With their wrinkly faces and bat-like ears, it’s no surprise that French Bulldogs have become a favorite breed among celebrities.
Stars including Lady Gaga, The Rock and Reese Witherspoon all own French Bulldogs, while the breed is also the second most popular puppy in Britain.
However, vets have now issued an urgent warning to French Bulldog owners.
The PDSA has shown that French Bulldogs are at high risk for elbow fractures (humerus fractures).
In fact, figures from the veterinary charity show that the breed caused two-thirds of the elbow fractures surgically repaired in Britain last year.
‘Fractures (…) can occur in French Bulldogs from everyday accidents, such as a heavy landing while jumping off the couch or tripping over a step, while in many other breeds these injuries usually only occur after a serious fall. or trauma such as being hit by a car,” said Lynne James, a veterinarian with the PDSA.
‘All breeds have their own individual personalities and quirks, but it is important that owners are aware of the health problems that specific breeds may be prone to, and the impact these will have if your pet becomes ill or injured.’
With their wrinkly faces and bat-like ears, it’s no surprise that French Bulldogs have become a favorite breed among celebrities
The PDSA data shows that a total of 278 dogs underwent surgery for elbow fractures in 2023.
As many as 180 of these dogs were French Bulldogs.
The charity is highlighting a case of a five-month-old French Bulldog named Moon who broke not just one, but two elbows in a terrifying incident.
During an Easter holiday walk with her family, Moon fell over and was rushed to Southampton PDSA Pet Hospital.
X-rays confirmed that she had broken both front legs, and she underwent surgery the next morning.
Unfortunately, Moon vomited while sleeping, which led to aspiration pneumonia – a condition that occurs when foreign material is inhaled.
According to the PDSA, aspiration pneumonia is especially common in French Bulldogs.
‘French Bulldogs, along with other flat-faced brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia due to the greater effort required to move air through their narrowed airways, part of the condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome ( BOAS),” the charity explained.
The charity highlights a case of a five-month-old French Bulldog named Moon who broke not just one, but two elbows in a terrifying incident
Because of this additional complication, Moon had to spend a week in the hospital, where she received intensive treatment including oxygen support, fluid infusion, pain relief and antibiotics.
Fortunately, Moon has now fully recovered.
“We’re so glad Moon had a happy ending,” Ms. James said.
‘Her treatment was further complicated by race-related health issues.
‘We strongly encourage people considering sharing their lives with this loveable breed to do plenty of research to understand potential health concerns and what this could mean for them.
‘Dogs add so much love and joy to our lives, we want to make sure we do everything we can so they live the happiest and healthiest lives possible.’