New owners are entitled to purchase a healthy Bullmastiff, must read this Health Guide For Bull Mastiff regardless of whether it is to be a family pet, a performance dog, or a breed champion. It is extremely important to be familiar with the health problems in Bullmastiffs, and equally important to ask breeders to provide as much information as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! A reputable breeder will not hesitate to provide answers. Visit as many breeders as possible, check references, and get copies of the health certifications of the sire and dam of any puppy being considered. If purchasing an older dog, ask for a health history and speak with the veterinarian whenever possible double dog stroller can also be use for small mastiff.
Health Guide For Bull Mastiff
1. Genetic Disease
The major health concerns of this breed include gastric torsion, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Other matters that have been reported include entropion, cancer (hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, and mast cell tumors).
2.Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, Gastric Torsion
This life-threatening condition can affect large, deep-chested dogs and often happen if the dogs eat one large meal per day, then rapidly drink massive amounts of water right after eating. It can occur at any age, but is more common in older dogs
It is more common for older dogs. The stomach becomes distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog cannot burp or vomit to rid itself of the excess air in its belly, and the usual return of blood to the heart is impeded.
From there, blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. This is a medical emergency and without help, the dog can die.
Symptoms include excess salivation, distended abdomen, retching without throwing up, restlessness, depression, and a rapid heartbeat. It’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
3. Entropion and Skin problem
This is an eye problem that causes the eyelids to roll inward, irritating the eye. It can occur in one or both eyes and usually is noticeable by about 6 months of age. The condition can be corrected surgically Breeding dogs can be checked by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Dogs that will be used for breeding purposes can be tested. Hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid functions should be tested as well as an eye exam.
4. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This is a genetic condition in which the thigh doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness but some show none at all. As the dog matures, arthritis can develop which leads to more pain.
X-rays can show the degree of the problem and dogs intended for breeding can be x-rayed before mating. The X-rays can be examined for hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP).
This is a genetic condition that is seen in larger dogs. It’s thought to be caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog’s elbow that can lead to pain and lameness. It is usually treated with medication for pain and/or surgery.
5. Allergies
Allergies are an immune mediated response by the animal toward a given antigen. Many things can cause allergies, including food, fleas, and the environment (i.e., grass or pollen). Symptoms often include red, itchy skin on the feet or groin, dry, flaky skin, excessive hair loss, reddened ears with a foul-smelling discharge, and weepy, watery eyes or a runny nose. The animals will often scratch or clean themselves excessively. Veterinarians have several techniques available to identify allergens including intradermal skin testing and blood tests. A simple process of elimination will sometimes suffice. Treatment may be as simple as eliminating a cause (such as a change to a natural diet). In cases where avoidance and environmental changes don’t help, antihistamines are sometimes used. More severe cases are often treated with short-term steroids. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be very effective. However, allergy shots are not without risks. Because the animal is receiving injections of very small doses of what they are allergic to, there is the possibility for a systemic or anaphylactic reaction.
6.Cancer
Cancer is an immunologic condition brought about by a prolific response of a given abnormal cell type within the body. It is present in all breeds and the exact causes are unknown. In Bullmastiffs, the most common cancers are:
Hemangiosarcoma.
Lymphoma/Lymphosarcoma
Mast Cell Tumors
Osteosarcoma
7.ARTHRITIS AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
Arthritis is frequently observed in older Bull mastiff, due to their size and strain on their joints.It is very important to keep our Bull mastiff at a healthy weight, through exercise and proper feeding, in order to help delay the onset of arthritis. Your veterinarian can prescribe supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and medications to alleviate the clinical signs related to arthritis. Your veterinarian can also advise whether surgical or medical management should be pursued if your dog suffers from arthritis
Clinical signs frequently reported include weight gain, hair loss, cold intolerance, and lethargy. Diagnosis of this condition is usually achieved through blood testing and medical therapy is the most common treatment option.
CONCLUSION
It is important to learn as much as possible about the health of a breed if you are seriously considering acquiring a member of the breed. If you already own a Bullmastiff, knowing what issues have been identified can help you become a better dog parent and more informed consumer.Engaging with a big breed like bull mastiff gives an extra advantage being guard and a highly alart companion but afterall he is also an animal and have some limitations. want to know more Mastiff Click Here.
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