Health In our view, Bullmastiffs are a healthy Breed, both physically and mentally with generally good confirmation, stable temperaments and a strong immune system. There has been little done to identify inherited illnesses that the Breed suffers from with statistically higher incidence than other comparable breeds. I see this as a good thing as it suggest that there is not a particular Illness that regularly presents itself in the Bullmastiff that deserves further Investigation. There is anecdotal evidence of Cancers, Heart, Joint, Eye, and Allergy issues but nothing that suggests a higher incidence than within other large Breeds, or for that matter cross-breeds. Joint Issues As with other large breed dogs, Bullmastiffs can be prone to joint issues. When deciding on external factors like exercise and diet, especially for the young developing Bullmastiff, it is worth keeping this in mind. Protecting the developing joints and ensuring the right building blocks are available via diet will pay dividends in later life. Entropion/Ectropion A condition of the eyelid, where by it either folds in (Entropion) or out (Ectropion) and can cause irritation to the surface of the eye. Chronic conditions may require a simple surgery to correct. There is a higher incidence of this condition in Breeds that have looser or wrinkled skin on their faces, such as Saint Bernard, Bloodhound, Basset Hound and Shar-Pei. You do occasionally here of this issue in Bullmastiffs. Bloat or Gastric Torsion Large breeds with large, deep chest cavities can also be prone to ‘bloat’, which is a very dangerous condition. 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. 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 oesophagus (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. Typical Symptoms include: Attempting to vomit, usually unsuccessful; Significant anxiety and restlessness; Doesn't act like usual self; "hunched up" or "roached up" appearance; Bloated abdomen that may feel tight (like a drum). |