6 common Bull Terrier health issues
Dogs from this breed are real-life clowns 🤡 and if you’re thinking about getting one, you’re probably making the best life choice.
It’s not all fun and games though. There are some health issues this breed is prone to, so it’s better to inform yourself.
The Bull Terrier is fairly healthy, but genetic health problems that have been seen in the breed include heart disease, deafness, luxating patella, and eye disorders, such as ectropion and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye. Bull Terriers can suffer from a high rate of allergies that can cause skin itching and secondary infections, including ear infections.
1. Obesity
Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Bull Terriers are big eaters so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight. Keeping a Bull Terrier at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life.
2. Deafness
Although initially thought to be present only in white bull terriers, it is now known that deafness can affect both white and colored haired bull terriers. Deafness in this breed has been recognized since the very beginning of this breed and can occur in either or both ears.
For many years, breeders have avoided breeding from deaf animals, and yet there are still a number of Bull Terriers that are born deaf.
3. Kidney Disease
It is a very serious issue in this breed and it may appear at any time in a dog’s life. Unfortunately, once this condition is diagnosed, the animal’s life expectancy decreases very much as there is not very much that you or your veterinarian can do.
Special veterinary diets may help to prolong an animal’s quality of life if the disease is diagnosed early enough.
More recently a condition known as “Polycystic Kidneys” has been also identified. This disease may be diagnosed with having the kidneys scanned by ultrasound, but the prognosis is similar and the early death of the animal is likely.
4. Heart Disease
Bull Terriers have been identified as being susceptible to varying degrees of heart disease. This usually affects the heart valves, which may fail to close properly, or a narrowing of the arteries. Affected animals can suffer from heart attacks, whilst other signs might be the lack of activity or shortness of breath.
5. Patella luxation
Patella Luxation is usually caused by the groove in the knee-joint not being deep enough to hold the Patella in place, thereby allowing it to slip out to either side.
This can be extremely painful for the animal who may, but not necessarily, be seen to limp or “hop” on an affected leg. It is possible to correct this condition by surgery, which can be carried out to “deepen” the groove. It is thought to be hereditary. There is no definitive screening test for this condition currently recognized.
6. Skin Problems
Skin problems often appear to be allergy-related and can be seasonal. They can vary from small rashes and spots to manage and other conditions, which in extreme cases and left untreated can cause complete loss of hair. Affected animals can suffer extreme discomfort and itchiness.
