New French Bulldog Health Booklet

We are proud to announce the launch of our new French Bulldog health booklet updated with the new BOAS testing program.

“The Healthy French Bulldog” – click here to download it now.

French Bulldog Spine and Hip Scheme

Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc

In the French Bulldog we may face two significant structural bone problems – hemivertebrae and hip dysplasia.

Hemivertebrae – current breed median 14.00 (February 2022)

http://orchid.ankc.org.au/Home/SpineScores

These are vertebrae that have not developed properly and as a result of being misshapen, can result in instability of the vertebral column (the back). When the back is unstable, pinching of the spinal cord and disc protrusion can occur. Many brachycephalic and/or screw tail breeds have hemivertebrae, with French Bulldogs having a high incidence.

The average French Bulldog has a minimum of 3 hemivertebrae which was discovered in a major study in the USA. The majority of these hemivertebrae are within the thoracic area where extra stability is added by the rib cage.

The areas of concern in breeding animals are when hemi vertebrae occur within the lumbar area with no supporting frame and around the thoracolumbar junction (mid back at the end of the rib cage). Concern also when hemivertebrae are causing kyphosis or scoliosis.

The best way to view the back is with two views, one lateral from the shoulders to the tail, and the other in the anterior/posterior view i.e. of the dog on its back.

For assessing hemivertebrae, the scoring is as follows:-

  • Grade 1 Partially wedged vertebra : score 1
  • Grade 2 Fully wedged vertebra : score 2
  • Grade 3 Double wedged (butterfly) vertebra : score 3

As we now have good numbers – the breed median is sitting at 14 – it is strongly recommended not to breed with backs scoring higher than 15, particularly if there are other issues such as a high hip score and/or a high respiratory function grade.

Hip dysplasia – current breed median 15 (February 2022)

http://orchid.ankc.org.au/Home/HipScores

Hip dysplasia can be a problem in the breed and we need to screen for this. The most common issues are shallow sockets and loose ligaments. The best view is an anterior/posterior view i.e. of the dog stretched out on its back with the legs parallel.

The breed average is at 17.77 with the median result at 15.0. This indicates the average is lowering slightly over time. Recommendations: Dogs with hip scores of over 20 be bred with caution unless they have an excellent low back score and a good respiratory function grade result.

Both x-rays can fit on a large plate with the screen divided along the long axis. Half the plate can be of the lateral view of the spine, the other half can be a vertical view of the hips and spine. Dogs should be screened over 12 months of age.

The two schemes should be considered simultaneously. Significant problems in both areas would be enough to suggest strongly that one should not breed with the animal.

Grading

A number of Veterinarians are now set up to grade your xrays and provide a score.

Forms are now created through the ORCHID database. Follow the instructions and the system will create a custom Word document which provides the Grading Form (with corresponding Vet Contact). You can then download the form and print it out to take to the nominated vet who can verify the Microchip number and perform the X-Ray for passing on to the DICOM Radiologist.

Fees $110.00 Hips and Spine

To lodge your grading forms go here orchid.ankc.au/Home/ChedHowTo

Respiratory Grading Function Scheme

The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme [RFS] will be officially launched in Australia in the coming months.  Dogs Australia (ANKC) have appointed Dr Arthur House BSc BVMS PhD Cert SAS DECVS to head the scheme.  RFS evaluates Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs for a progressive disorder (BOAS) that can have a life limiting impact and can impair a dog’s ability to sleep, eat, play and exercise.

For the assessment, a specially trained assessor uses a stethoscope to listen to a dog’s breathing while it is calm and relaxed, and then again after three minutes of quick-paced exercise. Each dog is then given a grade from 0 to 3, with grade 0 dogs being unaffected and grade 3 dogs showing severe signs.

The Cambridge recommendations are that grade 3 dogs, those that have had significant respiratory correctional surgery should not be bred from, and that Grade 2 dogs should be bred with care to Normal Grade 0 or Grade 1 dogs.