Viagra for Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

By: Dr. Roy Kraemer |
DVM, Bulldog Specialist Veterinarian
Categories

Sildenafil, widely recognized under the brand name Viagra, was initially developed to treat cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, with its use in managing erectile dysfunction emerging as an unintended discovery […]

Originally, Viagra was utilized in both humans and pets to address pulmonary hypertension, as it aids in relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs, thereby reducing the heart’s workload.

Viagra Treatment for Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

There are two common uses for treating bulldogs with Viagra, the first is bulldog pulmonary hypertension, and more recently, bulldog and French bulldog megaesophagus

Recent findings have shown its effectiveness in treating certain cases of megaesophagus in dogs, particularly by relaxing and dilating the blood vessels around the esophageal sphincter and enhancing the movement of the esophagus.

megaesophagus in French bulldog puppy

Viagra and Bulldog Pulmonary Hypertension 

Bulldog pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is high blood pressure in the lung arteries that can directly affect your bulldog’s heart function.

BULLDOG PULMONARY HYPERTENSION CAUSE:

Bulldog pulmonary hypertension is usually secondary to diseases such as:

  • Lung Disease: fibrosis, thromboembolism
  • Heartworm Disease
  • Heart Diseases: such as Dilatetive Cardiomyopathy ( DCM) and Mitral Valve Disease (Left Side Heart Disease),

Primary PHT is rare and the cause is usually unknown

Bulldog enlarged heart disease

BULLDOG PULMONARY HYPERTENSION SYMPTOMS

  • Cough
  • Labored breathing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Cyanosis, Faint, and Collapse: in severe cases

BULLDOG PULMONARY HYPERTENSION DIAGNOSIS

  • Auscultating of the lungs and heart:
    • heart murmurs
    • lung abnormal sounds like crackles
  • Imaging:
    • radiographs
    • ultrasound
  • ECG
  • Blood pressure
  • Echocardiogram: doppler
  • Heartworm test

VIAGRA TREATMENT FOR PULMONARY HYPERTENSION 

Treatment depends on the underlying disease since PHT is usually secondary

  1. Confinement:  limited activity
  2. Calm: relaxed, stress-free environment
  3. Oxygnean: for severe cases
  4. Heart and Lung Medication:
    • Viagra
    • Vetmedin (pimobendan, other)

Welcome to Our “Prevention Over RX” Bulldog Community! 

Fr. Bulldog V4B StressLess Formula Handout

VIAGRA TREATMENT FOR PHT PROGNOSIS:

Once more, the effectiveness of treatment hinges on the specific underlying disease and its stage. The objective is to enhance both longevity and quality of life.

Viagra can contribute to this objective by easing tension in the lung arteries and blood vessels, thereby alleviating hypertension.

Viagra Treatment for Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / SIDE EFFECTS:

Viagra side effects in dogs are mostly gastrointestinal

VIAGRA WARNING:

Viagra may not be suitable if your bulldog is experiencing:

  • hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • anemia (low RBC count)
  • other cardiovascular issues

Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs

Our Bulldog Community Prefers
“PREVENTION OVER RX”
Unlock The Benefits

Visit Our Shop

The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding any medical condition. It's important to always consider professional medical advice promptly and not to delay seeking it based on information you've read on this platform. Any reliance on the information provided here is entirely at your discretion.