5 Common Bullmastiff Health Concerns
You’ll find that these intelligent dogs make great canine companions though they do take up plenty of space.
Bullmastiffs are confident canine companions that are sure to win you over one massive pawprint at a time. Before bringing home one of these loving four-footers, it’s important to understand the breed’s health history so that you can take care of your pooch properly. Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common Bullmastiff health concerns so that you can expand your understanding of these dignified dogs.
Hip Dysplasia
Unfortunately, these big buddies are subject to canine hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when a dog’s hip joint is misaligned with the socket, leading to irritation, pain, and inflammation. The genetic disease is commonly seen in larger breeds like the Bullmastiff.
Affected dogs may experience pain in the hind legs and difficulty walking or carrying out everyday activities. Depending on the severity of your dog’s condition, your pooch may have to undergo surgery. In other cases, pain medication and lifestyle adjustments can be enough to help your pooch power through with this condition.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is characterized by the underproduction of the thyroid gland in dogs. This gland regulates metabolism, which in turn affects the dog in a number of ways. You may notice changes in your dog’s appetite and thirst, hair loss, lethargy, or a slow heart rate. This condition can be diagnosed through blood testing and measuring the amount of thyroid hormone present.
Though the condition is not curable, it is treatable. Affected dogs will need to take hormone replacement medication for the rest of their lives. Luckily, once the condition is identified and medication is provided, most dogs live long, full lives even with hypothyroidism.
Entropion
This eyelid abnormality occurs when a dog’s eyelid rolls inward, causing pain, ulcers, and in some cases, loss of vision. Entropion is a hereditary condition, so it’s worth bringing up with your breeder. The condition is usually diagnosed in puppies under a year in age. Thankfully, this abnormality can be fixed with surgical correction. While several surgeries may be required, most dogs are able to live normal lives post-operation.
Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Due to their large size, Bullmastiffs may be more prone to leg and knee injuries like a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL. This rupture makes it extremely painful for dogs to put weight on the affected leg, leading to lameness in many instances. That being said, the knee can only be stabilized through surgical correction. Once surgery is completed, your dog will need to rest for 6 to 8 weeks for the area to heal. Keep in mind that obesity can worsen this condition, so make sure your dog stays on a healthy and balanced diet.
Hemangiosarcoma
This mysterious yet devastating disease is unfortunately more common in breeds like Bullmastiffs. Hemangiosarcoma is a form in cancer in which tumor cells line the blood vessels. It’s more common in dogs over 6 years old and is difficult to detect in its early stages. Unfortunately, there is no known cure or treatment for the condition. As a proactive measure, be sure to inquire with the breeder regarding whether or not the condition is present in your puppy’s health history.
Just like any other breed, Bullmastiffs come with their own set of health concerns. One thing is for sure– These big best buddies certainly deserve all of our care and attention. Enjoy spending time with your bodacious Bullmastiff!
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