Genetic Diseases that can Affect Bulldogs
Here is a list of conditions that all bulldogs can be prone to, being more common in the British Bulldog. This highlights the importance of moving away from the introduction of more British Bulldog blood into our breeding programs. For those not aware and looking to purchase an Aussie Bulldog puppy, the Australian Bulldog Society is the only registering body that doesn’t allow the introduction of British Bulldog into the breeding program, concentrating on increasing the generations of Australian to Australian Bulldog matings, thereby attempting to irradicate these health problems, by breeding from healthy stock that meet the breed standard, outlined on our website.
Please note that not all of these health problems are genetic, some of those listed are the result of birth defects inflicted during development of the foetus. If the mode of inheritance is undetermined it means just that, there hasn’t been any significant evidence to suggest that the disorder may be passed on, however this doesn’t rule out the corresponding nature of the disorder with the style of dog.
Genetic Diseases That Can Affect Bulldogs, including the Mode of inheritance and age of onset. Reference: Control of Genetic Diseases by G. Padgett (2007).
ALIMENTARY DISEASES
Gastric Dilatation - Volvulus (Bloat & Gastric Torsion) Undetermined <7yrs
Disention & twisting of the stomach resulting in
discomfort, vomiting & ineffectual retching. Death is common.
Hiatal Hernia: Regurgitation, hypersalivation, dyspnea and Undetermined >1yr
vomiting soon after swallowing.
Hypersialism (Drooling, Ptyalism): Overproduction and Undetermined <6mo
oversecretion of saliva by one or more salivary glands.
Pyloric Stenosis (Hypertrophic Pyloric Gastrophy): Abnormally
small opening between the stomach & the duodenum that Undetermined <12wk
prevents food from passing & causes sharp projectile vomiting,
anorexia and weight loss.
CANCER
Mastosarcoma: Clinically, there may be masses palpable in Undetermined <7yr
the skin & subcutaneous tissue. These lesions may ulcerate
or spread & metastasize to other parts of the body. There is
generally anorexia, weight loss & lethargy late in the
development of the tumor.
Perianal Gland Adenomas: Benign growths in the perianal area Undetermined <9yr
that may hemorrhage and ulcerate.
ENDOCRINE DISEASE
Hypothyroidism (Autoimmune Thyrioditis, Hashimotos Disease, Undetermined <2yr
Lymphocytic Thyroiditis): Destruction of the thyroid gland due
to an attack from the animal’s own immune system. Causes
rough, scaly skin, hair loss and weight gain.
HEARING, BALANCE
Deafness: Inability to hear may be unilateral or bilateral. Undetermined <3mo
Piebald or Extreme Piebald Gene Deafness
HEMATOPOIETIC & LYMPHATIC DISEASES
Ansarca (Congential Lethal Edema): A generalized subcutaneous Recessive Birth
collection of fluid affecting all parts of the body.
Factor VII Deficiency: A missing component in the blood causing Incomplete/Dominant Birth
slow coagulation. You may see mild subcantaneous bleeding
(bruising).
Hemophilia A: Absence of Factor VIII in the blood causing Sex Linked Birth
prolonged and excessive bleeding due to the failure to form a clot. Recessive
Affected dogs may die.
Lymphedema: A pitting edema of the extremities & ventral trunk, Dominant <1yr
effusions of the abdominal or pleural cavities may occur.
HEART AND VASCULAR DISEASES
Mitral Valve Defect (MVD, Mitral Stenosis): An excess of valvular Undetermined <1yr
tissue that limits proper valve movement. Symptoms include
coughing, lethargy, weakness and sudden death.
Persistent Right Aortic Arch (Vascular Ring Anomaly, VRA): Polygenic Birth
Failure of one of the fetal aortic vessels to degenerate normally
causing a blockage of the esophagus.
Pulmonic Stenosis (PS): Narrowing of the pulmonic artery where Polygenic <1yr
it attaches to the heart, causing murmurs and enlargment of the
right side of the heart.
Subaortic Stenosis: A narrowing at the base of the aorta as a Polygenic <1yr
result of a fibrous brand, causing murmurs, weakness & sudden
death.
Tetralogy of Fallot: A disarrangement of vessels in the heart, Polygenic <3mo
causing murmurs, heart failure and death.
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the heart wall that Polygenic Birth
divides the right and left sides, causing poor circulation and
possible death.
IMMUNE SYSTEM DISEASES
Atopic Dermatitis: Roughened, itchy, oozing skin caused by Undetermined <1yr
immune reactions to various allergens, such as fleas or pollen
Demodicosis: A localized Demodex infection that usually Undetermined <1yr
results in a mild erythema and may develop into some form of
alopecia. Pruritus may or may not be present. These are most
commonly seen on the face, and usually there is spontaneous
recovery within 6-8 weeks. This is not considered to be hereditary.
A generalized demodicosis usually develops as a chronic dermatitis
with crusting, scaling and hyperpigmentaion. There may be intense
pruritus & a secondary pyoderma. Folliculitis, cellulitis, furunculosis
& seborrhea may occur. A suspeptibility & predisposition to Demodex
canis is thought to be based on a T-cell disturbance. Generalized
demodicosis is considered to be inherited.
INTEGUMENTARY DISEASES
Acne: (Muzzle Folliculitis & Furunculosis): Follicular papules of Undetermined Varies
various sizes, which are generally hairless. Papules may ulcerate &
produce a purulent exudate.
Alopecia Syndromes: Clinically, hair tends to thin and be lost with Undetermined Varies
little or no scaling or any inflammatory changes. Distribution of loss
varies. Follicular Dysplasia.
Cojoined Footpads: One or more footpads grow together or fail to Undetermined Birth
separate into individual pads.
Growth Hormone Responsive Dermatosis: Clinical signs include Undetermined <2yr
alopecia, dry hair coat, seborrhea sicca, dermal thinning and
hyperkeratosis.
Intertrigo: A frictional dermatitis caused by excessive and pronounced Undetermined Varies
skin folding. Inflammatory lesions occur when sebum, moisture &
glandular secretions appear in these folds.
Schistosomus Reflexus: Skin and subcutaneous layers of muscle fail Undetermined Birth
to close over the abdomen, leaving the organs exposed.
Umbilical Hernia: An outpooching of the skin over the “belly button”. Recessive or <6mo
It may contain abdominal viscera and sometimes regresses Polygenic
spontaneoulsy.
NEUROLOGIC DISEASES
Dysautonomia: Clinically, urinary incontinence and difficulty in Undetermined <2yr
defecation. Difficulty in swallowing liquidized food. Signs associated
with autonomic nervous system are evident.
Hydrocephalus: An accumulation of fluid in the brain, causing severe Undetermined <3mo
pressure and degeneration of the brain.
Spinal Dysraphism (Spinal Dysplasia, Syringomyelia): Clinically, a Undetermined <3mo
bunny hopping gait, wide based stance and scoliosis. A normal life
is possible.
OCULAR DISEASES
Cataracts - Not further defined. Undetermined Varies
Dermoid: A small patch of skin generally on the cornea, often causing Recessive ? <1yr
irritation. Undetermined
Distichiasis: Abnormal location of eyelashes on the margin of the Undetermined <6mo
eyelid causing irritation.
Ectopic Cilia (Aberrant Cilia): Eyelashes are abnormally placed on the Undetermined Birth
conjunctiva (inner surface) of the eyelid (most often upper eyelid)
Ectropion: Turning out of the eyelids, causing excessive exposure of Undetermined <6mo
the eyeball.
Entropion: Turning in of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to rub the Undetermined <1yr
eyeball.
Exophthalmos: Clinically, the globe protrudes from the skull. This trait Undetermined <6mo
is normal conformationally in many brachycephalic breeds. But it may
vary strikingly in the degree of protrusion. If if protrudes excessively, it
may allow trauma to damage the eye.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) Inadequate tear production, causing Undetermined <1yr
irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea.
Persistant Pupillary Membranes: A failure of blood vessels in the Undetermined <3mo
anterior chamber to regress normally; there may be impaired vision
or blindness.
Prolapse of the Gland of the Third Eyelid (Cherry Eye): Clinically, the Undetermined <1yr
gland protrudes into the medial canthus of the eye. The tissue
becomes swollen and reddened, resulting in the term cherry eye.
Retinal Dysplasia (Folds): Abnormal folds in the retina due to faulty Undetermined <1yr
development.
Trichiasis: Abnormal placement of the eyelashes on the eyelid. Undetermined <3mo
REPRODUCTIVE DISEASES
Anasarca: A subcutaneous collection of fluid, usually over the whole Recessive Birth
puppy.The pup may be 4-5 times normal size @ birth.aka water puppy
Cryptorchidism: An absence of testicles due to retention in the Recessive <3mo
abdoment or inguinal region, can be one or both sided, or may slide in
and out of the scrotum.
Dystocia: The bitch has great difficulty in whelping puppies, due to a Undetermined Giving Birth
variety of reasons.
Hermaphrodite: (True) presence of gonadal tissue for both sexes, due XX-XXY <3mo
to the presence of a full complement of both male & female chromosomes.
RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Elongated Soft Palate Undetermined Birth
The soft palate extends into the laryngeal area
causing breathing difficulties
Laryngeal Paralysis: Predominate signs include noisy(stridor), Dominant <1yr
difficult (dyspnea) breathing and a blue tint to the lips and mouth due
to lack of oxygen.
Stenotic Nares: Smaller than normal nostrils, causing difficult Undetermined <3mo.
breathing.
Tracheal Collapse: Improper formation of the cartilaginous rings of the Undetermined <1yr
trachea, causing mild to severe breathing problems.
Tracheal Hypoplasia: A small trachea due to improper development Undetermined <3mo
causes mild to severe breathing difficulties.
SKELETAL DISEASES
Anury: Lack of or very short tail. Recessive <3mo
Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate: A fissure or cleft in the roof of the mouth & upper Undetermined Birth
lip; may be present together or seperately. This allows food and or
fluid to enter the nasal respiratory pathway.
Craniomandibular Osteopahty (CMO) Abnormal growth of bone Recessive <6mo
involving the lower jaw, the back angle of the lower jaw, the head or
the extremities. Any or all sites may be affected.
Cranioschsis: A midline opening in the head through which the Recessive Birth
meninges may protrude.
Hemivertebra: Abnormal formation of the body of the vertebrae, which Recessive <1yr
can cause posterior ataxia and paralysis. Causes twisted tail in the Undetermined
screw-tailed breeds.
Hip Dysplasia: Abnormal formation of the hip socket; causes rear limb Polygenic <2yr
lameness.
Luxation of the Elbow: Clinically, the ulna rotates laterally and the Undetermined <6mo
antebrachium rotates internally. The radiohumeral joint is relatively
unaffected & the ulna remains in a nearly normal position; or the radial
head is displaced caudolaterally and the ulna remains in a nearly
normal position.
Luxation of the Patella: Poor development of the structures holding the Polygenic <1yr
kneecap in place. The patella usually rotates medially (inward) in
small breeds.
Open Cranial Fontanelle (Patent Molera): The foramen on the dorsum Undetermined Birth
of the skull may remain open, closing weeks later than expected for a
given breed. The foramen in some animals may not close at all. There
are no clinical signs associated with this trait unless trauma is involved.
SKELETAL DISEASES
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) Aseptic necrosis of bone under joint Undetermined <1yr
cartilage; causes lameness.
Elbow Joint (Elbow Dysplasia): OCD of the medial humeral condyle,
fractured coronoid process and nonfusion of the anconeal process.
Shoulder Joint:
Sacrocaudal Agensis: Urinary and fecal incontinence, occasionsally Undetermined Birth
a weakness of caudal limbs, absence of a tail and sacral vertebrae are
all symptoms.
Short Skull: Skull is shorter than expected for the breed. Undetermined Birth
Spina Bifida: Clinical signs may include rear limb weakness, urinary & Undetermined Birth
fecal incontinence and perineal analgesia. There may be missing skin,
muscle and dorsal spinal processes generally in the lumbosacral area.
Teeth (Extra Incisors): Typically, four incisors are present in the affected Undetermined 15wk
half of the jaw instead of three, which is normal for dogs.
URINARY SYSTEM DISEASES
Cystinuria (Renal Tubular Transport Defect): Excessive amounts of the Sex Linked <1yr
amino acid cystine are excreted in the urine, which may cause urinary Recessive
calculi or stones.
Ectopic Ulcers: The ureters do not properly attach to the bladder, Undetermined Birth
causing urine dribbling, usually from birth.
Renal Dysplasia: Failure of normal development of the renal parenchyma Undetermined <1yr
causing malfunction and death. Clinical signs are those of renal failure.
Urethral Prolapse: Portions of the ureteral mucosa prolapse and extend Undetermined <1yr
beyond the tip of the penis.
Urethorectal Fistulas (Hyperuricuria) Usually a clinically silent disease Undetermined Birth
except for stone formation from elevated uric acid in the urine.
Urinary Bladder Anomalies: Lifelong urinary incontinence caused by Undetermined Birth
hypoplasia or other defects of the bladder.
Uroliths: Collection of calculi (kidney or bladder stones) in any part of Undetermined <9yr
the urinary system. The stones may be comprised of varying minerals.
Struvite is the major mineral component that accumulates in the stone.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:06 pm
[…] The Balerow Aussie Bull-Blog Breeders of Aussie Bulldogs, Sydney Australia « Genetic Diseases that can Affect Bulldogs […]
December 25th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Just started to look at the Aussie Bulldog. What are the chance in percentage for an Aussie Bulldog to get any one of these diseases and what will it be to get more that one through its lifetime? What could one do on a dialy/weekly/monthly or annual basis to help prevent one or more of these medical conditions. Thank you and Merry Xmas
December 29th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
The chance of an Aussie Bulldog developing some of the above diseases, depends on 2 factors. The frist being environmental the second being decided by its genetic make up.
For example hip dysplasia has been shown to have both genetic and environmental factors affecting its prevalence. Dogs that are obese will have more pressure on their joints and are thus more likely to develop it. Furthermore dogs that are commonly travelling up and down steps, jumping down from high areas, will have mor pressure placed on their joints.
This is just one example, however other diseases such as distichia (eyelashes growing into the eye) are genetic and therefore its very important that from the outset when selecting your puppy you view both parents and make sure they are free of such disorders.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:37 am
If pulmonic stenosis is polygenic, does this mean both parents carry the gene for this disease? I am so confused. We had one puppy from a litter of 6 that had PS and we are trying to determine if it is in the bitch’s line or th studs.
December 18th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Hello, I have an 8 week old English Bulldog who has both bowel and urinary incontinence. I have taken him to a Vet but he is not too familiar with the cause, I was wondering if you could help with some more information. Do you think its treatable? He doesn’t have hind leg weakness and is very active and has a healthy appetite. Any information would help, I really appreciate it. Thank you for your time.