English bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs which, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, means short-nosed. Brachycephalic dogs have normal sized lower jaws in proportion to their body but a compressed upper jaw. Dog breeders achieve this shape though selective breeding, which, unfortunately, comes at a high health-related cost. English bulldogs suffer from eight primary health issues.
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Brachycephalic Syndrome
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According to Mar Vista Vet, all brachycephalic dogs are prone to brachycephalic respiratory syndrome and English bulldogs are particularly susceptible. This syndrome may affect different areas of the respiratory tract and, in essence, means that English bulldogs have difficulty breathing effectively.
Brachycephalic respiratory syndrome may manifest itself in narrow nostrils, a soft palate that is too big, a narrow windpipe or a condition where part of the larynx turns inside out.
Pulmonic Stenosis
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Pet MD states that English bulldogs are at risk of congenital heart defects, or pulmonic stenosis. This can be serious enough to lead to heart failure or simply show itself in a heart murmur.
Pododermatitis
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Pododermatitis, or skin inflammation, sometimes affects the paws of English bulldogs. According to Pro Vet, parasites, fungi or bacteria may be responsible for this health issue, but often veterinarians cannot determine the exact cause.
Hernias
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Male English bulldogs, in particular, may suffer from a hernia. This occurs when the inner layer of the stomach weakens and then tears or bulges. Hernias in English bulldogs are usually congenital and commonly affect puppies. Symptoms may include coughing, weight loss, vomiting and shortness of breath.
Heat Stroke
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Because of the trouble that English bulldogs have breathing, they have difficulty cooling themselves effectively in hot conditions. This can lead to heat stroke, which in turn can lead to death.
Eye Problems
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Shallow eye sockets mean that any sharp blow to the back of an English bulldog's head may cause an eye to pop out of the socket.
In addition, some English bulldogs may have trouble closing their eyelid entirely around the eye.
Others may suffer from redundant forehead skin that droops over the eyes. This can, in severe cases, lead to blindness.
Tooth Decay
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Like other dogs, English bulldogs have 42 teeth. However, they also have a very small mouth in which to fit them all. Consequently, the teeth grow at unusual angles and may trap excess food. This can lead to tooth decay.
Skin Infections
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Fungi, bacteria and parasites can cause skin infections in English bulldogs. Commonly, these infections occur in the folds of an English bulldog's skin, often on the face or head.
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