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By NIcole McCray
French Bulldogs are excellent pets, but it is vital to know that they can be affected by various neurological conditions. It can be challenging to understand when something may be awry with our dogs. As responsible dog owners, we need to be aware of what to look out for and when to reach out to our veterinarian for help.
This article outlines the causes, symptoms, and treatments for four common neurological disorders in French Bulldogs, emphasizing early detection and weight management for long-term health.
Neurological issues can show up in a manner of different ways. Below, we will explore four of the common neurological conditions that French Bulldogs can contract, their signs and symptoms, and how you can assist them in being treated for these conditions.
The number one neurological disorder that affects French Bulldogs is called intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD. It is also referred to by vets as a herniated, slipped, or ruptured disc in the spine.
It is a severe condition, and French Bulldogs are an unfortunate breed genetically predisposed to it since the French Bulldog is a dwarf breed with short legs.
The cushioning discs within the vertebrae in your Frenchie’s spine become inflamed and will bulge out or burst into the spinal cord space. They then press on nerves within the spinal cord and cause damage to the nerves, a fair amount of pain, and even cause your dog to become numb or paralyzed.
IVDD can gradually occur over time, so you probably won’t notice it right away. However, there are some cases in which you might see it happen more suddenly, such as if your French Bulldog has a fall or jumps and ruptures a disc in its spine. However, it is typically a degenerative process.
The signs to look for when your Frenchie is suffering from IVDD include:
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms within your Frenchie, you must contact your veterinarian and get your pet examined as soon as possible.
Brain tumors in your Frenchie come from tissue in the brain or membranes as a mass. They can be secondary, where the tumors have spread from another part of the body and metastasized, going to the brain and affecting the nervous system. Brain tumors are diagnosed with a CT scan or MRI by your vet.
Multiple telltale signs within your French Bulldog indicate it has a brain tumor, though the characteristics can start suddenly or come on gradually. Some of the most common symptoms you will see include:
You may also notice your Frenchie shaking its head often, having a decreased appetite, or acting as if it is in pain. If you suspect your dog is suffering from a brain tumor, ask your vet to have your dog undergo a CT or MRI scan to check its brain.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and French Bulldogs’ genetic makeup can affect whether or not they contract the condition, as well as the location where they live. There are two types of encephalitis, infectious and non-infectious. It is a severe disease that is life-threatening.
Infectious encephalitis is bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal. Non-infectious encephalitis stems from an unknown origin and results from an immune disease. With the contagious type, dogs can find themselves with inflammation in their brains from a tick bite since Lyme disease can result in encephalitis.
Encephalitis can occur independently, but it could also be a symptom of other diseases that affect the brain or spinal cord. Young and middle-aged French Bulldogs are more at risk for encephalitis.
Some of the signs you need to watch out for include:
The Bond Vet neurologist explains how to give your dog the best chance for recovery from encephalitis with immediate multiple blood tests, X-rays, and a spinal tap or MRI/CT scan for early encephalitis treatment.
The vertebral malformation is the least common neurological condition in French Bulldogs. The bulldog skeleton column has discs and vertebrae. Malformations are congenital, as it is a dwarf breed, so dogs are born with this spinal condition.
The lower back is the most common area where you will see these malformations in a Frenchie. This is because wedging happens, which compresses the spinal cord.
You may notice as your puppy grows that these malformations are present. Most commonly, you will see the following:
Taking your French Bulldog to the vet and getting a proper diagnosis is necessary. Once you have received a diagnosis for a condition, there are things you can do to work with your vet for treatment.
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If you want to prevent such problems with your dog, there are a few things you can work on at home.
While genetics play a major role, maintaining a healthy weight and using ramps instead of allowing your dog to jump off high furniture can significantly reduce the risk of spinal-related neurological issues.
The prognosis depends on the tumor’s location and type. With early detection via MRI and treatments like radiation or surgery, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life for several months or even years.
Yes! Depending on the condition. Issues like non-infectious encephalitis or mild IVDD are often managed with aggressive steroid therapy and strict crate rest rather than invasive procedures.
The most frequent warning signs include a sudden change in gait (wobbling), “knuckling” where the dog walks on the top of its paws, unexplained shivering, and a sudden onset of seizures in older French bulldogs.
Since many of these conditions are congenital or linked to the breed’s chondrodystrophic (dwarf) status, choosing a reputable breeder who screens for spinal health can help mitigate these risks.
Understanding these conditions is the first step in ensuring your pet lives a long, comfortable life. Early intervention is always the best path forward for a healthy Frenchie.
Ready to find your next healthy companion?
Explore our available puppies at Blue Haven French Bulldogs and connect with us today!
