American Bulldogs: Common Health Problems

American bulldogs are not as prone to health problems as English bulldogs because American bulldogs have longer muzzles and legs. However, American bulldogs are prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia, atopy and demodex mange, notes Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD, author of ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs (Chronicle Books; 1999.)

Dogchannel.com notes that many American Bulldogs have sensitive skin, but washing with a gentle baby shampoo can help keep the skin from getting itchy. Some dogs will have different colored eyes, but this usually does not denote poor health such as deafness or vision problems.

Hip Dysplasia

Any large, solidly built dog breeds with large appetites are prone to hip dysplasia, not just the American bulldog. The ball of the femur does not fit in properly to the hip socket, causing pain, lameness and sometimes deformity. This is a genetic condition, so any dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia should not be bred.

Although there is still a lot unknown about hip dysplasia, it seems diet plays a big role in whether an American bulldog develops it or not. American bulldogs normally have voracious appetites. This can lead to obesity and filling up on the canine equivalent of junk food instead of nutritious food. Some breeders and owners swear by a raw diet, but many vets frown on raw diets. A dog needs a high quality protein and a low fat diet to help maintain weight and stay healthy.

Atopy

Atopy is the short name for atopic dermatitis or allergic inhalant dermatitis. This is a genetic skin condition seen in a wide variety of breeds and not just the American bulldog. Dogs with atopy are super-allergic to some material such as feathers, house dust, ragweed or pollen. Symptoms include intensely itchy skin, hair loss due to scratching, swellings and sneezing. Dogs, no matter what breed, usually develop atopy before they are three years old.

This is a frustrating but treatable condition, as long as the allergen can be identified. Treatment includes removing the allergen (if possible), allergy shots, oral allergy tablets such as antihistamines to reduce swelling and possibly antibiotics if the dog has scratched or licked the skin open. Affected dogs may need topical creams to stop itching and an Elizabethan collar to stop scratching. Use the gentlest shampoos recommended by a vet.

Demodex Mange

Also called demodectic mange or red mange, this is a type of mange caused by the Demodex family of mites. Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodex mange is not contagious. Demodex mites live inside of individual hair follicles. Adult dogs tend to have immunity to demodex mites, so over half of canines with demodex mange are puppies. But if an adult American bulldog has a chronic health problem, this could lower the dog’s natural resistance to the mites.

Most cases can be managed through anti-parasite medications like Ivermectin; medicated dips and diet changes. The younger the dog, the higher the chances are for a complete recovery. If a dog or puppy does get a relapse, it occurs within 6 to 12 months of the first infection, notes Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

Additional References

• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fourth Edition. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al. Howell Book House; 2007.
• American Bulldog Rescue 
• American Bulldog Association

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