English Bulldog Hereditary Issues

Hereditary problems in bulldogs are complex. They are often identified as a result of their regular occurrence within the breed rather than scientific study into their physiology. That said, much of what we understand today about the genetic problems afflicting bulldogs comes from centuries of breeding and observation. These genetic disorders include those that affect the eyes, bones and joints, skin, and mouth. In this article, we'll provide you with a brief overview of several of the breed's common hereditary issues.

Eye Disorders

English bulldogs cope with a number of issues that are related to their eyes. Strange though it may seem, their eyelashes are a common source of irritation. A condition known as distichiasis occurs when their eyelashes grow from follicles located along the inner eyelids. Another condition, called trichiasis, manifests when the eyelashes are longer than normal and turn inward toward the eyes. Both of these conditions can lead to ulcers developing with the cornea.

Another genetic disorder that affects bulldogs' eyes in known as "cherry eye." They are one of a few breeds that actually has a third eyelid. Cherry eye occurs when a gland (called the Harderian gland) slips out from beneath the third eyelid, becoming visible in the corner of the eye. In the past, the protruding gland was surgically removed. Today, due to the gland's contribution to producing tears, cherry eye is treated by simply returning the gland to its proper position beneath the eyelid.

Bones, Joints And Hip Dsyplasia

There are a few genetic defects which afflict English bulldogs, but none as prevalent as hip dysplasia. The condition is observed in many different dog breeds and involves the joint that connects the head of the femur to the acetabulum socket of the pelvis. Under normal circumstances, the femoral head would fit securely within the socket. However, due to genetic influences in bulldogs, the tissue within the joint develops, causing the acetabulum socket to become too shallow to house the femoral head properly. Ultimately, the joint becomes unstable, making regular activity uncomfortable and painful.

Skin Problems

Bulldogs also have a number of genetic skin disorders that are particular to the breed. However, some of them are hard to identify and only become recognizable when exacerbated by your dog's reactions (i.e. biting, scratching, etc.). These disorders can include folliculitis and fold dermatitis. Folliculitis is an infection that occurs within the hair follicles. It manifests visibly as small red or white bumps on the skin. Fold dermatitis happens as a result of moisture trapped within folds of the skin. As those folds continuously rub together, bacteria can cause an infection, making the area appear inflamed.

Soft Palate Problem

Many dog breeds that have a short or abbreviated face suffer from an elongated soft palate. Simply described, the condition is due to a lower jaw that is larger in proportion to the upper jaw. Normally, the soft palate acts as a filter that prevents material (food, liquid, etc.) from entering the lungs. When the palate is elongated, as it is in English bulldogs, the airway becomes slightly blocked. This is why bulldogs often breathe loudly and laboriously. And as they age, the problem becomes more pronounced.

Loving Your Bulldog Despite Its Problems

English bulldogs obviously have an assortment of hereditary problems to overcome. However, not all of them manifest with each generation. And when disorders do emerge, they are often limited in scope and can be treated fairly easily. That said, there are some genetic issues that are not so easily dismissed (for example, an elongated soft palate). But, they make fantastic pets, loyal and protective to the core, and have gained the love and affection of their owners for generations.

Learn more about the English Bulldog breed, view fun videos, print free pet friendly recipes, and browse through lots of fun pictures at Bulldog Abbie's personal website http://www.bulldogabbie.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Celeste_H.

English Bulldogs

Bulldogs originated in England. They were reared as working dogs that minded the cattle and acted as watchdogs. They were largely used for bull-baiting, but the sport was outlawed in the early 19th century, and the original bulldog lost much of its athleticism.

The English bulldog as we see today is small in stature. It is a wide, compact creature and has a thick, massive head. Its cheeks extend to the sides of its eyes. As is the hallmark of bulldogs, the skin on its skull and forehead falls in dense folds. It has a short muzzle and large black nostrils. The tail is normally short and the legs are stocky. The English bulldog gets its peculiar gait from these physical characteristics. In fact, to some people, the appearance of the English bulldog can be somewhat intimidating. However, it is a very gentle creature and people-friendly. At the same time, it is fiercely loyal and brave and can chase an intruder away at any time of the day or night. The English bulldog is the epitome of courage and affection. It loves attention and can get very friendly with humans if they shower it with love.

English bulldogs are not very fond of exercise and are, more or less, indoors dogs. As such, they adapt easily to apartment life. They can be quite inactive without complaining. They are more suited to temperate climates and do not do very well in either hot or cold weather. They should be exercised regularly, even if they show disinclination towards it.

They are fairly easy to groom – they have a smooth, fine, shorthaired coat that can easily be combed and brushed. It is their wrinkles that need special care and cleaning. Care should be taken to clean the folds regularly. English bulldogs tend to drool quite a bit and snore quite loudly. If their owners pay a little bit of extra attention to them, both the dog and owner can have a warm, long-lasting relationship.

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Speaking of purebreds

Speaking of purebreds

America isn’t unique in having an affinity for pedigreed politicians (Bush, Kennedy, Adams, Taft, Roosevelt, and that once-again popular new breed, the Clinton). Lots of third world countries also choose their leaders from a small pool of advantaged families. Europe does also, with the Saxe-Coburg und Gothas providing the breeding farm for royalty, although most of that breed are mascots without any ability to cause any harm beyond the occasional politically incorrect remark.

It recently hit the local news that the great symbol of British character, the English Bulldog, is considered to be inbred and genetically deficient. Last year’s symbolic RSPCA boycott of Crufts was just responded to by a kennel club pledge to improve the standard of several hundred breeds.

Who could have known that a Bulldog was inbred just by looking at one, right? Although with their mouths shut, Kennedy and Bush both look better than a Bulldog, neither have the sort of eloquence that a selective breeder might desired. For inbred dogs, their bite is worse than their bark. For politicians, the opposite is the case.

Poor Churchill is not considered an appropriate use of the limited NHS funds available for orthodontia. I have to admit to little sympathy for the owners. I’m in support of greater genetic diversity for the dogs, who are really just victims of fashion, if not outright snobbishness. A few years ago at a high school sporting event, I overheard some 14-year old girl bragging about her expensive Retriever that the white ones were much better than the plain out golden ones. Pity for the dysplasia-prone dog, who will probably be on crutches before her owner outgrows (I hope) her elitist phase.

The very word ‘purebred’ is a value statement all by itself.

I’ve been aware for some time that purebred dogs not only cost more than mutts, but they are less healthy, and in some cases, are even prone to violent outbreaks. I did do a bit of research into the Bulldog issue, quickly finding a long rant in a blog last year from some guy who spent $6,500 on a Bulldog from someone he thought was a reputable breeder, but the canine turned out to be ugly, and underweight, reaching only 40 pounds, instead of the expected 50. Its an animal, not something predictable like a mortgage-backed security! A low-resiliency animal, it was deliberately bred to accentuate characteristics that will make it one of the first victims of the coming crisis. Why people don’t take pride in having pets that can live out a pain-free life of relative health? Oh, they will claim that its just the disreputable breeders responsible for substandard dogs, and just badly bred owners who are too ignorant or cheap to purchase well bred beasts. No sale. Look at the picture. How can that possibly be healthy? These things are genetic disasters, fit for no purpose other than human whimsy. Its time for a new standard of pet desirability and breeding practice. My prediction is that it will never happen until dog-pound dogs are considered ‘cool.’

English Bulldog Abbie

Bulldog Abbie shares her 'bullie' adventures with English bulldog pictures, videos, tips and treats, breeder reviews and lots more puppy friendly information on her website. But there are so many things happening in the bulldog world it's hard to keep up sometimes. Especially because I always want to post everything on Abbie's blog, and that makes it hard to keep the top stories near the top where people can see them.

I'm starting this blog as way to post all the stories that didn't make it onto Abbie's website, and even those that did, so bulldog lovers don't have to miss out on any of the great news we hear.