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French Bulldogs are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a progressive and incurable disease that affects the spinal cord.
DM is a genetic disorder that can be inherited from a parent, with a high incidence rate in the breed.
Responsible breeding is crucial to reduce the risk of DM in French Bulldogs.
French Bulldog breeders should prioritize health testing and genetic diversity to minimize the risk of passing on the disease.
French Bulldog Health Issues
The French Bulldog has seen an astronomical increase in its popularity in recent years, so it's essential that breeders utilize available DNA tests to make responsible breeding decisions.
The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in the French Bulldog, following consultation with the Health Co-ordinator for the breed on behalf of the breed clubs.
The Kennel Club continues to work alongside clubs and breed health coordinators to improve the health of pedigree dogs and accommodate requests to add new DNA tests to its lists.
Expand your knowledge: Full Breed Bulldog
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To record test results, owners can submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves, but if they include the original registration certificate for the dog, a new registration certificate will be issued with the DNA result on it, free of charge.
Test results will be added to the dog's registration details, triggering the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement, and will also appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding decisions to further improve the health of the French Bulldog breed.
The Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder on their website will also display the DNA test result.
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Breeding and Buying Healthy Bulldogs
If you're considering buying a French bulldog puppy, degenerative myelopathy is one of the most important conditions to ask the breeder about when it comes to health testing.
The only way to ensure your prospective pup won't develop the condition in later life is to choose one from a litter whose parents were tested and deemed not at risk of passing the condition onto their puppies.
Talk to your vet to find out more about getting your dog health tested, and for advice and insights on breeding healthy French bulldogs.
The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in the French Bulldog, following consultation with the Health Co-ordinator for the breed on behalf of the breed clubs.
This new DNA testing scheme will help breeders make responsible breeding decisions to further improve the health of the French Bulldog breed.
Breeding and Buying
If you're considering buying a bulldog puppy, it's essential to ask the breeder about health testing, particularly for conditions like degenerative myelopathy.
Degenerative myelopathy is a serious condition that can affect bulldogs, and the only way to ensure your pup won't develop it is to choose one from a litter whose parents were tested and deemed not at risk.
A unique perspective: Degenerative Myelopathy French Bulldog
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Breeding bulldogs responsibly means having both the dam and sire tested prior to breeding, which will help your puppy buyers avoid heartbreak and expensive vet's bills later on.
Talking to your vet is a great first step to learn more about getting your dog health tested and for advice on breeding healthy bulldogs.
How to Breed Sensibly Using DNA Tests
Breeding and buying healthy French bulldogs requires careful consideration of health testing.
Degenerative myelopathy is a serious condition that can affect French bulldogs, and the only way to ensure your puppy won't develop it is to choose one from a litter whose parents were tested and deemed not at risk.
The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Degenerative Myelopathy in French Bulldogs.
Talk to your vet to find out more about getting your dog health tested, and for advice and insights on breeding healthy French bulldogs.
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If you're planning to breed French bulldogs, it's essential to have both the dam and sire tested prior to breeding.
To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, refer to the worldwide DNA testing list at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/breeding-for-health/dna-testing-simple-inherited-disorders/worldwide-dna-tests/.
The Kennel Club continues to work alongside clubs and breed health coordinators to improve the health of pedigree dogs.
DNA Testing for French Bulldogs
DNA testing is a crucial step in ensuring the health of French Bulldogs. The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in the breed.
Degenerative Myelopathy is a serious condition that can affect French Bulldogs, and the only way to prevent it is to choose a puppy from a litter whose parents were tested and deemed not at risk. This is a responsible decision for breeders to make.
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The Kennel Club records results from certain laboratories, and owners can check which labs are approved on their website. You can find the list of approved labs at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/breeding-for-health/dna-testing-simple-inherited-disorders/worldwide-dna-tests/.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, emphasizes the importance of using DNA tests in responsible breeding decisions to improve the health of the breed. This is especially crucial given the breed's recent surge in popularity.
Test results will be added to the dog's registration details, triggering the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. This way, potential buyers can make informed decisions about the health of their puppy.
The Kennel Club works collaboratively with breed clubs and health coordinators to improve the health of pedigree dogs. They accommodate requests to add new DNA tests to their lists, as long as there is a formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat DM in French Bulldogs?
To treat DM in French Bulldogs, a combination of diet, exercise (such as walking and swimming), and physical therapy is crucial to slow progression and prolong quality of life. Regular physical therapy can help preserve muscle mass and keep your dog on its feet for as long as possible.
What are the symptoms of degenerative myelopathy in French Bulldogs?
Degenerative myelopathy in French Bulldogs causes progressive weakness and paralysis in the hind legs, leading to incontinence and disability
How long do dogs with DM live?
Dogs with degenerative myelopathy typically live 1-2 years after diagnosis, during which time they may lose control of their legs, bladder, and bowels. Understanding the progression of DM can help you provide the best possible care for your dog.
Sources
- https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/87/
- https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/degenerative-myelopathy-in-the-french-bulldog.html
- https://www.ruecambonfrenchbulldogs.com/new-page-5
- https://caninechronicle.com/world-news/new-dna-testing-scheme-for-french-bulldogs/
- https://www.change.org/p/george-sofronidis-removal-of-the-degenerative-myelopathy-testing-panel-in-french-bulldogs
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