English Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog known for its unique appearance and many health problems. English Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with a wide head and compact body. They are a gentle breed despite their intimidating appearance. It is important to recognize the symptoms of these conditions so that they can be treated so that your bulldog does not develop any complications.
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Hip Dysplasia
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A common condition affecting Bulldogs is hip dysplasia. This is a congenital disorder in which the cartilage in the hip socket is deformed or damaged which can lead to a variety of symptoms. The symptoms of hip dysplasia are weakness or lameness of the hind legs, difficulty walking, pain and secondary arthritis. Other actors such as obesity or too much exercise can exacerbate the symptoms of hip dysplasia. Rimadyl and etogesic are two medications used to treat the inflammation caused by this disorder by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins. If a bulldog puppy develops hip dysplasia, surgery is usually done to correct this condition.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
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Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems, called brachycephalic syndrome. This is a collection of health symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, excessive snoring, noisy breathing, sensitivity to heat, and frequent gagging and vomiting. This condition may be worse after exercise, excitement or in extreme heat. This condition is caused by obstructed airflow into the upper respiratory tract, due to the compression of the structures of the nose of the bulldog. It is usually treated conservatively, but surgery may be necessary if symptoms are severe.
Hypothyroidism
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Hypothyroidism is caused by the inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough hormones. This is a common problem in bulldogs. This condition causes weight gain, lethargy and skin and coat problems including hair loss. It is treated with thyroxine, a synthetic hormone. It must be taken for the remainder of the dog's life in order to prevent the symptoms from returning.
Cherry Eye
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Cherry eye is a serious problem for bulldogs. It can cause blindness if untreated. Dogs have a third eyelid called the Hardarian gland. In some cases, this gland may not be firmly attached, and this causes the gland to become prolapsed. This can cause irritation, redness, a discharge and in severe cases, can lead to blindness. Surgery is needed to correct this condition.
Skin Problems
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Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. Many times, these infections occur in areas underneath their heavy skin folds on the muzzle and head. It is also common on the paws. These areas must be kept dry to prevent these infections, and a Bulldog should only be bathed when necessary.
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