French Bulldogs are not immune to common ailments. Since 2013, they’ve been placed in category 2 (health conditions, not breed defects). However, there are a few diseases common to the breed that you should keep an eye out for. You should also know about Distichiasis and Patella luxation. These two disorders cause the eyelashes to rub against the cornea.
Table of Contents
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is a common eye disease affecting the eyelids in French Bulldogs. The disease is a complication of glaucoma, a condition that affects the retina. In dogs, it can be mild or severe. However, it is important to note that the distichiasis is not always visible in dogs. A small, fine distichia in the eyelid margin may cause no symptoms at all.
Patella luxation
Patella luxation is one of the most common diseases in French Bulldogs. Symptoms of patellar luxation vary in severity, but typically involve the patella sliding out of its groove. This can cause the knee to become unstable, which can cause the dog to limp or skip steps. Although the condition is rarely painful, it can lead to more serious issues, such as arthritis.
Entropion
French Bulldogs are more likely than other breeds to suffer from eyelid deformity known as entropion. This condition causes the eyelid to bend inward towards the eye, most commonly the lower eyelid. While it can be a relatively minor issue, it can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated properly. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for this problem.
Entropion causes eyelashes to rub against the cornea
While your French Bulldog may not seem to have any symptoms, this condition can seriously impact the quality of your dog’s vision. If left untreated, this condition can lead to corneal damage and a partial or full loss of vision. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available, including surgery.
Conjunctivitis
A common disease in French Bulldogs is conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva. The disease causes red, irritated eyes and can be triggered by allergies, chemicals, or other factors. It may also cause squinting, excessive blinking, or a discharge. The first step to treating this disease is to consult your veterinarian.
Intervertebral disc disease
Intervertebral disc disease is a degenerative disease that affects the bones of the spinal column. It can result in abnormal postures, panting, and difficulty going up and down stairs. It is a painful condition that can also cause paralysis. Fortunately, it can be treated successfully through physiotherapy and rehabilitation. However, if the damage is severe, it can be fatal. The degeneration can lead to calcification and herniation of the disc, which could cause compression of the spinal cord.
Skin folds
Skin Problems in French Bulldogs can take different forms and need to be closely monitored.
As an example, skin fold dermatitis is a painful and moist area on your dog’s body. Typically, it occurs on the nose, under both eyes, and in the folds of the tail. Sometimes, it is caused by abnormal growth of the tail bone, which can create a painful “pocket” in the skin. If not treated properly, it can become inflamed, ulcerated, or even infected. The best course of action for this problem is to have your dog’s vet diagnose it and recommend treatment.
Lack of tail
While there are no specific treatments for lack of tail in French Bulldogs, a diet that offsets the loss of tail weight may alleviate the problem. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to correct the deformity. In most cases, surgery can be done at an early age, when the animal is between 10 and 18 weeks of age.
