Are Bullmastiffs healthy?

• Hip dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to joint instability and, eventually, arthritis.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition that affects the elbow joint, causing pain and lameness.

• Subaortic Stenosis: Subaortic Stenosis is an inherited heart condition that is most common in larger breed dogs and is present at birth. It occurs when a dog is born with an abnormally narrow aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. The narrowing makes it difficult for blood to flow properly through the heart and can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment.

• Cystinuria: Cystinuria is an inherited kidney defect where the amino acid cystine is not properly filtered by the kidneys. The body does not properly reabsorb cystine and causes kidney and bladder stones. If the stones are left untreated they can create fatal urinary blockages. Symptoms of cystinuria are similar to a regular urinary tract infection and include frequent attempts to urinate without much coming out and blood in the urine.

• Eye problems: Bullmastiffs are predisposed to developing entropion (a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and potentially leading to corneal damage) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative disease that causes vision loss or blindness.

• Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus): This is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. Immediate veterinary attention is required if bloat occurs.

• Heart problems: Bullmastiffs can be prone to certain heart conditions, including cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.

• Cancer: Like many large breeds, Bullmastiffs are at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer, including mast cell tumors and lymphoma.