Diet management and regular heartworm prevention can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk for severe disease.Įczema and seborrhea-two skin conditions often seen in humans-are also seen in the bully breeds. These conditions are often genetic in origin but can be exacerbated by obesity or the presence of parasites such as heartworm. The bully breeds, especially the English Bulldog, are vulnerable to several types of congenital heart disease including subaortic and pulmonic stenosis, mitral valve disease, and septal defect (disorders that affect the valves and interior walls of the heart). While there is no preventive measure for hip dysplasia, the condition can be treated symptomatically (through weight control and pain management) or surgically (through hip replacement). Conditions such as obesity can add strain to the hip joint and exacerbate discomfort and bone deterioration. The resulting “loose” hip joints can contribute to deterioration of the cartilage protecting the femoral head. In some bully breeds, bones develop more quickly than the muscle required to hold them in place. Hip dysplasia is most often genetic in origin. In severe cases, pain and loss of hip function are common.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the cartilage that protects the femoral head begins to deteriorate, resulting in bone-on-bone friction and subsequent deformation. These dogs are generally healthy and gregarious, but as with any breed or breed group, the “bullies” are vulnerable to certain health problems that you, as an owner or prospective owner, should know about.Īs in humans, the hip in dogs is a ball-in-socket joint, where the head of the femur (thigh bone) rotates in the cuplike socket of the pelvis. Known for their muscular build, intelligence, loyalty, and tenacity, the bully breeds have become favorites of dog lovers worldwide. Most of us are probably familiar with the iconic English Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier, but the “bully” breeds actually include over 16 dog breeds, such as the American Bulldog, Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, and Cane Corso.