The most common health problems in English Bulldogs:
First of all, because of their short face, every Bulldog suffers from some degree of brachycephalic syndrome, which causes all kinds of health problems. Their respiratory system is so compromised that some Bulldogs can't even run without gasping for breath. Many struggle to breathe in hot or humid weather. In the summer, English Bulldogs should be kept in an air conditioned home and supervised during outside activity so they don't overexert themselves and suffer heatstroke.
Virtually all Bulldog puppies are born by C-section, birth defects are common, and the puppy mortality rate is high.
English Bulldogs are also deformed orthopedically their abnormal build is a structural defect called chondrodysplasia, which predisposes them to bone and joint problems. Hip dysplasia is rampant. According to the Orthopedic Foundation of America, the English Bulldog has the highest incidence of hip dysplasia of all breeds an incredible 74% are dysplastic. And the true rate is even higher because most of the obviously bad X-rays were not sent in for official evaluation. Elbow dysplasia is almost as bad, with 40% dysplastic. Luxating patella (loose knees) is also common, and luxating shoulder can occur, as well.
Other orthopedic diseases in Bulldogs include intervertebral disk disease, cruciate ligament rupture, and hemivertebra.
Hypothyroidism is becoming more common in the breed. According to the Michigan State University Thyroid Database, up to 11% of English Bulldogs have low thyroid levels.
Heart disease (especially pulmonic stenosis, but also septal defect, subaortic stenosis, and mitral valve disease) is a serious problem in English Bulldogs.
Bulldogs are prone to allergies that cause itchy skin, and their wrinkled folds of skin trap dirt and moisture and provide a home for yeast and bacteria, so bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) are common. Specific forms of pyoderma occurring in English Bulldogs include skin fold dermatitis, interdigital pyoderma, and chin folliculitis.
Demodectic mange is common in English Bulldog puppies and adolescents.
Tumors and cancers are very common in Bulldogs, especially mast cell tumors and perianal gland tumors.
Lots of eye problems occur in English Bulldogs, especially corneal ulcers, cherry eye, dry eye, eyelid abnormalities (entropion and ectropion), eyelash abnormalities, and persistent pupillary membranes. You may see cataracts at 1-2 years old.
Urinary problems include cystinuria and kidney disease, as well as various physical malformations of the urethra and vagina.
Some English Bulldogs experience head tremors that may be due to abnormalities of the brain.
Other health issues in English Bulldogs include bloat, blood-clotting disease (von Willebrand's), laryngeal paralysis, megaesophagus, pyloric stenosis, hydrocephalus, and inherited deafness in Bulldog puppies with a lot of white on their head.
