The Dogue De Bordeaux is a "Specialist" Breed. Please read through this page to be aware of the health conditions associated with the breed before committing yourself to a Dogue De Bordeaux

BLOAT EVERY DOGUE DE BORDEAUX OWNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT G.D.V. (GASTRIC DILATATION VOLVULUS)

"BLOAT"

This is a very serious condition, more apparent in the larger, deep chested breed of dog. Dogs who have suffered with digestive problems in the past have been known to have developed bloat. There are 3 related conditions when referring to BLOAT. Condition 1 : Acute Gastric Dilatation; when the stomach fills up with gas and fluid. Symptoms - swelling of dog's stomach, excessive salivation, restlessness, wreching (trying to vomit) pain (you will know this if your dog moans when you touch his stomach). If your dog can burp or vomit, it is unlikely that the stomach is twisted. It has been said to keep walking your dog to encourage him to burp. If your dog cannot burp or if you are in any doubt seek veterinary help immediately. Condition 2: This has the same symptoms as Condition 1 but if the dog is unable to find any relief his stomach contracts and dilates. This is very serious and should be treated by a Vet immediately as the stomach can twist at any moment and then there is a serious risk to internal organs being damaged. Condition 3: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (VERY SERIOUS) Symptoms as above. If the stomach is dilated the stomach can twist up to 180 degrees. The dog will show signs of severe stress and tremendous pain, even collapse. The dog show be treated be a Vet immediately, without delay, there may be very little time. If the stomach has twisted and filled with air this condition can cut off the circulation to other parts of the body and can cause a great deal of damage. The dog's mucous membranes (gums, membrane inside the eyelids) will be pale if not white and tacky. Very serious surgery is necessary if the dog has this condition. There is nothing that can determine that you dog is going to get BLOAT, you can just take precautions and not preventative. Feeding Your Dog : Never feed your dog one huge meal a day, always split their feed into several or at least two smaller feeds throughout the day. Never exercise your dog just after or just before a feed, leave for at least an hour. Never exercise your dog after or just before excessive drinking Never allow your dog to eat bread dough or anything else which may contain uncooked yeast products If preferred soak dry food before feeding. Remember dry food swells to at least twice the original size before soaking. If possible elevate their feed bowl, not too high that they have to stretch for their food, but a comfortable height, this stops them gulping large amounts of air with their food. Elevated Water and Food Bowl Recommended for a Dogue De Bordeaux IF IN ANY DOUBT SEEK VETERINARY ADVICE **********

DEMODECTIC MANGE

Most dogs live their life never affected by the mite. However some can develop prolific skin problems where the hair falls out. This can be a small patch on the dog or be much more generalized. In puppies it can be treated successfully and the problem never reoccurs however if they are still afflicted with the problem in adulthood then it is much more serious. Certain bloodlines can tend to be affected more than others and is a possible indication to a weak immune system. Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis: Skin scrapings can be done by your local vet to identify the presence of demodectic mite. Generally the vet will prescribe an intense course of treatment over a period of weeks. Maybe several injections a week or more accompanied (in more serious cases) by a special wash solution. In maturity, puppies may never be affected with the condition again. 

ENTROPION

This is where the eyelids turn inwards, affecting one or both eyes. The result is that the eyelashes scratch the eyeball causing corneal ulceration and possible perforation of the cornea. Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis: Look for irritation in the eyes or general discomfort. Your vet will be able to confirm the condition. Surgery can be performed but generally not before the age of 6 months due to the changing structure of the eye and skull prior to this period. After surgery the dog will make a full recovery. Affected dogs should not be part of any breeding program.

ECTROPIAN

This is where the lower eyelid turns outwards, resulting in exposure of the conjunctiva and cornea. This is generally of more concern to the owner due to it's appearance rather than its relationship to any disease. Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis:Discharge from eyes, facial nerve function, chronic conjunctivitis, keratitis, infection and an unsightly appearance. Your vet will be able to confirm the condition. Surgery can be performed and the dog should make a full recovery. Affected dogs should not be part of any breeding program. The above problems outlined are associated with most large breeds. Any reputable breeder will give advice with regard to the above problems. It is possible for a breeder to have stock, free of problems, but may produce a puppy with some of these problems. This is not the fault of the breeder as unfortunately these problems may and do occur and can be a throw back from their ancestory.

We would highly recommend buying a puppy ONLY from a reputable breeder