Heat Stroke
English Bulldogs are very prone to heat stroke because they are unable to pant well enough to disperse enough heat to cool themselves down adequately. English Bulldogs LOVE to lay in the sun and most will not move out of it even in hot weather. Make sure that you provide your English Bulldog with plenty of fresh cool water, especially during the summer months. If it is very hot outside and your pet's water is in direct view of the sun, it may be necessary to refill your pet's water dish during the course of the day because the water may become hot and your pet will not drink it. Your pet also needs to have adequate shade when he or she is outside. Our bullies enjoy cooling off in a child's size swimming pool during the hot days of summer as well.
Cherry Eye
This occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid becomes enlarged. It is normally found on the inside corner of your pet's eye. It is fairly simple to have these repaired by your veterinarian and poses no series life threat to your pet as long as it is taken care of.
Hypo Thyroidism
This means that not enough thyroxin is being produced by the thyroid gland.
Demodectic Mange
There are two forms of this skin disease. Type 1 being localized and type two being generalized. Most often, English Bulldogs will have an "outbreak" of Demodex due to stress or because they are allergic to something in their environment. It is extremely common in English Bulldogs and seems to become active when a bullie is stressed out in his environment. It can go into remission on it's own or it can be treated by dipping or another means.
Elongated Soft Palate
With this defect, the English Bulldog has excessive tissue in the rear of their mouth which can at times stop them from breathing normally. As it is, English Bulldogs have a short snout that make it difficult to breath so this problem can cause major difficulty with your pet.
Hip Displasia
This occurs when the ball and socket of the hips do not fit each other well. More than 80% of English Bulldogs have legs that don't fit together properly.
Distichiasis
These are small hairs that grow abnormally on the edge or inner surface of the eyelids. They can cause excessive eye irritation. A good practice is to keep your English Bulldog's wrinkles and face clean by washing with a soft cloth at least every day.
Facial Fold Dermatitis
This inflammation can be prevented by keeping your bullie's facial wrinkles and folds clean with a soft cloth and water. It is preferable to wipe down your bullie's wrinkles on a daily basis.
Entropian
This is when the lower lid of the eye rolls inward and causes hair to rub against the eye. This can be very painful.
Autoimmune Hemolatic Anemia
This occurs when the bullie's immune system destroys it's own red blood cells. For treatment options, see your veterinarian.
If you are considering purchasing your first English Bulldog please research the breed FIRST. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with as many health issues as possible so that you will have at least a basic knowledge of problems that you are may encounter with your English Bulldog. Lke any other breed, English Bulldogs have certain issues that are breed specific and fairly common. It is important to realize that any English Bulldog is susceptible to getting one or more issue during his or her lifetime.
