Sarmatian Dogue de Bordeaux

This is a condition which can affect one or both hip joints, making them loose and wobbly.  HD is a progressive condition and left untreated will result in arthritis and lameness.  It is a painful and crippling disease that results in a weakened hip joint which causes painful inflammation and decreased flexibility.   

Causes:Inherited, rapid weight-gain in puppies, over-exercising puppies, trauma or rough play.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Xrays of the hips can be done from 16 weeks of age if using the 'Penn hip' system of hip scoring or can be otherwise done between 12-18 months of age. Treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery and recently glucosamine.  Exercise of affected dogs should be limited and weight-gain kept to an absolute minimum. All breeding stock should be x-rayed as you simply cannot diagnose HD by looking at the dog. It is our belief that any dog with HD should be desexed.

This is a disorder of the immature long bones and can appear in the shoulder, ankle or elbow joints.  In OCD, cracks appear in the cartilage of the bone joints, eventually over time a section of the joint cartilage will separate from the underlying bone, leading to inflammation of the joint.    Which can degenerate  further to cause scar tissue and calcium deposits on the affect joint.  Age of onset is usually 4-9 months. Males appear to be affected more than females.

Causes: No one can be certain of the cause of this disorder appears to be spontaneous and is not easy to predict.  Both diet and environment can contribute to this disorder.  Therefore high quality diets including meat and not allowing your dog to jump into and out of four wheel drives, utes etc will help avoid this condition, as will not exercising your young dog unnecessarily.

Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis: Xrays should be taken to confirm the disorder and the puppy given complete rest for a period of 4 to 10 weeks being confined with minimum jumping and activity.  The other alternative is Surgery. Following surgery the dog should make a full recovery.  The dog should be desexed once it has been diagnosed with OCD regardless of corrective surgery being carried out.

All dogs are born with demodectic mite on them. The mites are transferred from the mother to the puppies when they are born. Most dogs live their life never affected by the mite. However some can develop prolific skin problems where the hair falls out. This can be a localised patch on the dog or be much more generalised over the body. In puppies it can be treated successfully and never reoccur, however, if the dog are still afflicted with the problem in adulthood then it is much more serious and will more than likely need ongoing treatment and medication. Certain bloodlines can tend to be affected more than others and is an indication to a weak immune system.

Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis: Skin scrapings can be done by your vet to identify the presence of demodectic mite. Treatment for localised patches is generally a topical medication.  For generalised mange treatment can include dips and can include anti-biotics for any secondary infection that may also occur with severe mange this treatment can take some weeks. Once mature, puppies may never be affected with the condition again however, adult dogs suffering with this condition should not be considered for breeding.

Entropion

The eyelids turn inwards, affecting one or both eyes. It most often occurs in the lower eye lids.  This condition generally appears soon after birth. Entropion may may also appear later in life secondary to other changes in the eye. The result is that the eyelashes continuously rub against the cornea.  This can cause significant discomfort and trauma to the eye.

Cause: Inherited

Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis: Look for Tearing, Squinting, Inability to seethe eye well.  Rubbing eyes, Thick discharge from the eyes,  Rolling in of the eyelids, Wetness on the hairs adjacent to the eyelids.  Your will need you Vet to confirm the condition. Surgery can be performed to fix the health issue.  There is no cure.  Dependant on the severity and the age of the different types of surgery are able to be performed. After surgery the dog will make a full recovery. Affected dogs should not be part of any breeding program.

Ectropian

Is a defect in the lower eyelid which results in sagging or rolling out of the eyelids, resulting in abnormal exposure of the eye.  Which often leading to irritation

Cause: Inherited 

Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis: Discharge from eyes, facial nerve function, chronic conjunctivitis, keratitis, infection and an unsightly appearance. Your vet will be able to confirm the condition. Surgery can be performed and the dog should make a full recovery. Affected dogs should not be part of any breeding program.

Acute Gastric Dilation(BLOAT)

As with any large breed, or deep chested dog the Dogue de Bordeaux can also be prone to bloat which is a twisting of the stomach. Acute gastric dilation (bloat) is usually fatal because the owner has little, if any, warnings of an impending attack.

Cause:  Exercising after a meal, over eating or spasmodic swallowing of air.  Bloat is not a common occurance in the breed although it does happen.

Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis: The Vet will use a variety of methods to confirm diagnosis.  Treatment is considered to be an emergency situation.  Signs of bloat include: Major Anxiety, Abdominal swelling after meals, gagging, whining, heavy salivating, pacing, dry vomiting, heavy panting, shallow breathing, restlessness, excessive heartbeat, weak pulse with off coloured gums (blue, dark red and white).

In conclusion we highly recommend buying a puppy only from a breeder who is happy to share with you the test results that have been performed on their breeding stock.  PLEASE ensure the breeder shows you the actual results of the tests carried out. Always ask what guarantee (if any) is given with your puppy.