
The French Bulldog is considered to be one of the most likeable and enjoyable of the bulldog breeds. Although there are not as numerous as other bulldogs, many people today have shown their interest in this small and stocky breed. And like any other dogs, the French Bulldogs have been known to be susceptible to various health conditions. A good number of these conditions are related to the way their body is structured, so these conditions are just particular to the French Bulldog.
Although the Frenchie is regarded as one of the healthiest in the bulldog lineup, there are several congenital diseases which this canine is susceptible to. Here are some of them.
Von Willebrand’s Disease Much like to hemophilia to humans, this disease is also a bleeding disorder that French Bulldog’s suffer from. This condition prevents the blood from clotting which can result to many complications. In connection to this problem is the development of a thyroid condition. Breeders and vets have developed a program that tests French Bulldog at an early age to determine if the pup is afflicted with this health concern.
Brachycephalic Syndrome This health concern can result to a soft palate or cleft palate to a Frenchie. Many vets and breeders find it virtually impossible to treat a cleft palate. So, French bulldog pups are commonly put to sleep when discovered that they have this condition. For French Bulldogs that have an elongated soft palate, they are discovered to suffer from difficulty in breathing and passing out after an exercise activity.
Eye Health Concerns French bulldogs have been known to suffer from a variety of eye concerns. While it is found in most other breeds of bulldogs, the French bulldog can also suffer an everted third eye lid, or what many breeders would call as mthe Cherry eye. Other eye issues that French bulldogs may encounter are corneal ulcers, juvenile cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal fold dysplasia. It is imperative that any French bulldog owner should clean the skin folds under the eyes and ensure that it is dry to avoid the occurrence of infections.
Megaesophagus This condition encompasses several malformations and disorders and its combinations, whether multiple or double, in the esophagus. Complications that can be deemed serious would be the vomiting of food and/or phlegm after food intake or an exercise, this is called passive regurgitation. This complication mostly leads to aspiration pneumonia. A compacted airway can prevent the dog from dispelling heat from its body which can be harmless to other dogs, but to a French bulldog, it can be lethal.
These are just some of the many different health concerns that any French bulldog owner should look out for. There are still a variety of other concerns like back and spinal diseases known as chondrodysplasia, skin allergies, and cysts. Frenchies have also been known to require surgery when giving birth.
It is always best to consult your vet to understand fully what ails your French bulldog, this way, you can address the health concern more accurately and effectively.
Check out some great recipes:
Breath Busters BiscuitsBreath Busters Biscuits 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/2 cups Bisquick ® baking mix 1/2 cup mint leaves — loosely packed 1/4 cup milk 4 tablespoons margarine1 egg 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup — or corn syrup Combine all ingredients in... [Read more]
Bulldog Banana BitesBulldog Banana Bites 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup powdered milk — nonfat 1 egg 1/3 cup banana — ripe, mashed 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon cube 1/2 cup water — hot 1 tablespoon brown sugar Mix all ingredients until will... [Read more]
Chow Chow ChickenChow Chow Chicken 2 chicken thighs — or white meat 1 stalk celery — sliced thick 3 carrot — peeled and halved 2 small potato — peeled and cubed 2 cups rice — uncooked Place chicken pieces in large pot. Cover with cold water... [Read more]
Cheese And Garlic Dog CookiesCheese And Garlic Dog Cookies 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese — grated 1/4 pound margarine — corn oil 1 clove garlic — crushed 1 Pinch salt Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt, and flour.... [Read more]
Bow Wow BurritosBow Wow Burritos 1 tablespoon oil 12 ounces cooked beef — *see Note 1 clove garlic — minced 3 tablespoons chunky peanut butter 1 can sweet potatoes — (23-oz.) drained 1 can black beans — (15-oz.) rinsed 1 teaspoon chili powder 1... [Read more]
Cheese N Garlic BitesCheese N Garlic Bites 1 cup wheat flour 1 cup cheddar cheese — grated 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon butter — softened 1/2 cup milk Mix flour and cheese together. Add garlic powder and softened butter. Slowly add milk till you form... [Read more]
Multi-Grain Dog Food RecipeMakes 20 cups of kibble INGREDIENTS 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/2 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour 1/2 cup soy flour (find in health food stores) 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup nonfat dry powdered milk 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup brewers yeast 1... [Read more]
Canine Cookies #2Canine Cookies #2 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 egg — well beaten 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion salt 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar 1/2 cup water 6 tablespoons gravy 2 jars baby food,... [Read more]
Frozen Doggie YumsIngredients: 1 cup water 1 cube chicken or beef boillion (dog’s favorite) 4 small pieces of chicken or beef Directions: Disolve boillion in water and tear meat into smaller pieces about 1/2 inch squares. Freeze for about 12 hours or until solid.... [Read more]
Cheesey Dog CookiesCheesey Dog Cookies 2 cups All-Purpose flour — un-sifted 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese — shredded 2 cloves Garlic — finely chopped 1/2 cup Vegetable oil 4 tablespoons Water — (4 to 5) Combine everything except water. Whisk in food... [Read more]