The Bull Terrier is a very sound, healthy canine,
but as with all dogs, they are susceptible to certain diseases. Regular
check ups by your veterinarian, along with keeping all shots updated, and
awareness of the owner of any changes in temperament or in activity, will
help insure the health of your dog.
Bullies do not do well in damp or cold conditions.
They thrive where there is warmth and a certain degree of comfort.
Having a Bullie tied to a doghouse in the back yard is not recommended.
Bullies need to be an intimate part of the family, to insure soundness
of temperament. They also need a comfortable place to bed down, a rug will
not do. Bullies are susceptible to pressure sores if they spend too
much time lying on the ground, or on a hard floor. Pressure sores
are normally seen as a callus on joints that have a thin layer of skin
over them. This area can occasionally become infected, and the owner
needs to keep aware of it, other than that the callus is simply a cosmetic
problem.
If you have purchased a Bull Terrier, either
have the breeder certify that the dog has undergone a Baer Test for hearing,
or have your veterinarian make arrangements to have your dog undergo this
test. For more information concerning Baer Testing, see medical
index/baer test.
There are also related topics that will give further information concerning
the ear and hearing:
Congenital Deafness
Responsible breeders are starting to screen
(BAER test) their breeding stock and puppies, in order to avoid this condition
from becoming a major problem.
For further information please see: medical
index/congenital deafness.
Heart Conditions
Also some bloodlines of the Bull Terrier have
a history of congenital heart conditions. These conditions vary as
to the affected area of the heart. Some articles that may be of interest
are:
Mitral Valve Disease
With mitral regurgitation
the blood backflows (leaks) from the left ventricle into the left atrium
of the heart. This regurgitation frequently occurs which such velocity
that it produces a turbulence. This turbulence can usually be detected
as a systolic murmur, heard between the first and second heart sounds.
For further information please see: medical
index/mitral valve disease.
Sub Aortic Stenosis
This congenital heart condition
has been found in Bull Terriers, although major efforts are underway to
eliminate (severely reduce) this condition. Ranging from minor heart
murmurs to fatal, this condition covers a wide array of symptoms.
For further information please see: medical
index/sub aortic stenosis.
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
This condition also appears more often in
some "bloodlines" than in others. Therefore it is suspected of being hereditary.
Be sure that any breeder you are dealing with has health screenings on
the parents, as well as the litter of puppies.
For further information please see: medical
index/tricuspid valve dysplasia.
Lethal Acro Dermatitus
One of the most devastating diseases to affect
Bull Terriers is Lethal Acro Dermatitus. This is an inherited recessive
gene. The puppies are usually undersized and have difficulty nursing.
This skin disease is progressive and worsens despite treatment. The
pups that are affected by this disease usually are dead within 7 months.
For further information, please refer to medical
index/lethal acro dermatitus.
Again in some bloodlines, Bullies may be affected
by familial kidney disease. There are many possible afflictions to
the kidneys, the following list is a few articles to familiarize you with
canine kidneys:
medical index/structure
and function of the kidney
medical index/kidney
- congenital defects
medical index/diagnostic
tests for detecting kidney disease.
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