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HEAD TREMORS IN BULLIES What is a tremor? Tremors are rhythmic, oscillatory, involuntary movements of all or part of the body. They are often described as shaking or shuddering. Tremors can involve only the head, the limbs, or the entire body. What causes tremors? Tremors can occur secondary to a variety of nervous system disorders. These include abnormalities of the central nervous system such as inflammation (encephalitis), developmental abnormalities, and toxicities. Some tremors occur because of muscle weakness, or can result from pain (this is most often associated with a compressed nerve). Tremors may also occur due to metabolic derangements (e.g., kidney failure, hypoparathyroidism), and treatment with certain drugs (doxorubicin, diphenhydramine, metoclopromide). Tremors of the head occur without a known underlying cause in some breeds of dogs such as Doberman pinschers and English bulldogs. What are the signs of tremors? Tremors most often look like shaking or shuddering. Many animals with tremor disorders may appear to you to be cold or scared. How are tremors diagnosed? Observing an animal during a tremor episode is often helpful in establishing that a tremor disorder is present. Diagnostic tests are then focused on establishing what the actual source of the problem is. These may be advanced imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. A cerebrospinal fluid analysis (spinal tap) is usually helpful in establishing underlying encephalitis in dogs with generalized tremor syndromes. How are tremors treated? Effective treatment of tremors is best achieved if the underlying cause is found. If a nerve is compressed causing pain or weakness, surgery to relieve that compression may be necessary. If a toxin is found, specific antidotes may be given. Since generalized tremors are most often caused by a brain and spinal cord inflammation (encephalitis), drugs such as corticosteroids can be given to decrease the inflammation. What is the prognosis for tremor disorders? Dogs with generalized tremors caused by a brain inflammation have a good prognosis since many will have their underlying disease controlled or cured with anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids, e.g., prednisone). If a nerve is compressed, surgery is often helpful in alleviating the clinical signs. If no cause of the tremors is determined, the prognosis is less certain. Some tremor disorders, such as head tremors in Dobermans and English bulldogs, while remaining persistent, will usually not worsen over time.

THE AGING BULLIE Every Bulldog is an individual. His uniqueness will always be a part of his makeup and of the aging process as well. Dogs do not all age in the same fashion, nor do they all age at the same rate. A dog's biological age, in distinction to his chronological age, is a function of his genetic background, the quality of his diet, the presence or absence of disease, and the circumstances in which he lives. Because Bulldogs are not a long-lived group, he can be said to be on the verge of being a senior by the age of seven. If you are a first time owner of an elderly Bulldog you should know that you are the best judge to determine how he is doing in compared to his normal routine and functions. You will know if there is a problem, or something is just not right.  After all, you were the one who took him out at 2AM every night until he was house trained, got him the special chew toy, let him sleep in that favorite chair or perhaps on the end of your bed. The passage of time brings on changes. Sadly, most of these are not for the better. As your dog's metabolism and vitality slow down, his muzzle turns gray, and his coat seems to loose some of that luster it once had, you will then understand that your bullie is reaching the golden years. He is less able to tolerate medicine, less able to regulate body tempature, and less immune to disease. He may also be less able to taste, smell, and hear like he once did. He will require fewer calories now but will still need some daily exercise to be in good condition. What's more, his thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands, and his pancreas do not secrete hormones the way they once did. He will most likely become less active, sleep more, not want to accept change and may even be a little irritable. You should also consider switching to semi-annual check up with your vet.  Since age can bring arthritis with it, consider changing your Bulldog's food to a senior food which contains glucosamine chondroitin to keep his joints mobile.  The best way to prevent problems is to catch them before they become a problem. Your Bullie has given you years of love and fun, and now that he is in his golden years he expects you to do the same for him. After all he was there for you when you needed it and now he needs you to be there for him. A senior Bulldog is a beautiful dog, one that has watched the world go by and seen lots of things with you and your family. He is a family member that is looking foward to many more fun years with your family. What we want to accomplish with this page is to just let those who have never had the pleasure of an elderly Bulldog understand that there will be changes, what to expect, and why. Now enjoy your bullie as you always have and it's our hope that you have many more wonderful and happy years together. There are also many senior Bulldogs that can be found at rescues everywhere and they would love to have a second chance with a loving family. Try rescue sometime, its rewarding and the love you will get from a rescue Bulldog can not be explained, its one of the best things you could ever do for a dog.  Bulldogs, no matter what their age, are the best!

BLOAT Bloat is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it.  According to the links below, it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer.  It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk.  This page provides links to information on bloat and summarizes some of the key points we found in the sites we researched.  Although we have summarized information we found about possible symptoms, causes, methods of prevention, and breeds at risk, we cannot attest to the accuracy.  Please consult with your veterinarian for medical information.     If you believe your dog is experiencing bloat, please get your dog to a veterinarian immediately!  Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence.   Notify your vet to alert them you're on your way with a suspected bloat case.  Better to be safe than sorry! The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV").  Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present).  It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation").    Stress can be a significant contributing factor also.  Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting).  As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine).  The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach.  The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs.  The combined effect can quickly kill a dog. Be prepared!  Know in advance what you would do if your dog bloated.  New If your regular vet doesn't have 24-hour emergency service, know which nearby vet you would use.  Keep the phone number handy. Always keep a product with simethicone on hand (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Gas-X, etc.) in case your dog has gas.  If you can reduce or slow the gas, you've probably bought yourself a little more time to get to a vet if your dog is bloating. Symptoms Typical symptoms often include some (but not necessarily all) of the following, according to the links below.  Unfortunately, from the onset of the first symptoms you have very little time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) to get immediate medical attention for your dog.   Know your dog and know when it's not acting right. Attempts to vomit (usually unsuccessful); may occur every 5-20 minutes This seems to be one of the most common symptoms & has been referred to as the "hallmark symptom" Doesn't act like usual self Perhaps the earliest warning sign & may be the only sign that almost always occurs Significant anxiety and restlessness One of the earliest warning signs and seems fairly typical "Hunched up" or "roached up" appearance This seems to occur fairly frequently Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum) Despite the term "bloat," many times this symptom never occurs or is not apparent Pale or off-color gums Dark red in early stages, white or blue in later stages Lack of normal gurgling and digestive sounds in the tummy Many dog owners report this after putting their ear to their dog's tummy Coughing Unproductive gagging Heavy salivating or drooling Foamy mucous around the lips, or vomiting foamy mucous Unproductive attempts to defecate Whining Pacing Licking the air Seeking a hiding place Looking at their side or other evidence of abdominal pain or discomfort May refuse to lie down or even sit down May stand spread-legged May attempt to eat small stones and twigs Drinking excessively Heavy or rapid panting Shallow breathing Cold mouth membranes Apparent weakness; unable to stand or has a spread-legged stance Especially in advanced stage Accelerated heartbeat Heart rate increases as bloating progresses Weak pulse Collapse Causes According to the links below, it is thought that the following may be the primary contributors to bloat.  To calculate a dog's lifetime risk of bloat according to Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine. Stress Dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, change in routine, new dog in household, etc. Although purely anecdotal, we've heard of too many cases where a dog bloated after a 3rd dog was brought into the household (perhaps due to stress regarding pack order).  New Activities that result in gulping air Eating habits Elevated food bowls Rapid eating Eating dry foods that contain citric acid as a preservative (the risk is even worse if the owner moistens the food)  New Eating dry foods that contain fat among the first four ingredients  New Insufficient Trypsin (a pancreatic enzyme present in meat) Dilution of gastric juices necessary for complete digestion by drinking too much water before or after eating  New Eating gas-producing foods (especially soybean products, brewer's yeast, and alfalfa)  New Exercise before and especially after eating Heredity (especially having a first-degree relative who has bloated) Build & Physical Characteristics Having a deep and narrow chest compared to other dogs of the same breed Older dogs Males Being underweight Disposition Fearful or anxious temperament Prone to stress History of aggression toward other dogs or people Avoid highly stressful situations.  If you can't avoid them, try to minimize the stress as much as possible.  Be extra watchful. Can be brought on by dog shows, mating, whelping, boarding, new dog in household, change in routine, etc. Do not use an elevated food bowl Do not exercise for several hours (e.g., 2 or 3) before and especially after eating Particularly don't permit your dog to roll over, which could cause the stomach to twist Do not permit rapid eating Feed 2 or 3 meals daily, instead of just one Do not give water one hour before or after a meal It dilutes the gastric juices necessary for proper digestion, which leads to gas production. Always keep a product with simethicone (e.g., Mylanta Gas (not regular Mylanta), Phazyme, Gas-X, etc.) on hand to treat gas symptoms. Some recommend giving your dog simethicone immediately if your dog burps more than once or shows other signs of gas.  New Some report relief of gas symptoms with 1/2 tsp of nutmeg or the homeopathic remedy Nux moschata 30 Allow access to fresh water at all times, except before and after meals Make meals a peaceful, stress-free time When switching dog food, do so gradually (allow several weeks) Do not feed dry food exclusively Feed a high-protein (>30%) diet, particularly of raw meat If feeding dry food, avoid foods that contain fat as one of the first four ingredients   New If feeding dry foods, avoid foods that contain citric acid   New If you must use a dry food containing citric acid, do not pre-moisten the food If feeding dry food, select one that includes rendered meat meal with bone product among the first four ingredients   New Reduce carbohydrates as much as possible (e.g., typical in many commercial dog biscuits) Feed a high-quality diet Whole, unprocessed foods are especially beneficial Feed adequate amount of fiber (for commercial dog food, at least 3.00% crude fiber) Add an enzyme product to food (e.g., Prozyme) Include herbs specially mixed for pets that reduce gas (e.g., N.R. Special Blend) Avoid brewer's yeast, alfalfa, and soybean products Promote an acidic environment in the intestine Some recommend 1-2 Tbs of Aloe Vera Gel or 1 Tbs of apple cider vinegar given right after each meal Promote "friendly" bacteria in the intestine, e.g. from yogurt or supplemental acidophilus Avoids fermentation of carbohydrates, which can cause gas quickly.  This is especially a concern when antibiotics are given since they tend to reduce levels of "friendly" bacteria. And perhaps most importantly, know your dog well so you'll know when your dog just isn't acting normally.