French Bulldog Medical Conditions
by George Jones
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Due to the selective breeding
practices of dedicated French Bulldog enthusiasts, this breed is relatively
healthy. As is the case with any dog breed a quality bred animal
from a reputable breeder is your best assurance of getting a healthy pup.
The are several medical conditions to which Frenchies are prone:
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von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
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This is a bleeding diorder affecting
the dog's ability to clot blood.
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Elongated Palate
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Most short muzzled dog breeds
occasionally have difficulties with pups being born with palates that are
too long.
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Magaesophagus
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This condition is also a repercussion
of the French Bulldog being a brachycephalic (short muzzled) breed.
Their esophagus is enlarged resulting in food being aspirated into lungs
or regurgitated.
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Cleft Palate
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Occasionally pups can be born
with an opening (cleft) in the roof of the mouth. Most often in Frenchies
this condition is genetic in nature. In minor cases the cleft can
be surgically corrected, although a pup that has had cleft surgery should
never be bred.
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Hemivertebrae
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"Butterfly" vertebrae - these
genetic malformations of the vertebral bodies of the backbone can have
serious impact on the dog.
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Degenerative Disc Disease
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French Bulldogs are prone to
degenerative disc disease although some bloodlines appear to have higher
a incidence of this problem than others. Dogs with Spinal problems
should never be used for breeding. Dogs producing offspring with
spinal abnormalities should be spayed or neutered.
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Heat Sensitivity
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French Bulldogs are susceptible
to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Be sure to protect your dog from
high heat and humidity.
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