French Bulldog Health Concerns to Watch Out For

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. 
