin

• Increased scratching

• Itchy, runny eyes

• Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy)

• Itchy ears and ear infections

• Sneezing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Paw chewing/swollen paws

• Constant licking What could be causing these symptoms? The same allergens that bother us could be bothering your pets. Here’s a list of some of the most common pet allergens.

Offer your pup fresh, organic, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Avoid onions, garlic and grapes (raisins). It is important to maintain a strict diet during the ruling out process. If you suspect a food allergy, give your dog a minimum of 8 week hypoallergenic food trial. If your Frenchie feels better by the end of this trial, try to reintroduce the previous diet. Once the previous diet is reintroduced, the gastro intestinal problems or itchiness (if it is a skin allergy) will most likely start in a few days to a few weeks. Reintroduction of the previous diet will help you diagnose that your Frenchie has a food allergy. Although many pet owners believe that the most common food allergy in dogs comes from grain, it is not necessarily true. Many food allergies are due to the protein source found in meat. The most common protein allergens are found in chicken (60%), beef and fish. Other common allergens are corn, soy, wheat, and dairy. If you believe that your dog is allergic to grain, then a grain free diet should be given for at least 10 weeks. If the gastrointestinal disease due to a food allergy is untreated, it may lead to IBD (inflammatory bile disease. See your veterinarian for consultation.

 

 

BRACHYCEPHALIC AIRWAY SYNDROME 
 

French Bulldogs are what are known as a brachycephalic breed.

Simply put, brachycephalic means “short-headed” or “flat-faced“, and refers to that smushed face that we’ve come to love of dogs such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas.

These cute looks don’t come without any drawbacks though; the flat-faced appearance of these dogs is what causes your French Bulldog to snort and snore.

In severe cases, it can seriously hinder your Frenchie’s ability to breathe properly.

Brachycephalic syndrome refers to a multitude of conditions.

These are an elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules.

• Elongated soft palate

• Stenotic Nares

• Everted laryngeal saccules

Altogether, these conditions generally result in noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, retching, and gagging. It’s
important to keep your French Bulldog a healthy weight as obesity will exacerbate these symptoms.

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HIP DYSPLASIA

 

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in French Bulldogs

Hip dysplasia is a skeletal disorder in which the ball and socket joint of the hip isn’t formed correctly. If left untreated, it can result in limited activity, pain, and the development of hip arthritis.

Hip dysplasia in French Bulldogs is characterized by the following

• “bunny hopping”

• decreased activity

• difficulty standing up

• hip pain/sensitivity

• inability to climb stairs

• inability to jump

 

Causes of Hip Dysplasia in French Bulldogs

What are the main causes of hip dysplasia in French Bulldogs?

Some dogs will have a genetic predisposition to hip looseness or laxity which can increase the rate of progression of the disorder.

Other environmental factors can contribute to the development and progression of hip dysplasia such as excessive growth, exercise, obesity, and other nutritional factors.

If you are concerned that your French Bulldog may be suffering from hip dysplasia, please consult with your veterinarian for further evaluation.

Your vet will usually perform an x-ray and physical examination to determine the degree and severity of the hip dysplasia.

 

Preventing Hip Dysplasia in French Bulldogs

You know how they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”?

This is certainly true when it comes to hip dysplasia in French Bulldogs.

• A healthy diet and weight

• Avoid over-exercising as a puppy.

• Get regular checkups at the vet.

• Keep exercise gentle and low impact

• Refrain from jumping and landing on hind legs (i.e. holding a ball and having them jump for it)

• Regular exercise

• Supplements such as vitamin C and E

• Ask your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimens.

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Treating Hip Dysplasia in French Bulldogs

If your French Bulldog is suffering from hip dysplasia, fortunately, there are a few treatment options.

Physical therapy, weight control, and diet are great non-surgical treatment options for hip dysplasia.

Physiotherapy and swimming can help build the muscles around the affected area without putting strain on the joint.

It’s also crucial that you keep your French Bulldog a healthy weight to keep as much pressure off the joint as possible.

With the correct diet, you’ll be able to minimize any weight gain by offsetting their diet appropriately to their new activity level during recovery.

In more severe cases, surgery may be required to restore original function and reduce discomfort.

An early diagnosis is important when treating hip dysplasia in order to reduce the amount of damage and arthritis caused by hip dysplasia.

If necessary, there are a few different surgical procedures that your vet may recommend.

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INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE

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This is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge or herniate into the spinal cord space.

These discs can press on nerves, causing pain, nerve damage, and paralysis.

What are the symptoms of Intervertebral Disc Disease?

• Unwillingness to jump

• Pain and weakness in the hind legs

• Crying out in pain

• Anxious behavior

• Muscle spasms over back or neck

• Hunched back or neck with tense muscles

• Reduced appetite and activity level

• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control

What causes Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs?

Damage to the discs in the spinal cord can be caused by forceful impacts such as jumping and landing.