The bulldog is the common man's dog. This breed exists due to it's courage, devotion and tenaciousness.  What is unfortunate is that whenever a breed of dog becomes popular, there are those people who see dollar signs as their only end.  The bulldog is not a "cheap" dog.  There are certain expenses involved in the breeding and the raising of bulldog pups.  The chances of an entire litter of bulldog pups surviving to six weeks of age is dependent on the attention and devotion of the breeder.  Puppy mills are not interested in the improvement of any breed of animal.  They exist for one reason only, that is to line their pockets with money made from the suffering of defenseless dogs.  Have you ever wondered what happens to puppies that are not sold at the pet stores?
     The medical problems associated with the bulldog breed are normally not found in dogs who have been bred by responsible, caring breeders.  These breeders are extremely cautious in the genetic backgrounds of the dogs they breed.  Some genetic faults "hide" for several generations, then for some reason reappear.
     The following conditions are the most common found in bulldogs that have a questionable pedigree.  Responsible and attentive breeders will not allow these conditions to exist in their gene pool.  Should a throw back occur in their breeding program, they would certainly want to know about it.  They would not knowingly allow a puppy to be placed in a home, that was not of good quality.

Anal Glands - The anal glands enable the dog to mark its territory and to identify each other.  When the anal glands fail to empty normally, the result can be impaction and possible infection.  For more detailed information, please refer to : medical index/anal glands.

Cherry Eye - The tear gland that normally occupies the base of the third eyelid occasionally becomes enlarged, and will protrude beyond the leading edge of the third eyelid.  This protrusion will appear as a round, red mass (cherry eye).  Please refer to: medical index/cherry eye.

Dilated Esophagus - This condition is also known as Megaesophagus.  This is a condition in which the esophagus is enlarged.  Megaesophagus can be congenital or acquired.  The results of this condition are:  regurgitation, loss of overall condition and frequently leads to aspiration pneumonia.  Refer to medical index/dilated esophagus  for more detailed information.

Elongated Soft Palate - The purpose of the soft palate is to serve as a mobile flap preventing food and water from entering the nasal passages during swallowing.  More information can be found at medical index/elongated soft palate.

Entropion - Entropion is the term given to the overall condition when the lower eyelid inrolls, bringing the eyelashes into direct contact with the cornea.  This contact creates an irritation, making it necessary for the animal to blink constantly.  For more information refer to the medical index/entropion.

Gastric Dilitation Volvulus - G.D.V. Syndrome is sometimes referred to as "bloat".  This syndrome occurs when the stomach swells up with gas and fluid.  This is a life threatening condition.  A veterinarian's immediate care is necessary.
For more information please refer to medical index/G.D.V.Syndrome.

Hip Dysplasia - Hip Dysplasia is the most common cause of rear end lameness.  It has to do with the structure of the hip joint.  Refer to medical index/hipdysplasia for detailed information.

Hot Spots - Hot Spots is an area of skin that is irritated due to flea bite(s), or allergies.  The dog scratches or chews the area enlarging the opening, the area becomes infected and then the cycle repeats itself.  More information can be found at medical index/hot spots.

Interdigital Cysts - Inderdigital Cysts is a condition in which inflammatory fluids are forced into the deep tissues, rather than being discharged on the surface.  This condition tends to be chronic in nature.  Treatment by your veterinarian is highly recommended.  For more information see medical index/interdigital cysts.

Stenotic Nares - Stenotic Nares (constricted nostrils) occurs exclusively in short nosed (brachycephalic) dogs.  Please see medical index/stenotic nares.

Tracheal Hypoplasia - This is a congenital condition, in which the dog is born with a narrow or underdeveloped trachea.  For more information see medical index/tracheal hypoplasia.

Thyroid Deficiency - Thyroid deficiency, or hypothyroidism, is the condition resulting from a low production of usable hormones by the thyroid gland.  For a detailed outline of this condition, please refer to medical index/throid deficiency.