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English Bulldog
Health Concerns and Medical Tips

Skin fold dermatitis: is a skin problem that occurs when the facial folds, tail folds and vaginal folds retain moisture, which can lead to Infection and allergic dermatitis. Often those dogs also have Seborrhea (greasy smelly coat) that predisposes them to secondary yeast infection of the skin.

It's essential that you start EARLY with preventive measures:

1. Routine Baths: (Malaseb and Sebozole shampoos for yeast and bacteria, BPO-3 for oily seborrhea) you should keep the shampoo on the dog for 10min before rinse. When necessary you can do it 2-3 times a week.

2. Oral EFA (essential fatty acids)/ Fish Oil: (3V-Cups, Ultra EFA)

3. Pads, Wipes, Powder (for skin folds): ( Pledgets, NeoPred)

4. Supplements: (Dermal Support, Enteric Support, Immune Support)
    

Otitis Externa: is an inflammation of the external ear canal, infections are caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Laboratory tests can help to determine which of these is the cause in your pet. Moderate to severe infections may require sedation and in-hospital flushing.
 

1. Topical therapy/ Ear Cleaning (should be done often): (Otirinse, CHX).

2. Topical RX: (Otomax, Tresaderm, Panalog)

3. Systemic RX:  (anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, anti-fungal)

Regular follow-up visits to your veterinarian are important to ensure that your pet's condition does not worsen

Heat Stroke: occurs when exposed to excessive environmental temperatures and being unable to dissipate the heat quickly
 
Do: on a hot day keep your dog in a shaded cool area and provide drinking water
Don’t:  Do not overly exercise your dog particularly on a hot day

Hip Dysplasia: is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, limping and arthritis. X-Ray’s are usually the best diagnostic tool

Diet and Medication Management:

1. Weight Loss (iVet Low Fat, Restricted Calorie)

2. Joint Support Supplements (Joint Support+, Synov G3, MegaFlex)

3. RX Pain Management (Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Tramadol)

Dystocia: is the term used to describe difficult labor. Due to their large heads, it is difficult for the mother to pass the puppies vaginally and most bulldogs have cesareans to deliver their babies.

Do: To prevent complications we recommend that you spay your female dog.

Hypoplastic trachea: (collapsed trachea) is an undersized windpipe that results in difficulty breathing and can increase the chances of developing pneumonia. X-Rays of the neck can help with the diagnosis.

Hypothyroidism: is an under active thyroid gland that can result in sluggishness, weight gain and serious illness.  Blood Test would be necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Cherry eye: is a prolapse of the third eyelid. Though not a serious injury and does not cause blindness, the prolapse can be irritating to the surface of the eye and cause persistent tearing or eye pain. A surgical procedure can be done to correct the problem.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS): describes a condition of decreased tear production. When the watery part of the tears is not produced in adequate amounts, the eye becomes chronically inflamed, and scarring and pigmentation of the cornea may lead to a decrease in vision. Another commonly used term to describe this disease is “dry eye.” An exam by a Veterinarian is important to ensure that your pet's condition does not worsen. A tear test should be done to evaluate tear production and a stain of the cornea can be done to find evidence of corneal injury (ulcers/Keratitis).

Entropion: is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems. Surgery is the only effective treatment.