Rapid Growth Problems in Bulldogs

Bulldog Health: "Development Problems: Because of the bulldog�s rapid growth it is very important that you keep weight, play and exercise properly managed during the first year, early joint damage could be permanent and may lead to osteoarthritis. Irregular growth in the long bones is very common and is almost always only temporary as the dog usually grows out of it by the time the bones fuse at about 9 months to 1 year of age. Hip/elbow displaysia is genetic but can be encouraged by environmental factors (ie: slidey floors, jumping, overweight etc). Any puppy that shows lamness should be rested as it is not unusual during a rapid growth spurt, try not panic if your puppy becomes lame and don't ever allow surgery to be undertaken on growing bones - no firm diagnoses can be made until he is at least a year old anyway.
--as a rule, do not do surgery on your bulldog younger than one year