A List of Bulldog Disorders

I came across this list of Bulldog Inherited Disorders, and there are a lot of them. Our special breed has been inbred so much that these genetic conditions can be passed on or show up when two bulldogs with recessive genes are bred. This is not to say that all bulldogs have these, it's just that they are more common in the bulldog.
--VL

Bulldog (English bulldog)

The disorders listed in the first 3 categories below are believed to have an inherited basis, or are known to have a predilection for this breed ("breed predisposition"). This means the disorder occurs more commonly in this breed compared to other breeds, or to the general dog population. Common sense suggests that these are inherited disorders, but for many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive.

We have listed disorders for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed. Where the mode of inheritance is known, this information is included on the linked disease page. The most popular breeds tend to have the most disorders listed because there is a larger number of dogs affected, and therefore more opportunity to recognize a breed predisposition to a particular disorder. As well, there is likely to be more indiscriminate breeding of these breeds, leading to a higher occurrence of inherited disorders. In less common or newer breeds, there may be no disorders listed or the list of disorders may be quite short, because it can take some time before enough dogs are affected to recognize an inherited condition.

The last category lists conditions that have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.

1.jpg (6243 bytes)Most important

These disorders are relatively common in this breed, and where possible, efforts are being made to eradicate them. Ask your breeder about these conditions in his or her dogs. These disorders seriously affect the health of your pet and may require medical or surgical intervention.

Brachycephalic syndrome

Hip dysplasia

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Pulmonic stenosis

Ventricular septal defect

2.jpg (6271 bytes)Other disorders which have an increased incidence in this breed

These disorders occur less commonly or are less devastating than those mentioned above.

Aortic stenosis

Cleft lip/palate

Cryptorchidism

Deafness

Demodicosis

Distichiasis

Entropion

Fold dermatitis

Hemivertebra

Hypoplastic trachea

Hypothyroidism

Hydrocephalus

Prolapsed gland of the third eyelid

Spina bifida

Tetralogy of fallot

Urolithiasis

3.jpg (6264 bytes)Disorders associated with conformation

These disorders are directly related to the conformation or standards for the breed. Although these conditions have in many cases become so common that they are accepted as normal for the breed, they can still cause serious physical problems and discomfort for the dog. One component of responsible breeding is to breed away from the extremes of conformation that cause these physical problem.

Brachycephalic syndrome

Fold dermatitis

Hypoplastic trachea

4.jpg (6254 bytes)Other disorders which may be inherited in this breed

These disorders have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.

Coagulation disorder (Factor VII deficiency)

Laryngeal paralysis

Lymphoedema

Retinal dysplasia

von Willebrand's disease

For more information about this breed

Bulldog - American Kennel Club

Copyright © 1998 Canine Inherited Disorders Database. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 24, 2003.