Orthopedics and Neurology in Bulldogs

Orthopedic and neurological issues are common in bulldogs and Fr. bulldogs, many of which can manifest at a very young age.

Orthopedics and Neurology in Bulldogs CAUSE

Most of these problems stem from the breed’s unique anatomy and decades of inbreeding practices, which prioritize “show quality” features over health. The bulldog’s unusual bone conformation, malformed vertebra, and abnormal joint alignment, combined with their large size and excess weight, can lead to severe joint rotation and angulation, disc herniation, and a compressed spinal cord.

This misalignment results in wear and tear on the joints, often causing painful and debilitating injuries as well as degenerative joint disease.

In the “Bulldog Orthopedics & Neurology “ chapter, we will detail some of the most common bulldog orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions. Each topic is going to be divided into four major sections:

1. V4B Bully Introduction

2. V4B Bulldog symptoms and diagnosis:

3. V4B bully prevention & treatment 

4. V4B Bully Tips & Warnings

Bulldog Medial Patella Luxation (MPL):

Medial patella luxation (MPL) is mostly a small-breed orthopedic condition that is rarely diagnosed in larger breeds. However, bulldogs are an exception to this rule. Learn more about this condition and how to prevent it.  CLICK HERE

Bulldog Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears (ACL Rupture)

The knee is stabilized by four primary ligaments:  medial & lateral collateral, cranial/anterior cruciate (CrCL/ACL), and caudal/posterior cruciate.  The function of the ACL is threefold, to learn more about this condition CLICK HERE

Hemivertebrae (Butterfly Vertebrae) in Bulldog

Hemivertebrae is a congenital (“at birth”, “born with”) malformation of the vertebrae seen most often in short-faced, screw-tailed breeds like our French bulldogs. CLICK HERE

French Bulldog and Bulldog IVDD

Herniation of the intervertebral disc’s inner core (nucleus pulposus) through its outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) can have several detrimental effects on the spinal cord, consequently inflicting pressure, injury, inflammation, swelling,  pain, and potential neurological damage, and deficit. To learn more: IVDD in French Bulldogs.

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldog Puppies:

Elbow dysplasia in bulldogs occurs when the elbow joint develops abnormally during the bulldog’s growth phase. In newborn bulldog puppies, many bones are not solid single structures but consist of multiple pieces of bone surrounded by cartilage. To learn more about this condition, CLICK HERE

Bulldog Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in bulldogs and French bulldogs. It is often detected at a young age, sometimes incidentally, during radiographs. When the congruence of the hip joint is disrupted, your bulldog puppy might present with hip laxity, subluxation, and dysplasia. To learn more about this condition, CLICK HERE

Bulldog Osteoarthritis and Arthritic Pain

Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the inflammation of one or more joints. In bulldogs, as in humans, arthritis is a progressive and degenerative disease that worsens with age. It affects the smooth articular cartilage in your bulldog’s joints. To learn more about this condition, CLICK HERE

Head Tremors in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs :

Head tremors in English bulldogs and French bulldogs are also known as “bulldog head bobbing”, “bulldog head shaking” and “idiopathic bulldog head tremors“. Head tremors in bulldogs are usually intermittent and are usually considered harmless To learn more about this condition, CLICK HERE

Steroids for Bulldogs: Benefits & Risks

Pred steroids for bulldogs and French Bulldogs replicate the actions of a naturally occurring hormone in the body. This hormone, called Glucocorticoids, or cortisol, is also known as the “stress hormone”.CLICK HERE

Bulldog Spina Bifida:

Spina bifida is a congenital condition characterized by an incomplete closure of the spinal column during embryonic development, leading to defects in the spinal cord and its protective covering.

Recommended by Owner Approved by Bulldogs