Bulldogs are adorable, lovable couch potatoes—but like many breeds, they’re also prone to certain health conditions, including tumors.
But don’t panic! Knowing what to look for (and when to act) can make all the difference[…]
Here’s a quick and easy guide to the 5 most common tumors we see in Bulldogs and Frenchie’s.
#1 Bulldog and French Bulldog Common Tumor LIPOMA
Think of bulldog Lipoma as a Fatty Lump as your bulldog’s built-in soft like marshmallow like growth.
What Are Common Location of Bulldog and French Bulldog Lipoma’s?
Lipomas, are usually found under the skin, soft, squishy, and slow-growing.
It is more common in aging bulldogs.
Is Bulldog Lipoma Harmful?
Lipoma is usually harmless (benign) and doesn’t need removal unless it gets big or makes it hard for your pup to walk (like in the armpit area).
How To Treat Lipoma?
Quick and simple surgery if needed, and recovery is usually a breeze!
Prognosis: Excellent
#2 Bulldog and French Bulldog MAST CELL TUMOR (MCT=The Sneaky One)
This one can start off looking like “just a peas size bump, or a skin tag”, but don’t ignore it!
MCT Comes in 3 grades:
- Grade 1 = often benign and easy to treat
- Grade 2 = more aggressive
- Grade 3 = malignant, can ulcerate
What To Do If my Bulldog or French Bulldog have MCT?
First proceed with proper diagnosis (usually a biopsy).
Regardless, it best to remove early while it’s still Grade 1, with clean margins.
What is The Prognosis of Bulldog and French Bulldog MCT?
Prognosis: Depends on
- grade: higher the grade the worse the prognosis
- size
- and location: ease of removing
#3 Bulldog and French Bulldog BREAST TUMORS (Mammary Gland Tumors / MGT)
MGT are common in older, intact female bulldogs, and those who were spayed later in life.
How I Know If My Bulldog Suffers From MGT?
Brest tumors are often found on palpation or when large and aggressive visually. They usually feels like a little hard pea often near the teat, or larger lump(s) imbedded in the mammary tissue (breast).
- They Can be single or multiple
- Hard or soft
- Small pea size, large and ulcerative
- Benign, Locally Aggressive and cancerous
About 50% of MGT can be cancerous.
How To Prevent & Treat Bulldog Breast Tumors?
Best approach: Spay early!
Spaying before the 1st or 2nd heat reduces the risk way down.
If a mass develops, surgery and a biopsy are needed, and spaying is recommended at that time.
💡 Tip: Spaying is both preventive and therapeutic.
Chest radiographs should be taken before surgery to rule out malignancy to the lungs
What Is The Prognosis of Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog MGT?
Prognosis, depends on type (benign or cancerous) & surgical success
#4 Bulldog and Fr Bulldog LYMPHOMA (Lymph Node Cancer)
This one’s all about the lymphatic system—a key part of your dog’s immune defense.
But when things go wrong, this cancer can show up in sneaky ways.
How Lymphoma is Diagnosed in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs?
Sometimes you can feel it—like a hard, tennis-ball-sized lump
- under your dog’s jaw
- armpits
- groin
- or behind the knees.
Other times, it’s hidden deeper, affecting internal organs like the intestines or chest.
You may notice weight loss, low energy, vomiting, or other vague signs.
How we find it:
- Physical exam
- Ultrasound,
- X-rays
- Biopsies and bloodwork
How To Treat Bulldog Lymphosarcoma?
Usually involves a chemotherapy plan—don’t worry, most dogs tolerate it way better than humans do!
Many dogs go into remission (yay!)
But it takes time, commitment, and costs to manage the full course.
What Is The Prognosis for Bulldog Lymphoma Cancer?
Prognosis depends on
- the type (T-cell vs. B-cell)
- how far it’s spread
- and your willingness to take the journey.
#5 Bulldog Epulis Oral Tumors (Gum Bump Tumor)
Let’s talk toothy tumors! An Epulis is a fancy name for a common (and usually harmless!) bump on your bulldog’s gums.
Its hyperplasia of the gum so to speak.
What Bulldog Epulis Mouth Tumors Look Like?
They look like a little pink or rosy lump on the gumline—often near the front teeth
They can bleed if it gets bumped or chewed on
Bulldog Epulis Gum Tumor and Subgingival Hair
In Bulldogs, it might even trap hair under the gum (ew!), which can lead to an abscess or infection .
They also might push on nearby teeth and mess with their spacing
How My Vet Diagnose Epulis Mouth Tumor?
Your vet can often spot it right away, but a quick biopsy can confirm it
Can Epulis Mouth Tumor Be Prevented and Treated?
Surgery is a simple fix—plus we can clean up or remove any affected teeth at the same time
Are Bulldog Gum Epulis Have Good Prognosis?
Most bulldogs bounce back quickly! With excellent Prognosis:
This one’s usually nothing to stress about, but definitely worth removing if it’s causing issues.
Bulldog and French Bulldog Common Tumors Summery
Want to catch these early?
- Regular at-home belly rub checkups
- Vet visits for any new bumps
- Don’t wait—early treatment = better outcome!
Stay alert, stay informed, and give your bully some extra love today! 💖
Trusted by Vets ~ Recommended by Owners ~ Loved by Bulldogs
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