Bull Terrier Health

By Michael Wiltshire

A contentious subject,as by enlarge the Pedigree Dog has it's health problems and the Bull terrier is no exception. This is due to the complex genetic make up and history over many years of breeding.

Generally speaking breeders are striving hard to eradicate the problems associated with the Pull Terrier and it's relative The Miniature bull Terrier. At the end of the day we all love this breed, once you have owned one you are bowled over there is nothing quite like it.

The aim of this site is to inform you of the diseases that can bereft the Bull Terrier, to help you recognise the symptoms and give you both the conventional methods of treatment and the alternative method, the choice is yours to make. At The End Of The Day You Have A duty Of Care To Ensure Your Dog Is Looked After. Seek Veterinary Advice If You Are Not Sure. We are all bound by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, ratified, made Law 6th April 2007 re. Health, Welfare, Betterment, Happiness of animals via breeding/husbandry etc. A Parliamentary Working Group for Animal Welfare has been set up following the contreversial BBC documentary shown last year, (2008). Highlighting the serious issues arising from genetic diseases owing to decades of inbreeding which has affected show dogs and domestic pets. admin@apgaw.org

it is also the clubs intention of providing information supplied by third parties giving the site a balanced view, we hope that visitors will surf our site regularly. We will change the pages on the Health Section on a regular basis. The topics will range from Health, Diet and any other information that we deem suitable for our readers.

Available Sources of Information:

http://www.canine-health-concern.org.uk

http://www.kennelclub.uk

OBTCW Every care has been taken in the compilation of this website but the Editor and the club assume no responsibilty for any errors or omissions or any effects arising therefrom. Articles or views published within these pages, do not necessarily represent the views of the Bull Terrier Club Of Wales.

Following And Understanding Canine Health:

Canine Kidneys:
The term when the kidneys become diseased is referred to as Canine Renal Disease relating to, involving or located in the region of the kidneys.

Kidney Function:
The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra are part of the urinary system. The kidneys are basically the filters of the body system. The function of this system is:

Kidney/Renal Disease:
Chronic or Acute?
Renal or Kidney disease can take one or two forms, chronic or acute. Acute Renal failure (ARF) and Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)
Acute - ARF - the sudden onset of Kidney disease characterised by sharpness or severity.
Chronic - CRF - a slow and progressive form of Kidney disease marked by long duration of frequent recurrence.

Symptoms:
The onset of disease can be marked by some, not necessarily all, of the following symptoms:

Dogs Susceptible:
All dogs may suffer but it is usually associated with older dogs.

Causes and Treatment:
There are numerous causes of CKD.

Acute Renal Failure can occur at any age and if diagnosed and treated early, damage can be arrested.

Chronic Renal Failure appears to be more common in older dogs and damage is usually irreversible however the progression and severity of the disease can be temporarily modulated with careful medical and dietary controls.

There is an option for kidney transplant but this is performed at a limited number of veterinary hospitals.

Canine Arthritis:
This can be painful and debilitating. Often feeding a higher quality food (we have some great suggestions for you later) can prevent the onset of this problem and, can certainly ease some of the discomfort experienced by your dog.

Description:
This comes from the Greek word arthron. It is an inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes and can affect dogs of all ages and breeds.

Symptoms:
Marked by pain, inflammation, stiffness, limping and swelling. The most common signs of a problem with a dog is when they display signs of pain with the inability to rise after sleeping or resting and finally a noticeable reluctance to take exercise.

Susceptible Dogs:
Most dogs suffer from joint problems at one time or another and canine arthritis is quite a common disease that will affect, in particular, the heavier dogs and puppies due to development disorders such as Hip Dysplasia.

Some Causes:
Most dogs suffer from joint problems at one time or another and canine arthritis is quite a common disease that will affect, in particular, the heavier dogs and puppies due to development disorders such as Hip Dysplasia.

TREATMENT:
Treatment is palliative but the dogs weight should be carefully monitored as obesity will aggravate the condition. The dog's bed should be checked to ensure that it is warm and dry and where possible, off the floor. feeding dog food that contains Glucosamine and Chondrotin will also help, not to treat the problem but reduce some of the pain associated with this problem.

Canine Heart Disease:
Heart disease is as common in dogs as it is in people. there are many ways in which heart disease can be detected and regular visits to a Veterinary Surgeon will ensure early detection and treatment - the difference between life and death.

There are many types of Canine Heart Disease:

Causes:
Dogs rarely have Heart Attacks but tend to get diseases of the valves of the heart which can result in heart murmers. The heart valves can lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow or the muscular walls of the heart become thinned and weakened. Causes include the following.

Types Of Heart Disease:
Chronic Valvular Disease - The heart valves can lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy - The muscular wallsof the heart become thinned and weakened.

Either one of these can result in the same seriuos condition - Canine Heart Failure is caused by one side of the heart being required to do more than it is physically able causing the muscles to fail.

Heart Failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood around to meet the dog's body.

By continuing to work harder to pump blood, further damage can occur and blood pressure increases.

Symptoms:

Heart Disease is usually associated with older dogs but may occur in dogs and puppies under one year old due to congenital or hereditary disorders.

TREATMENT:
The treatment is dependent on the condition but can include a new diet and exercise program, medication to strengthen the muscles or to remove excess fluid.

Canine Deafness:
This is more common than you think but with special training, your dog can lead a normal(ish) life. Canine Deafness is the lacking or deficient in the sense of hearing. There are two distinct types - Hereditary Deafness and Acquired Deafness.

Hereditary - Can be identified in puppies by checking their reaction to short, loud, handclap. However, most puppies are born with some hearing capabilities which degenerate during the first few months of life so this identification process can be quite difficult. The Cause Is Due To A Degeneration Of The Nerves Within The Ear.

TREATMENT:
There is no treatment for Hereditary Canine Deafness but it must be understood that there are different levels of deafness from partial to severe to total. Those with total deafness are prone to injury as they are unable to to respond to any verbal warnings from their owners. However, a dog who suffers from total loss of hearing can be taught to respond to hand signals and the use of lights can also be applied to the training and care of this type of pet.

Acquired Deafness:
Dogs with acquired deafness are born with the capability of developing and maintaining normal hearing, but hearing is lost as the animal ages or is due to an accident or secondary effect of another canine disease including the treatment. Deafness is a resultant of damage to the ear components such as the eardrum, middle or inner ear. Finally deafness can be a result of an untraeted canine disease such as Distemper. Studies Have shown That Bull Terriers Are Not Especially Susceptible To Acquired Deafness.

TREATMENT:
As with Hereditary Deafness there is no treatment for Acquired Deafness, the levels can be the same as with Hereditary. Resulting in the same procedure of hand signals and lights.

Although this information we have supplied may be of some assistance. It is by no means exhaustive and if you are in any doubt about your Bull terriers Health you should consult your Veterinary Surgeon.