Dogue De Bordeaux Health

The Dogue de Bordeaux lives on an average of 8-10 years. The Dogue is a low maintenance dog to care for. A gentle brush daily and a bath every few weeks and trimming of nails as required. With most large breeds there are health issues associated with the Dogue de Bordeaux.

Tsakane sitting in her water bowl

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is the most common problem of the breed. Hip Dysplasia, an inherited condition affecting the hip joint. The term refers to the shape and fit of the Ball of the Femur with the Socket in the Hip. The ball should fit smoothly into the socket of the hip, with a good smooth range of movement.

Hip Dysplasia is evidenced by signs of discomfort when running, standing or rising. The dog may be reluctant to rise or rises with difficulty, swaggers or sways its rear end while walking and may avoid excessive exercise, jumping or other use of its hind legs. There are certainly a number of breeders in Australia who are hip scoring their animals, however there are also breeders who still refuse to X-ray their animals, thus continuing to breed with unsound Dogues.

Osteocondritisd (OCD)/Elbow Dysplasia

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disease of the joint cartilage and is especially common in the shoulder joint, although other joints can be affected. It occurs primarily in young, fast growing dogs. Diagnosis can only be confirmed by X-ray examination.

There are theories as to the causes but since this disorder seems to be spontaneous and not so easy to predict, no one knows for sure why some dogs get OCD and some don't. It is believed that OCD can be hereditary, or a result of an unsuitable diet, or from trauma. OCD almost always shows up during the growth phase of a young dog's life... usually six to nine months of age.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic Mange, is a skin disease caused by a parasitic mite called Demodectic Mites. Demodectic Mites live on your dog all the time. When the immune system of your dog is strong and developed, it fights off the Mites, preventing the small number of them on its body from doing any harm. When the immune system is weak, or weakened, the mites do their damage. You won't even be aware of these mites being on your dog's body, until you see some symptoms, a skin scraping at your vet will confirm the diagnosis.

Entropian & Ectropian

Entropian, is a condition where the eyelid, along with the eyelashes, rolls into the eye, leading to possible ulcerations of the cornea. Surgery's required to correct this condition.

Ectropian, is where the eyelid rolls outward, and can also causes irritation to the cornea and conjunctiva. This condition can sometimes just be cosmetic, with the eye looking red and droopy, however if there is irritation, corrective surgery will be required.

Acute Gastric Dilation(BLOAT)

Dogue de Bordeaux can also be prone to bloat, twisting of the stomach, which could lead to death. Acute gastric dilation (bloat) is usually fatal because the owner has little, if any, warnings of an impending attack.

The conclusion drawn by Veterinarians is that a blockage occurs somewhere in the stomach or intestines and the consequent fermentation of food produced gasses which could not escape.

The exact causes are unknown. Although the breed can be affected by bloat, it is not overly common, so nothing to panic about, but merely to be aware of the condition, take steps to minimize any occurrence and recognize the symptoms should it occur.