The harsh reality of selective breeding is that almost every purebred dog carries some genetic defects, and this increases the risk of disease. The Bull Terrier is one example, as it is relatively prone to heart problems. These heart conditions often become more obvious in older dogs, and severe disease can lead to heart failure and death. For that reason, it is very important to understand the basics of Bull Terrier heart disease, including how to prevent it and how to treat it.
Bull Terriers are prone to heart disease
Most heart problems in Bull Terriers are congenital in some form. The most obvious signs are lack of energy and shortness of breath. Two common conditions are mitral valve malformation and subaortic stenosis. In the first condition, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle does not close properly, so some oxygen rich blood that should have gone out through the aorta leaks backward into the heart instead. This can often be detected through chest auscultation, although very young puppies may occasionally show temporary signs before full development. Dogs with this problem may live fairly normally in youth and middle age, but symptoms often worsen in old age and can eventually cause heart failure. The second condition can lead to pulmonary edema and left sided heart failure.
Preventing Bull Terrier heart disease
Heart disease prevention in Bull Terriers relies heavily on screening. After the dog reaches about two years of age, chest X rays, electrocardiograms, or ultrasound examinations can help determine whether heart disease is present. Dogs with confirmed heart disease should not be used for breeding. Most affected Bull Terriers can be identified through early screening, although even apparently healthy dogs still retain some risk. Owners should therefore avoid letting the dog become overly excited and should not allow excessive exercise, which may reduce the chance of triggering problems.
Treatment of Bull Terrier heart disease
If a Bull Terrier is unfortunate enough to develop heart disease, it should be taken to a veterinarian promptly. Delaying treatment only allows the condition to worsen. Owners should not trust random online home remedies. Professional veterinary advice and scientific treatment are the right approach. Managing heart disease in Bull Terriers can be difficult, which is one reason why owners should already think about disease risk when choosing a puppy.