![](\"https:\/\/frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/the-healthy-french-bulldog-722x1024.png\" "\\"the")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>New French Bulldog Health Booklet<\/h2><\/div>We are proud to announce the launch of our new French Bulldog health booklet updated with the new BOAS testing program.<\/p>\n
“The Healthy French Bulldog” – click here to download it now<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2949d39feef2d5435f633069ae62df1a.png\" "\\"2949d39feef2d5435f633069ae62df1a\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>French Bulldog Spine and Hip Scheme<\/h1><\/div>Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>In the French Bulldog we may face two significant structural bone problems \u2013 hemivertebrae <\/strong>and hip dysplasia<\/strong>.<\/p>\nHemivertebrae – current breed median 14.00 (February 2022)<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nhttp:\/\/orchid.ankc.org.au\/Home\/SpineScores<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nThese 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For assessing hemivertebrae, the scoring is as follows:-<\/p>\n
\n- Grade 1 Partially wedged vertebra : score 1<\/li>\n
- Grade 2 Fully wedged vertebra : score 2<\/li>\n
- Grade 3 Double wedged (butterfly) vertebra : score 3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/strong>, particularly if there are other issues such as a high hip score and\/or a high respiratory function grade.<\/strong><\/p>\n
We are proud to announce the launch of our new French Bulldog health booklet updated with the new BOAS testing program.<\/p>\n
“The Healthy French Bulldog” – click here to download it now<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div> In the French Bulldog we may face two significant structural bone problems \u2013 hemivertebrae <\/strong>and hip dysplasia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Hemivertebrae – current breed median 14.00 (February 2022)<\/span> http:\/\/orchid.ankc.org.au\/Home\/SpineScores<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For assessing hemivertebrae, the scoring is as follows:-<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, particularly if there are other issues such as a high hip score and\/or a high respiratory function grade.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>French Bulldog Spine and Hip Scheme<\/h1><\/div>
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