Last update: – I plan for this page to be a continual work in progress. As the latest research develops we too will do our best to keep these pages updated and packed with info pertaining to the health of your French Bulldog.
Keeping a Frenchie is not for the faint of heart nor for the financially challenged. Ask anyone that has life experience owning and loving one of these amazing creatures and you are sure to find a common theme among most if not all. There is a serious financial and emotional investment that goes along with keeping a French Bulldog comfortable, happy & healthy. Especially for those of us living in the south or warmer parts of the world.
I am working on an extensive list of all of the most common French Bulldog Health Issues that I can compile. This is a work in progress so please bear with me while I find the time to put this all together and keep it updated here on our ATOO French Bulldogs website.
Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome – added
This syndrome is the medical term related to various upper airway issues often found in smush-faced dog breeds such as our beloved French Bulldog. This syndrome consists of several upper airway abnormalities that can cause anything from noisy and/or labored breathing to a complete collapse of their airway. These abnormalities include stenotic nares, an elongated soft palate, a hypoplastic trachea, and everted laryngeal saccules. Frenchies that suffer from this syndrome often times have very loud breathing.
Some of the ways this syndrome is combated are with a less invasive method using oxygen therapy to the extreme intervention of stenotic nare surgery to widen the nostrils or surgery to shorten the palates.
Cataracts …
Cherry Eye …
Dwarfism …
Heat Stress & Exercise Intolerance …
Hip Dysplasia – added
Hip Dysplasia is a structural condition often times where there is an abnormally developed hip joint but can also be caused by some type of accidental trauma, a stress fracture or damage to the cartilage that supports the joint movement. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without visible signs of pain or lameness in one or both rear legs. Over time the remaining cartilage; or joint cushion; loses its thickness and elasticity, therefore, reducing its effectiveness. This deterioration of the joint support eventually results in pain with even the most basic day to day activities.
Unfortunately, with Hip Dysplasia there is no sure fire way to know when or even if an affected dog will show any signs of lameness, pain or discomfort. There is no way to know for sure if it will even affect the quality of life of your pup. The degree to which Hip Dysplasia in a French Bulldog alters the quality of life can depend on environmental factors in conjunction with the affected bulldog. These factors include your Frenchies diet, exercise, and daily activities. Slippery surfaces and jumping from higher places like the couch to the ground can have a huge effect when it comes to the comfort of your dog while managing the disease.
There are varying levels of dysplastic dogs that include by OFA standards to be labeled as borderline, mild, moderate, and severe.
Arthritis …
Hemivertebra
Hemivertebra is a congenital deformity in the vertebra where one or more vertebrae are deformed. They can be fused or wedge-shaped which causes the spine to display a twisted shape…
Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD
IVDD is a condition where the cartilage cushioning between the vertebrae of the spinal column herniates. With busted or bulging cartilage there is not enough if any remaining to cushion the actual vertebrae. This causes the discs to put pressure on each other as well as on the nerves which can cause extreme pain and in some cases paralysis.
Laryngeal Collapse …
Patellar Luxation …
Skin & Ear Issues …
Stenotic Nares …
