Inherited Problems in Bulldogs:

www.bulldoginformation.com  is a great resource for more information on the following:

Cherry Eye: A swelling of a gland in the inner eyelid. This is a common condition in bulldogs and is usually treated by cutting the gland out if the swelling is a reoccurring problem. 

Pigmentary Keratitis: This condition is characterized by the deposition of pigment or melanin on the surface of the eye by the cornea in response to unrelieved irritation and/or inflammation. Pigmentary Keratitis is nature's way of telling bulldog breeders they have gone too far in their quest for  facial extremity. As breeders shortened the bulldog's muzzle,they also created the bulldog's excessive nasal folds and shallow eye sockets. The latter causes the eyes to protrude, and if they protrude overmuch, the eyelids cannot fully cover and protect the cornea, nor can they distribute the tear film effectively over the entire surface of the eye. This condition is known as lagophthalmos, and it is one of the causes of prolapsed eyes and of dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis (KCS). Other irritating factors include ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis), aberrant eyelid hairs (distichiasis), and trauma to the eye.  

Pigmentary Keratitis: Can be permanent if the cause of the irritation or  inflammation is not removed-by surgery, if necessary-be it excessive nasal fold tissue, ingrown hairs, or KCS. After the cause of the problem has  been eliminated, superficial deposits of pigment  can be treated with topical eye medications. Pigment deep withing the cornea may not be so  easily treated, and if it impairs a bulldog's vision, it should be removed surgically. 

It goes without saying, which is why it needs to be said, that sensible breeders will not use bulldogs suffering from pigmentary keratitis or any other inherited defect in their breeding programs. In bulldogs, as in all  breeds, the dramatic is shadowed closely by the detrimental.     

Elongated Soft Palate: This occurs in bulldogs and other short-faced breeds. It often results in some degree of obstruction of the dog's airway. This obstruction results in snorting, snoring and breathing through the  mouth. In severe cases of elongated palate,the  palate partially blocks the opening into the voice box. If secondary changes in the voice box take place, acute airway obstruction may occur. If your bulldog begins to honk like a goose, put his head back, and gasp for air, consult your veterinarian to see if he or she considers your bulldog a candidate for the surgery necessary to correct an elongated soft palate.  

Luxating Patella: A dislocation of the patella, the small, flat, movable bone at the front of the knee. In mild case the patella, which is held in by ligaments, pops out of the groove in the femur in which it normally resides, then pops back in of its own accord. In severe cases the patella cannot return to its correct position on its own, and when it is manipulated into place, does not remain there long. A bulldog with luxating patella favors his affected leg when he walks, and when he runs, he lifts it, setting it down only every few steps. The tendency toward luxating  patella is inherited, but excess weight can aggravate that tendency. Luxating patella can be corrected by surgery.