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Bullmastiff Health Issues
General Health
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Hip Dysplasia
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Thyroid
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Vaccines
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Kennel Cough
Bullmastiffs have a few health
issues that are worth noting.
It is very
important that
you understand
the needs of
this breed, as
well as being
aware of the
ailments that
may develop in
the breed due to
environments
beyond the
control of
BallyRock.
These are the
most noted, and
common ailments
we have
researched and
have seen for
ourselves in the
breed over the
years.
Please, please
take note an
overweight dog
is a dog asking
for trouble
health wise.
Keep your dog
fit, don't
overfeed, as
this breed will
eat ANYTHING and
EVERYTHING
presented to it.
If your
Bullmastiff is
NOT EATING get
it to a vet
immediately
something is
SERIOUSLY WRONG
this breed loves
food!
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Health In General in the Bullmastiff
Breed
For the most part if you select your
new bully from a good breeder, that
health is a concern of theirs, you
should have no problems. Defining a
good bullmastiff breeder: One that questions
you. One that shows or competes with
their dogs. One that has done
Hip/Elbow x-rays and carefully
planned all litters. You won't find a
good breeder advertising in the
paper or on a free site on the
internet. A good breeder will have a
waiting list. Best places to
find good breeder are dog shows,
competitions, word of mouth. Contact the breed
clubs, C.K.C., A.K.C., or your closest registry.
Get recommendations from your Vet or
others with the same breed. Last but
not least, visit a few kennels before
making a decision.
Cancer
The number one
health problem,
(killer), of
Bullmastiffs believe
it or not is Cancer.
The two most common
cancers you may be
faced with if you
purchase a
Bullmastiff is
Hemangiosarcoma and
Osteosarcoma.
We encourage you to
research more about
this in our
Cancer
section and other
reference links
herein.
more about Cancer
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Hip Dysplasia in the Bullmastiff
Breed
Hip
dysplasia is a common orthopedic
problem seen in dogs. It affects
virtually all breeds of dogs but is
more problematic in large and giant
breeds. Hip dysplasia in the younger
animal is usually characterized by
marked pain or lameness while a more
chronic form has a gradual onset of
symptoms such as mild, intermittent
pain, stiffness and restricted range
in motion as the dog ages.
The hip joint is a ball and socket
joint: the head of the femur (thigh
bone) is the ball, and the pelvic
bone forms the socket. Hip dysplasia
occurs when the ball is loose
in the socket.
Early signs of hip dysplasia include
an unwillingness to stay out in the
cold, difficulty in rising on the
hind legs or climbing stairs, and
lack of stamina in work or play. As
the disease gets worse, some dogs
will shift their weight forward off
the rear quarters. Dogs with later
stages may bunny hop - hop on both
hind limbs when walking, or may have
intermittent lameness that becomes
chronic after age four. You may feel
the joint looseness, and in chronic
cases you may hear cracking noises.
Then again, you may have a dog who
exhibits no symptoms at all or very
minimally at the least.
more about hip &
elbow dysplasia ...
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Bullmastiff
Thyroid Issues
Hypothyroidism is
the disease state in
humans and animals
caused by
insufficient
production of
thyroid hormone
by the
thyroid gland.
A simple blood test
is taken, run at
your local
Veterinarian Clinic. Treatment is
usually oral tablet.
Breeding stock
should be screened
for this before
mating.
more about thyroid
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Vaccinating Your Bullmastiff
A
series of 3 vaccines is a must and
is
recommended for any breed of dog.
Our puppies will leave
with first vaccines at the age of 8
weeks. The second vaccine should be
given at 12 weeks and the third
which includes rabies done at 16
weeks. We as bullmastiff breeders
INSIST if
owning one
of our
bullmastiffs,
as part of
responsible
ownership
all 3 series
of
vaccinations
are
required. We also
HIGHLY recommend a kennel
cough vaccine especially if you
attend training classes of any type. |
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Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough in dogs will stimulate
a coarse, dry, hacking cough about
three to seven days after the dog is
initially infected. It sounds as if
the dog needs to "clear it's throat"
and the cough will be triggered by
any extra activity or exercise.
Many dogs that acquire Kennel Cough
will cough every few minutes, all
day long. Their general state of
health and alertness will be
unaffected, they usually have no
rise in temperature, and do not lose
their appetite. The signs of Canine
Cough usually will last from 7 to 21
days and can be very annoying for
the dog and the dog's owners. Life
threatening cases of Kennel Cough
are extremely rare and a vast
majority of dogs that acquire the
infection will recover on their own
with no medication. Cough
suppressants and occasionally
antibiotics are the usual treatment
selections.
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