The American Bulldog is a strong, muscular breed known for its loyalty and protective nature. However, as with any breed, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. By being aware of these common health problems, owners can not only ensure better care for their dogs but also potentially expand their lifespan.
One prevalent issue in American Bulldogs is hip and elbow dysplasia, a genetic condition where the joints do not fit together properly, causing pain and potentially leading to arthritis. This disorder is particularly concerning given the high rates of hip and elbow dysplasia in this breed.
Important Health Issues
Hip Dysplasia
American Bulldogs can be prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the hip joints do not fit together properly. This can cause pain and, if left untreated, arthritis. Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for this genetic condition as it is more common in larger dog breeds. The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip x-rays of 2100 American Bulldogs and found 36% dysplastic (source).
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a rare, inherited neurological disorder found in some dog breeds, including the American Bulldog. It is caused by a deficiency of specific enzymes, leading to the build-up of waste substances in the cells, affecting the brain and nervous system. Symptoms may include loss of coordination, vision issues, and seizures. Unfortunately, there is no cure for NCL, but supportive care can help manage the symptoms.
Hyperuricosuria
Hyperuricosuria (HUU) is a genetic disorder that affects the way a dog’s body processes waste. It’s characterized by high levels of uric acid in the urine, which can lead to the formation of urate stones or crystals in the urinary tract, including the kidneys and bladder.
Uric acid is a waste product that’s normally filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys and then excreted in urine. In dogs with hyperuricosuria, however, an abnormality in the SLC2A9 gene results in too much uric acid being left in the urine.
These high concentrations of uric acid can lead to the formation of urate stones, which can cause a variety of health problems depending on their size and location. Small stones may be passed in the urine without causing any noticeable symptoms, but larger ones can cause painful urination, blood in the urine, or potentially life-threatening blockages in the urinary tract.
American Bulldogs are one of the breeds known to be at risk for hyperuricosuria. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the abnormal gene (one from each parent) in order to develop the disease.
There is a genetic test available for hyperuricosuria, which can help breeders identify carriers of the disease and make informed breeding decisions to avoid producing affected puppies. If you have an American Bulldog, your veterinarian may recommend this test, especially if your dog shows symptoms of urinary problems or if there is a known history of hyperuricosuria in its bloodline.
Allergies
Allergies are a common health issue for American Bulldogs. These can be environmental or food-related, causing skin irritations, itching, and gastrointestinal issues. To manage allergies, pet owners need to identify the specific allergens causing the reaction and make necessary modifications to the dog’s diet or environment. Regular grooming and medicated baths can help alleviate skin irritations. There is an allergy test available. Here is our affiliate link- http://www.5strands.com/#dogresources
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a respiratory distress syndrome that primarily affects dogs with shortened snouts, like the American Bulldog. This condition can lead to breathing difficulties, snoring, and excessive panting. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve the dog’s quality of life (source).
By being aware of these common health issues in American Bulldogs, pet owners can take proactive steps to monitor their dog’s health and seek veterinary care as needed.
ACL Tears
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, also known as cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs, are a common orthopedic problem in many breeds, including American Bulldogs. This ligament is one of the bands of tissue that connect the upper and lower leg bones in the knee joint and help stabilize the joint.
In dogs, ACL/CCL injuries can occur due to a sudden traumatic event, but more commonly, they develop over time due to gradual wear and tear. Large, active breeds like the American Bulldog are particularly at risk, and being overweight or obese can increase the risk even further.
When a dog tears its ACL/CCL, it usually leads to limping or inability to bear weight on the affected leg, pain, swelling in the knee joint, and decreased activity levels. Over time, if the injury isn’t treated, it can lead to chronic pain and inflammation, and potentially cause degenerative joint disease or arthritis.
Diagnosis of an ACL/CCL tear usually involves a physical examination by a veterinarian, and may include imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI. Treatment can range from conservative management with rest and anti-inflammatory medications, to surgical options which can include techniques such as TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) or TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement).
Regardless of the treatment chosen, physical therapy will usually be an important part of the recovery process to help regain strength and mobility in the joint.
As with any health concern, if you suspect your American Bulldog has an ACL/CCL injury, consult your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance based on the specific needs and condition of your dog.
Genetics
In the case of American Bulldogs, lineage plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of certain health issues. Some of the primary health concerns for this breed include hip dysplasia, respiratory issues, and skin problems. These health risks can be influenced by the dog’s genetic background, which makes responsible breeding practices even more essential.
An American Bulldog’s lineage can also have an impact on the breed’s tendency to experience allergies. Some of the signs that an American Bulldog may be suffering from allergies include:
- Itchy skin and scratching
- Fur loss
- Licking
- Red skin
- Recurring skin infections
Consulting a veterinarian is crucial when signs of allergies surface, as early detection and proper treatment can help maintain the dog’s overall health.
When evaluating a dog’s lineage, looking for breeders who focus on health testing and responsible breeding practices is essential. Avoiding breeding lines that exhibit a high prevalence of health issues can limit the chances of these problems being passed on to the next generation.
We don’t know why some breeds are more prone to allergies than others but here is a list of breeds that have more allergies.
Breeds that are commonly reported to have a higher incidence of allergies include:
- Boxers
- Bulldogs (English and French)
- Retrievers (Labrador and Golden)
- Terriers (Boston, West Highland White, and Scottish)
- Dalmatians
- Irish Setters
- Pugs
- Shih Tzus
Genetic Disease Testing
Genetic testing can provide valuable information to breeders, helping them make informed decisions and ultimately produce healthier puppies. Here’s how:
- Identification of Carriers: Some genetic diseases are recessive, meaning a dog must inherit two copies of the faulty gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. Dogs with one copy of the faulty gene are carriers—they don’t show symptoms, but they can pass the gene to their offspring. Genetic testing can identify these carriers, allowing breeders to prevent them from breeding with other carriers and thereby prevent affected puppies.
- Elimination of Genetic Diseases: By selectively breeding dogs that do not carry harmful genetic mutations, breeders can decrease and potentially eliminate the prevalence of specific genetic diseases in future generations.
- Informed Breeding Decisions: Breeders can use genetic testing to ensure genetic diversity in their breeding programs. This can help avoid the risks associated with inbreeding, such as the concentration of harmful genes.
- Healthier Puppies: Ultimately, all of the above points lead to the production of healthier puppies. When breeders can avoid passing on harmful genetic traits, the puppies are less likely to suffer from those genetic conditions.
- Increased Transparency: Breeders can also share genetic testing results with potential puppy buyers, increasing transparency and giving new owners peace of mind about their puppy’s potential health.
It’s important to note that while genetic testing is a powerful tool, it doesn’t eliminate all potential health risks.
In conclusion, the focus on lineage and dna highlights the importance of understanding a dog’s genetic background and promoting responsible breeders when considering certain breeds like the American Bulldog. By advocating for careful breeding practices, the prevalence of health issues in future generations can be reduced, making for healthier and happier dogs.
