English Bulldog Health Issues – A Comprehensive Ranking of Major Health Problems
English Bulldog Health Issues – A Comprehensive Ranking of Major Health Problems
Who we are and why we are the authority on bulldog health issues
We have devoted the last 15 years to improving the health of the English Bulldog breed in the United States. Instead of following the current unhealthy breed standards, we set out to change the breed for the better, focusing on lighter wrinkle sets, slightly longer snouts and extensive health testing. Through years of dedication we have been able to significantly improve the health characteristics within our bloodlines and give hope to the breed that health improvements are possible. Along the way, we have also become thought leaders in proper bulldog training, care and behavioral studies.
Our Ranking System For English Bulldog Health Issues – Based On Our 15 years of Data and Experience
To give a more understanding, each health issue will be rated according to three separate factors on a scale of 1 to 5.
Tragedy Level – The severity of the health issue to the bulldog’s quality of life. 1 = low tragedy, 5=high degree of tragedy
Fixability – The ease in which the health issue can be corrected. 1 = easy to fix, 5 = difficult to fix
Frequency – The frequency in which the health issue occurs. 1 = low frequency, 5 = high frequency
English Bulldog Breathing Issues – The Big One
As a brachycephalic breed, English Bulldog notoriously suffer from breathing issues. The uniquely short snout leads to a plethora of connected problems related to breathability.
A short snout leads us to the first 5 health issues that we will discuss.
1. Elongated Soft Palate
Description: An elongated soft palate occurs when the tissue at the back of the throat, known as the soft palate, is longer than usual. This elongation can obstruct the airway, leading to breathing difficulties, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Bulldogs, with their short snouts and compact air passages, are particularly susceptible to this condition.
Symptoms of an elongated soft palate in English Bulldogs can include noisy breathing, especially when inhaling, snorting sounds, and sometimes even gagging or choking episodes. In severe cases, it can lead to cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen.
Tragedy Level – 5/5
An elongated soft palate can significantly impact a bulldog’s quality of life. The palate dips into the larynx area of the throat and effects both breathing and eating depending on the severity of the problem. In the least, a bulldog with an elongated soft palate will not have the functionality of a normal dog and will be limited in its ability to play in hot weather as well as its ability to run and jump. This is a serious issue.
Fixability – 3/5
We gave the elongated soft palate a 3/5 rating on fixability because it can readily be corrected by an experienced veterinarian but there are risks involved. The procedure is a major surgery and anesthetics are involved which can be a small risk for bulldogs. Furthermore there is significant risk of swelling after the surgery. Our first bulldog died of swelling complications after an elongated soft palate surgery. While death is certainly not common, we know from personal tragedy that it can happen and most of the time this level of risk is never addressed pre-surgery by the vet clinic.
Frequency – 4/5
This is a systemic issue amongst the breed and is very common. Most bulldog breeders prefer a short snouted, ultra wrinkled bulldog which causes the elongated soft palate to occur more frequently as the palate is pushed to the back of the throat.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
The elongated soft palate can be one of the most devastating English Bulldog health issues to experience. We have specifically devoted our bloodlines to fixing the breathability issues of the breed. By producing bulldogs with ever so slightly longer noses it provides the space needed for the soft palate. This problem can be easily fixed genetically within the breed (and we have done this!) but would require breeders to place health above the extra-wrinkled look they prefer. A Bruiser Bulldog is slightly longer in the nose and this significantly reduces the elongated soft palate.
2. Narrow Trachea
Description
The trachea serves as the airway passage, delivering oxygen to the lungs. However, in Bulldogs, this pathway can be narrower than typical due to genetic predisposition or structural anomalies. This constriction of the trachea intensifies breathing difficulties in Bulldogs, compounding issues associated with their inherently compromised respiratory systems. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and labored breathing, particularly evident during physical activity or in warmer climates.
Tragedy Level – 5/5
A bulldog that truly suffers from a narrow trachea has a low quality of life. Air simply cannot freely pass from the mouth to the lungs without obstruction. The bulldog is unable to participate in normal dog type activities such as running, playing, or existing in hot temperatures.
Fixability – 3/5
There are two levels of fixability when considering narrow trachs. Actual narrow trachs and misdiagnosed narrow tracheas. Often inexperienced veterinarians will radiograph a very young bulldog and falsely diagnose the pup with a narrow trachea even though there are no evident symptoms – congested breathing or wheezing. The growth rate of a bulldog puppy’s trachea varies from the rest of its body. A bulldog puppy’s growth rate will ebb and flow as will its trachea. Because of the moving nature, only an adult bulldog should be examined for a narrow trachea if it is exhibiting symptoms of the issue. If problematic, actually fixing the trachea requires an incredibly invasive surgery that is quite risky.
Frequency – 2/5
We believe that symptom inducing narrow tracheas are quite infrequent but do occasionally affect some adult bulldogs. We also believe it is one of the most misdiagnosed issues amongst young bulldog puppies. Often a young puppy will struggle with a narrow trachea for a short period of time and then simply grow out of the problem.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
Amongst the most common bulldog breathing issues a narrow trachea is the least common. We still take this condition seriously as it is tragic if a bulldog does actually suffer from a narrow trachea. We have found a significant genetic correlation between health testing our adults and the frequency of narrow tracheas found in offspring. Breathing is the most important factor amongst our breeding priorities and we have found that the narrow trachea issue can be significantly improved within the breed with proper health testing.
3. Stenotic Nares (Pinched Nostrils)
3. Stenotic Nares (Pinched Nostrils)
Description
Stenotic nares, a prevalent respiratory condition in English Bulldogs, involves the narrowing of the nostrils, restricting airflow. Bulldogs’ distinctive flat faces predispose them to this issue, impacting their breathing efficiency. The flattened nasal passages obstruct the intake of air, particularly during exertion or when stressed, hindering their ability to regulate body temperature effectively.
Symptoms of stenotic nares in English Bulldogs include audible breathing sounds, such as snorting or wheezing, especially when they’re active or exposed to warm environments. Additionally, Bulldogs may exhibit increased respiratory effort, characterized by exaggerated chest movements and excessive panting.
Tragedy Level – 1/5
Stenotic nares are not a serious issue when considering the menu of possible health issues amongst the English Bulldog breed. Only the worst cases of stenotic nares significantly affect the quality of life of the bulldog.
Fixability – 5/5
The actual procedure to correct a pinched nostril is fairly simple and straightforward. More controversial is deciding which bulldogs would benefit enough from the surgery to justify the risk of anesthesia. Some vet clinics will standardize stenotic nares surgery for every bulldog puppy that walks into their clinic. We regard this policy as predatory and irresponsible as many bulldogs simply do not need the procedure done and the risk is not worth the benefits.
Frequency – 4/5
Stenotic Nares are fairly frequent amongst English Bulldog breeders that do not breed away from the issue. There is a wide variance between significant stenotic nares that actually affect the quality of life of the bulldog and more moderate nares that do not.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
Stenotic nares round out the “Big Three” breathability issues that we focus on at Bruiser Bulldog’s. Incorrect nares is a significantly less tragic issue than a narrow trachea or elongated soft palate. With this said, they can be avoided by selecting parents with wider nostrils. We love selecting studs and dams that have wide-flared nostrils and have enjoyed a steady stream of bloodlines that have had very nice nostril sizes.
4. Pneumonia – Both Bacteria Induced and Aspirated
Description
Pneumonia in bulldogs can be a serious health concern due to their unique anatomy. English Bulldogs with an overdone heavy rope struggle the most with pneumonia due to their poor breathing ability, but even the best breathing English Bulldogs can develop a URI and pneumonia. Pneumonia in bulldogs can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as aspiration of food or vomit into the lungs. The most common cause is certainly bacterial. Symptoms of pneumonia in bulldogs may include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and nasal discharge. We have found the successful management of pneumonia to be heavily connected to administering the correct antibiotics.
Tragedy Level – 3/5
Typically a case of pneumonia is a very treatable condition – if we assume that the bulldog has been bred correctly and is provided with the correct antibiotics. If the bulldog is extra wrinkled or suffering from additional breathing issues such an elongated soft palate or narrow trachea, a case of pneumonia can be more difficult. Additional problems can occur if the bulldog is incorrectly treated with low level antibiotics that typically are not effective for respiratory issues. In the worst-managed cases, with a poorly breathing bulldog, pneumonia can lead to death but this outcome is entirely preventable with correct care and breeding.
Fixability – 5/5
Pneumonia is a temporary condition marked by fluid on the lungs often caused by either an upper respiratory infection or aspiration. Oxygen, correct antibiotics, rest, and a nebulizer are all great tools to fight a serious case of pneumonia.
Frequency – 3/5
Bulldogs most commonly develop URI’s and pneumonia as a puppy. Specifically, bulldog pups ages 7 to 10 weeks are most vulnerable to pneumonia infections. This type of pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria or viral loads passed from one dog to another, by fluctuating temperatures and by stress. Aspirated induced pneumonia is most often caused by inhaling a piece of kibble while eating. Both puppies and adult bulldogs can mistakenly inhale kibble if they eat too fast. Aspirated pneumonia develops when the inhaled kibbles causes fluid buildup. Symptoms develop quickly and medical action must be taken immediately.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
In our 15 years of experience, we believe pneumonia is the most common, preventable english bulldog health issue. Early detection and correct treatment URI’s help dramatically reduce Pneumonia related bulldog issues. Additionally, correct feeding techniques like softening kibble with water and Maze Bowls help slow down bulldogs that eat too quickly. Correct bulldog education can almost eliminate serious cases of pneumonia.
5. Heat Stroke
Description
Heat stroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Bulldogs are at heightened risk due to their inability to dissipate heat effectively through panting, the primary mechanism by which dogs cool themselves. Their short muzzles restrict airflow, making it challenging for them to expel heat efficiently.
Symptoms of heat stroke in English Bulldogs include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. If left untreated, heat stroke can result in organ failure, seizures, and even death.
Tragedy Level – 5/5
Experiencing a heat stroke with your English Bulldog is a traumatic event. Immediate action must be taken to reduce the internal temperature of the bulldog. If the bulldog is not cooled immediately there is a high risk of mortality and to a lesser degree long term health implications.
Fixability – 2/5
In the case of a heat stroke, the focus is to keep the bulldog alive by reducing its internal temperature. Finding shade, pouring water over your bulldog, and providing a fan for air circulation are essential to reducing body temperature. So, in the short term the issue is correctable. Long term effects of heat stroke are typically not fixable. Organ damage, neurological trauma, and increased sensitivity to heat are all long term complications following a severe heat stroke.
Frequency – 2/5
There is a stark difference between good and poor breathing bulldogs and the frequency that they experience heat strokes. A proper athletic, functionally breathing bulldog will never be at risk of a heat stroke. Over the course of our breeding career, we have learned that bulldogs that breath well are no more at risk of a heat stroke than any other dog breed. On the other hand, over wrinkled, poor breathing bulldogs have a high frequency of heat stroke and their owners have to be very careful in monitoring their exposure to the sun.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
It’s the tale of two tales with heat stroke. Heat stroke is one of the most common “killers” of poor breathing bulldogs. A bulldog that suffers from an elongated soft palate or small trachea will be at risk of heat stroke whenever the outside temperature rises over 75 degrees. Death and long term health risks force their owners to protect them and keep them indoors. On the opposite end of the spectrum, proper breathing bulldogs excel in the heat and can live their life like any other dog breed. Heat stroke is one of the many breathing related reasons why we breed for a lighter wrinkled, more athletic bulldog. A bulldog with clean airways can maintain the correct oxygen levels needed to maintain a normal body temperature without over exerting itself during a hot day.
Eye Related English Bulldog Health Issues
After breathing issues, the second most problematic area of English Bulldog health are the eyes. Bulldogs can struggle with a number of eye issues such as distichia, optic cilia, and cataracts. However, the two most common eye issues within the breed are cherry eye and entropion.
6. Cherry Eye
Description
Cherry eye in bulldogs is a condition where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses, appearing as a red or pink mass in the corner of the eye. The third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane, normally contains a tear-producing gland called the Harderian gland. When this gland protrudes from its normal position, it resembles a cherry hence the term “cherry eye.”
This condition can occur due to weakness in the connective tissue that holds the gland in place, allowing it to protrude. Bulldogs, along with other brachycephalic breeds, are predisposed to cherry eye due to their facial anatomy, which can include shallow eye sockets and loose eyelid attachments.
Tragedy Level – 1/5
Cherry eye is more of an annoyance than a tragedy. The prolapse of the third eyelid is not painful but it does slightly impair vision and needs to be fixed by a veterinarian. Your bulldog will only suffer minor quality of life changes that are temporary.
Fixability – 5/5
Occasionally, a minor cherry eye can be manually massaged back into the eyelid by the adopter. Sometimes manual correction is all that is needed and the issue does not occur again. Often, more serious cherry eyes need to be removed or tacked by a veterinarian. Removal is the most effective means of correcting the problem and if done properly does not contribute to other related health complications like dry eye. Tacking is preferred by some veterinarians. It is extremely safe, but often requires multiple procedures to correct the issue.
Frequency – 2/5
Cherry eye often occurs during the first 10 to 20 weeks of a bulldogs life. It appears that puppies are more prone to cherry eye issues than adults. We believe rough housing and playtime with other puppies significantly increases the frequency of cherry eye.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
There is a considerable amount of debate amongst bulldog breeders whether cherry eye is a genetic issue that can be eliminated, an environmental issue that stems from allergies or rough housing or some combination of the two. Our opinion is the later. Most likely cherry eye is a traceable hereditary issue but it certainly seems more complex and possibly has multiple genes connected to the issue. While the genetics do not seem straightforward and there are certainly environmental variables in play, we have been able to reduce the issue significantly by following a simple rule. We only hold back bulldogs that haven’t had a cherry eye in their genetic history. Simple enough. This allows us to ensure we are working toward eliminating the issue. Cherry eye is not the most important health issue within the English Bulldog, but it is a trait that needs reduced within the breed.
7. Entropion
Description
Entropion is a condition that commonly affects bulldogs and other breeds with facial folds and loose skin around the eyes. It occurs when the eyelid, usually the lower eyelid, rolls inward toward the eyeball, causing the eyelashes or skin to rub against the surface of the eye. This constant irritation can lead to discomfort, corneal abrasions, ulcers, and potentially vision impairment if left untreated. Signs of entropion include:
- Excessive tearing (epiphora)
- Squinting or blinking excessively
- Redness and inflammation around the eye
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
- Discharge from the eye
- Corneal ulcers or abrasions
- Vision problems or reluctance to open the eye
Tragedy Level – 1/5
Entropion is a corrective issue that if caught early, represents no long term quality of life issues for the bulldog. If ignored, the rolled eyelid can eventually cause scarring on the cornea of the eye and permanently damage the bulldog’s ability to see.
Fixability – 5/5
Eyelid tacking is the most basic solution to entropion especially amongst young developing bulldogs. Tacking involves suturing the eyelid to the adjacent tissues to temporarily evert it outward. This is a temporary procedure that sometimes needs performed multiple times. Eyelid rotation involves removing a small strip of eyelid tissue to reshape the eyelid or tightening the eyelid muscles to prevent inward rolling. Rotation is a more permanent solution and is often performed on older bulldogs that are no longer developing. We personally prefer Eyelid rotation as it only has to be performed once.
Frequency – 2/5
Entropion is the second most common eye issue amongst bulldogs but is significantly less frequent than cherry eye. A bulldog that does develop entropion will often do so around 6 months to a year of age.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
The best way to diagnose entropion in a bulldog is to watch their eye movement. A bulldog that blinks often usually has some type of discomfort and occasionally entropion can be the cause. Eye discharge and seeping can also be indicators of eye discomfort. Genetically, entropion is easily reduced within a bloodline by simply not breeding parents that have the issue.
Other Common English Bulldog Health Issues
Breathing and eye issues make up the most common health problems amongst English Bulldogs and are our focus at Bruiser Bulldogs. There are some other health related issues that should be noted on our top ten list.
8. Hip Dysplasia
Description
The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket joint, with the rounded head of the femur fitting into the acetabulum, a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis. In Bulldogs, the mismatch between the size of the femoral head and the depth of the acetabulum can result in a shallow ball and joint socket connection in comparison to other dog breeds.
Tragedy Level – 2/5
If a bulldog has debilitating hip dysplasia, the condition is truly life altering. Fortunately, hip dysplasia in bulldogs rarely progresses to this stage. Rather, most bulldogs are technically dysplastic but do not suffer from the symptoms typically connected to the traditional condition like other dog breeds.
Fixability – 2/5
A total hip replacement or Femoral Head Ostectomy are both options to correct hip dysplasia in bulldogs. These surgeries are not with their own set of risks and complications. Typically, conservative management techniques like rest and low level activities are better solutions to consider before opting for all out surgery.
Frequency – 1/5
True, symptom causing hip dysplasia is very rare. While almost all bulldogs are clinically dysplastic, only rare cases see actual symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
There is a distinct separation from the clinical definition of hip dysplasia and real life. Dog breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are famous for their struggles with dysplastic hips. Hip dysplasia is a devastating, often life ending condition for dog breeds like this. English Bulldogs differ significantly from normal dog breeds when considering hip dysplasia. An English Bulldog has considerable muscle mass around the ball joint socket in their hips that provides support and compensates for a shallow hip. Additionally, Bulldogs are front weighted as their hips support less of their total body weight compared to other breeds. By clinical definition, almost all bulldogs are technically dysplastic even though the vast majority never suffer from the pain or problems that are typical of the condition. One of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood issues amongst English Bulldog is when a bulldog’s hip are radiographed. Many times inexperienced vets will label a bulldog with hip dysplasia and fail to separate the condition from the severity experienced by other breeds. Additionally, if a bulldog does show leg or hip pain symptoms, typically the problem resides in elbow, acl, or patella tendon issues – not the hip.
9. Allergies
Description
Bulldogs, like any other breed, can also suffer from allergies themselves. Common allergies in bulldogs include:
- Food Allergies: Bulldogs can develop allergies to specific ingredients in their food, such as beef, chicken, wheat, or soy. Symptoms may include itching, skin rashes, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Environmental Allergies: Bulldogs can be allergic to environmental factors like pollen, mold, dust mites, and grass. Symptoms can include itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and skin irritation.
- Contact Allergies: Bulldogs may develop allergies to certain materials like plastics, rubber, or cleaning products. Contact allergies can cause skin irritation and rashes at the points of contact.
- Atopic Dermatitis: This is a common allergic skin disease in bulldogs characterized by itching, redness, and skin lesions. It can be triggered by various allergens, including environmental factors and food.
Tragedy Level – 1/5
In comparison to other English Bulldog health issues, allergies can be an annoyance but not nearly as serious. Allergies, whether food based or environmental, can cause skin irritations that cause hair loss and itchiness.
Fixability – 2/5
Bulldog allergies are a riddle that is best solved by process of elimination. Food born allergies can gradually be discovered by slowly modifying base ingredients. There is an art to the pace of food modification. Rapid changes can induce digestive issues and create additional problems on top of the allergy related issues. Too slow of changes do not allow for timely decision making that needs to occur. We believe food changes should occur at two week time intervals to assure that bulldog has adjusted to the new diet. Environmental allergies are similar in disovery. Slowly eliminating or changing environmental factories can help to isolate the cause. In the case of seasonal allergies, common antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritin are often effective in reducing issues.
Frequency – 3/5
Food and environmental allergies are somewhat common in bulldogs. Similar to humans, the more we learn about the food and environment we live in, the more common the discovery of related allergies. Fortunately, most bulldog allergies are solvable.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take
Genetically, we will not breed a bulldog that suffers from severe allergies. There are genetic correlations from parent to offspring, although there seems to be many hereditary factors involved. We have noticed that white bulldogs do struggle with environmental allergies more so than other colors. For this reason, we prefer full body color and piebald as they statistically have been healthier.
10. Patellar Luxation in Bulldogs
Description:
Patellar luxation in Bulldogs is a condition where the patella, or kneecap, dislocates or moves out of its normal position within the groove of the femur bone. Bulldogs, like other brachycephalic breeds, have unique anatomical features that can predispose them to this condition. Their compact, muscular bodies often exhibit a disproportionate distribution of weight, potentially affecting the alignment and stability of their knee joints.
Tragedy Level – 3/5:
While patellar luxation in Bulldogs can cause discomfort and affect mobility, it typically doesn’t lead to severe debilitation. However, in more severe cases, where the luxation is frequent or persistent, it can significantly impact a Bulldog’s quality of life, necessitating intervention to alleviate pain and restore function. Due to the English Bulldog’s high pain tolerance, low level patellar tendon tears are
Fixability – 3/5:
Treatment options for patellar luxation in Bulldogs range from conservative management to surgical correction. For minor luxation, conservative approaches may include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. Often, basic physical therapy is a great solution where a bulldog is able to fully recover and tighten the luxation. For more severe luxating patellar tendons, surgery is required. Surgical options, such as realigning the patella or addressing underlying structural abnormalities, can provide long-term relief but come with their own set of risks and considerations.
Frequency – 2/5:
While Bulldogs are not as commonly affected by patellar luxation as some other breeds, it’s still one of the most common leg/hind end issues within the breed along with ACL tears. Due to their unique anatomy and musculoskeletal characteristics, Bulldogs may be predisposed to this condition, albeit less frequently than some other breeds. We have found that luxation in the patellar tendon is much more common than hip dysplasia and is often ignored or the focus is falsely placed on the hip.
Bruiser Bulldog’s Take:
In Bulldogs, patellar luxation is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, much like hip dysplasia. On one hand, while many Bulldogs may show radiographic signs of patellar luxation, not all experience significant symptoms. The robust musculature around their knee joints and their front-weighted physique can provide some compensation for structural abnormalities. If severe symptoms do not exist, surgery should not be a consideration.
On the other hand,, if a Bulldog exhibits signs of leg or hip pain, the issue may more commonly stem from conditions like elbow dysplasia and ACL injuries issues rather in addition to patellar luxation.
Understanding the unique characteristics of Bulldogs and their musculoskeletal system is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of conditions like patellar luxation.
Genetically, we screen all of our adult bulldogs and puppies for patellar luxation before they go to their new homes. Patellar tendons are graded on a 0-4 scale based on their level of luxation with 0 representing no movement. Our standards require all of our adult breeding bulldogs to score a 0 as well as our puppies that go home. There is a possibility of developing luxation later in life, but rest assured the problem of patellar luxation is taken very seriously by Bruiser Bulldogs.
This Not The End!
Our personal journey to improve and learn more about the English Bulldog never ends. Our passion runs deep as does the need for drastic health improvements. The article and our breeding efforts continue on. This article covers what we feel are the top 10 health issues of the bulldog breed. As time and experience allows, we will expound deeper into additional health issues perhaps not a tragic or as common but still problematic with the breed.