Below we will mention the diseases that have a general consensus between researchers and veterinarians. Remember that dogs suffering from these pathologies should not reproduce, since it favors their transmission to puppies.
Brachycephalic dog syndrome
brachycephalic dog syndrome is a disorder that affects most breeds that have the flat snout, like the French bulldog, pug or English bulldog. It implies difficulty breathing correctly from birth and can also cause obstruction of the respiratory tract Generally, most dogs that suffer from it have a tendency to snore and even suffer from a collapse.
It is directly related to selective breeding and the standards set by the different canine federations and can be a minor problem or a serious problem, always depending on the specific case.
Brachycephalic dogs should take caution with heat and physical exercise, as they are extremely susceptible to heat stroke. It also implies the possibility of suffering from gastrointestinal problems (due to difficulties swallowing food), vomiting, frequent retching and a serious risk of sedation for surgery.
Very common diseases in French bulldogs
- Histocytic ulcerative colitis: This is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine. It causes chronic diarrhea and continuous blood loss.
- Entropion: This pathology causes the dog's eyelid to fold inward and, although it generally affects the lower eyelid, it can occur in any of them. It causes irritation, discomfort and even visual impairment.
- Hemivertebra: consists of a vertebral malformation, which can sometimes exert compression on the spinal nerves. May cause pain and inability to move or walk
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the vertebrae protrudes or herniates and presses on the spinal cord. It can cause mild to severe back pain, tenderness, and loss of sphincter control.
- Cleft lip and palate: occurs during embryonic development and consists of an opening in the lip or roof of the mouth. Minor defects are not he alth problems, but serious ones can lead to chronic discharge, poor growth, aspiration pneumonia, and even death.
Other rare diseases in the breed
- Abnormalities in the eyelashes: There are several diseases related to the eyelashes, such as trichiasis or distinguishiasis, which cause irritation of the cornea of the dog and can cause great discomfort.
- Cataracts: This is a loss of transparency of the lens of the eye and can lead to long-term blindness. It can affect a part of the lens or the entire structure of the eye.
- Hemophilia: This disease involves abnormal platelet function, which means that the blood does not clot properly. Causes internal and external bleeding.
