Deafness
This can range from absolutely no hearing in either ear (Bilateral) or hearing
in only one ear (unilateral). Both white and colored Bull Terriers are susceptible
to this. It seems to be more prevalent in the white dogs, but if either dog
has any history of it in their background and are bred, they will most
likely produce
at least one or more deaf pups in their litter. Many reputable breeders will
also have this problem in their litters. This said my Sunny is deaf in one
ear, and he leads a totally normal life. The only time I ever notice
it is outside
or if I call him he doesn’t know exactly where my voice is coming from.
Bilateral dogs can also live a happy normal life if they come to be owned
by someone who has a lot of patience and time. The BAER (Brain Stem Auditory
Evoked
Response) test should be done on both parents before they are bred, as well
as all the pups from their litter before they are placed in their forever
homes.
Luxating
Patella’s
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of its groove. Young pups
should not engage in any heavy running or jumping until they are at least
over a year old. Too much strain on these joints can cause this to occur,
but it is inherited. The breeder should have this test done on the dogs
before they are bred.
Kidney Diseases
This is one of the most heartbreaking of ailments that affect our Bullies.
There are two different types of kidney disease that occur most often
in Bullies. Unfortunately both types are fatal. The first is juvenile
renal
failure. This is when the kidney’s cells do not develop properly
and the kidney’s shut down and quit working. The results are fatal,
and this can occur as early as eight months. Second is hereditary nephritis.
This type occurs more slowly and can happen as late as eight years of
age and as early as two. The UP/UC (urine protein/ urine creatinine)
test should
be performed on any bred dog. This test shows that both kidneys are in
fact functioning properly.
Heart Diseases
There are two forms seen most often in Bullies with congenital heart
disease. These are Sub-aortic Stenosis and Mitral Valve Dysplasia. Mitral
Valve
Dysplasia is basically a leaking valve between the two chambers of
the heart. The result from this is a murmur. It makes it difficult for
the
blood in the heart to leave the left atrium. Many dogs can live normal
lives with this form of heart disease, but it usually worsens with
age eventually resulting in failure. The other form Sub-aortic Stenosis
is
when the main artery that carries the blood away from the heart narrows
and results in heart failure. Again, most reputable breeders also test
their dogs to make sure they have a healthy heart.
Skin Allergies
One of the most plaguing for Bully owners is skin allergies. Bullies
are extremely prone to these, and some owners will have to battle them
their
whole lives.
It is sometimes so hard to pinpoint the exact cause of an allergy.
Bullies will break out in red bumps, chew their feet, and basically
be an itching
mess! A lot of time the allergies are food related and many Bully owners
find feeding their dogs a raw (BARF) diet very helpful. But they can
also have a contact dermatitis like chemicals, grass, trees, or basically
anything
inside their environment. Bullies with more than average allergies
should not be bred. Most Bullies, especially the white ones, will have
some
form of allergies, but they should not be severe.
Behavioral Abnormalities
Most people would think that a Bull Terriers behavior is normally abnormal.
While this is true there are also several behavioral problems that should
be addressed and are seen as inherited. The most extreme of these problems
being SORS (sudden onset rage syndrome). This is when a Bully becomes
a vicious and unpredictable dog for moments usually after waking up.
They will sometimes attack anything around them and are dangerous
to themselves
and their owners. In minutes this passes and the dog seems to have no
recollection of what just took place. Some people seem to work this
out by crating the
dog and making sure he or she is fully awake before they attempt to let
the dog out. Most people feel the best solution to this situation is
to euthanize the dog. Bullies can also have OCD’s (obsessive
compulsive disorder). One of these is often referred to as “spinners." This
is when a dog starts to chase their tails. This should never be encouraged
in a Bully as a puppy. They will sometimes chase their tails until they
wear the pads off of their feet. Sometimes drugs can help mask this problem,
but a lot of the time the Bully has to be put to sleep. Another form
of OCD would be pica. This is where the dog will eat any and everything
around
it. They are also known as “eaters”. Most Bullies will
eat anything to a certain degree, but this is when it becomes extreme.
Sometimes
drugs can also help this.