DEVELOPMENTAL JOINT DISEASES

French Bulldogs are bred to have an unnatural morphology. As such, a high rate of joint dysplasias is expected. The main challenge for carers of lame Frenchies is knowing which of their abnormalities is responsible.

Hip dysplasia risk in French Bulldogs. Patellar luxation risk in French Bulldogs

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) publishes inherited condition statistics. French Bulldogs have a high risk of hip dysplasia. Note: Data from breeding stock probably underestimates true incidence in the general population.

NEUTERING AND JOINT DISEASE

A 2020 study proposed a link between neutering and joint disease in some breeds. French Bulldogs were not included in this study, To date, there’s no proof of a causal relationship between neutering and joint disease.

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

    • Chronic forelimb lameness in French Bulldog puppies warrants veterinary investigation. Elbow dysplasia is a common cause, and prompt treatment can improve long-term prognosis.

    • Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) is common in the United Kingdom. It typically causes severe intermittent forelimb lameness in 3-10 month old puppies. The adult form of this condition is called humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF)

    • In the UK, severe intermittent lameness in Frenchies should always be investigated. Untreated IOHC can cause catastrophic humeral fractures. The best diagnostic test is a CT scan.

    • Elbow arthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia gradually worsens with age. The best treatment depends on age and arthritis severity.

    • Humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) is common in the United Kingdom. It typically causes severe intermittent forelimb lameness, which improves after prolonged rest.

    • In the UK, severe intermittent lameness in spaniels should always be investigated. Intreated HIF can cause catastrophic humeral fractures. The best diagnostic test is a CT scan.

    • In the United Kingdom, HIF should be ruled out before making a presumed diagnosis of shoulder lameness.

    • Patellar subluxation can cause intermittent skipping. It’s difficult to diagnose without keyhole surgery.

    • Hip dysplasia is common but rarely causes severe clinical signs. Over a ten-year period, two French bulldog hip replacements were registered in a UK database. Another operation called femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) is a common treatment for clinically important hip dysplasia or Perthe’s disease (focal hip osteoporosis).

ANATOMY OF CANINE LAMENESS