The English Bulldog Puppy Blog

Puppy scams can be traced and suspects can go to jail. Read the rest of the story below.

Cincinnati - Everett Smith Jr. gets 3 years in prison for selling English bulldog puppies online. He admitted he took the money even when there were no puppies to sell.

Smith, 26, of North College Hill, pleaded guilty to money laundering, telecommunications fraud and four counts of theft. The theft count was from each of the four of the victims who pressed charges in the bulldog scam. The prosecutors dropped seven of the 13 charges against him, Smith will serve three-year prison sentence starting on September 15.

Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor William Anderson said Smith sat down with authorities and provided details about the puppy scams and other scams he committed.

According to Anderson, Smith sent some of the money he made in the puppy scam to Nigeria. The authorities are not sure if this information is true given that smith is a U.S. citizen.

It has not been confirmed how much Smith made from the puppy scam. A part of the deal is the prosecutors won’t press more charges if Smith fully cooperates.

It has been known that Smith advertised puppies fro sale and sold each for at least $1,000.

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Now that you have learned the causes and symptoms of hip dysplasia. Let’s find out if your dog is predisposed or has risk factors to be a likely candidate of CHD.

Hip dysplasia is caused by the subluxation in the hip joint. Subluxation creates abnormal wear and erosion of the joint, which leads to arthritis and pain. Browse through our list of risk factors for the development of hip dysplasia.

Genetics
Hip dysplasia is known to be a genetics disease. When a parent dog has a hip dysplasia then the offspring are at greater risk for developing the same disease. It is important to know the dog’s lineage. If there are no carriers of hip dysplasia in your dog’s lineage then it will not contract the disease. Selective breeding cannot completely reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia. If you breed two dysplastic dogs, the offspring are much more likely to have the disease but the offspring will not all have the same level of symptoms or even necessarily show any symptoms. The offspring (or next generation) from these dogs will be carriers and hip dysplasia will most likely show up in their offspring in later generations. The challenge therefore is to eliminate the disease from a breed or specific breeding line.

Nutrition
The biggest factor that displaces a dog to be genetically prone to hip dysplasia is the amount of calories your bulldog consumes.

Studies have shown that obesity can increase the severity of the disease in genetically susceptible animals. Excess weight will exacerbate the degeneration of the joints in a dog, including the hip. Dogs, also English bulldogs, are born genetically prone to hip dysplasia and are overweight are at a much higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and eventually osteoarthritis.

The likelihood of hip dysplasia is the rapid growth in puppies during the ages from three to ten months. Experiments shows that the incidence has been increased in genetically susceptible dogs when given free choice of food. A study has Labrador retriever puppies fed free choice for three years. It placed them on a higher incidence of hip dysplasia than their littermates who were fed with the same diet but in an amount 25% less than that fed to the free choice group.

A diet having too much or too little calcium or other minerals can result to a detrimental effect on the development of the joint. However, today’s complete and balanced dog foods solve the problem of inadequate diet. The practice of feeding homemade dog foods is popular with dog owners. These types of diets must be carefully monitored for proper nutritional balance including calcium and all other essential minerals.

Exercise
It shows that dogs that are genetically susceptible to the disease due to over exercise at a young age. At the same time, however, we all know that dogs with large and prominent leg muscle mass are less likely to develop the disease than dogs with small muscle mass. It is advised for dogs to exercise and maintain good muscle mass to decrease the incidence of the disease. Moderate exercise strengthens the gluteal muscles such as running and swimming is highly recommended for English bulldogs to help keep the weight at bay. Be cautious though to only introduce exercises that do not apply a lot of force to the joints such as playing Frisbee.

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia

The diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia is typically made from a combination of clinical signs of arthritis and pain, a complete physical exam, and radiographs (x-rays). If a dog is showing physical signs of arthritis, there are usually easily recognized changes in the joint that can be detected on radiographs. In addition, the veterinarian may even be able to feel looseness in the joint or may be able to elicit pain through extension and flexion of the rear leg. Regardless, the results are straightforward and usually not difficult to interpret.

However, about half of the animals that come in for a determination on the health of their hip joints are not showing physical signs, but are intended to be use for breeding. The breeder wants to ensure that the animal is not at great risk for transmitting the disease to his or her offspring. There are two different testing methods that can be performed. The traditional is OFA testing. The other relatively newer technique is the PennHip method.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

The method used by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has been the standard for many years. The OFA was established in 1966, and has become the world’s largest all-breed registry. The OFA maintains a database of hip evaluations for hundreds of thousands of dogs. Radiographs are taken by a local veterinarian using specific guidelines and are then submitted to the OFA for evaluation and certification of the dog’s hip status. Since the accuracy of radiological diagnosis of hip dysplasia using the OFA technique increases after 24 months of age, the OFA requires that the dog be at least two years of age at the time the radiographs are taken. Because some female dogs experience additional hip subluxation when they are in heat, pregnant or nursing the OFA recommends that the evaluation should not be performed during these times.

To get the correct presentation and ensure that the muscles are relaxed, the OFA recommends that the dog be anesthetized for the radiographs. OFA radiologists evaluate the hip joints for congruity, subluxation, the condition of the acetabulum, and the size, shape, and architecture of the femoral head and femoral neck. Three radiologists review the radiographs and a consensus score is assigned based on the animal’s hip conformation relative to other individuals of the same breed and age. The OFA then places the evaluated dogs into one of seven categories. Normal hips are graded as: excellent, good or fair. If the consensus is unclear the dog is graded as borderline dysplastic. And dogs with obvious radiographic signs of hip dysplasia are graded as: mild, moderate, severely dysplastic. Dogs with hips scored as borderline or dysplastic (mild, moderate, severe) are not eligible to receive OFA breeding numbers.

The OFA will also provide preliminary evaluations (performed by one OFA radiologist) of dogs younger than 24 months of age to help breeders choose breeding stock. Reliability of the preliminary evaluation is between 70 and 100% depending on the breed.

Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP)

The diagnostic method used by the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) uses unique radiographic views of the dog’s hips to more accurately identifies and quantify joint laxity. This program was conceived in 1983 and became a usable system by 1993. To assure quality and repeatability among diagnostic centers using the PennHIP technique, veterinarians must take a special training course to become certified. Radiographs of the hips are taken with the dog under heavy sedation. These radiographs can be taken on a dog as young as 16 weeks. Two views are obtained with the hind limbs in neutral position to maximize joint laxity. These are known as the distraction and compression radiographic views. Weights and an external device are used to help push the head of the femur further into or away from the acetabulum. The amount of femoral head displacement (joint laxity) is quantified using a distraction index or DI. The DI ranges from 0 to 1 and is calculated by measuring the distance the center of the femoral head moves laterally from the center of the acetabulum and dividing it by the radius of the femoral head. A DI of 0 indicates a very tight joint. A DI of 1 indicates complete luxation with little or no coverage of the femoral head. A hip with a distraction index of 0.6 is 60% luxated and is twice as lax as a hip with a DI of 0.3. A third radiographic view is taken using the same positioning as the OFA. The “hip-extended” view is used to obtain additional information regarding the possible presence of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the hip.

When the PennHIP DI was compared to the OFA scores for 65 dogs, all dogs scored as mildly, moderately, or severely dysplastic by the OFA method had a DI above 0.3.

Hip laxity as measured by the DI is strongly correlated with the future development of osteoarthritis. Hips with a DI below 0.3 rarely develop osteoarthritis. Although hips with a DI above 0.3 are considered “degenerative joint disease susceptible,” not all hips with a DI greater than 0.3 will develop osteoarthritis. It is known that some hips with radiographically apparent laxity do not develop osteoarthritis. A means of differentiating lax hips that develop osteoarthritis from those that will not is important in developing a prognosis and making treatment or breeding recommendations. In one study, the DI obtained from dogs at four months of age was a good predictor of later osteoarthritis, though the 6 and 12-month indices were more accurate.

The PennHIP method has gained popularity and more and more veterinarians are becoming certified.

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Large breeds of dogs, including English bulldog, is commonly known to be affect with Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Research has proven that CHD can affect dogs of any size, breed or age. It can sometimes be a contributing factor to conditions namely canine osteoarthritis. This condition makes CHD a very important subject to all dog owners. The important step is to understand how to be cautious and treat dogs, especially English bulldogs, suffering CHD.

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)?
The basic understanding of hip dysplasia lies on getting to know the part of the body affected. The hip joint forms the attachment of the hind leg to the body and is a ball and socket joint. The ball part is the head of the femur while the socket (acetabulum) is located on the pelvis. A healthy joint has the ball rotating freely within the socket. The shape of the bones is shaped to perfectly match each other with the socket surrounding the ball. The joint is further strengthened when two bones are held together by strong ligament. The ligament serves as an attachment of the femoral head directly to the acetabulum. The joint capsule, additionally, forms a very strong band of connective tissue, encircle the two bones adding more stability. The articular surface is the part where the bones actually touch each other. It is perfectly smooth and cushioned with a layer of spongy cartilage. The joint contains a highly viscous fluid to lubricate the articular surface.

What causes CHD?
Hip dysplasia is caused by a laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that would normally support the joint. As this happens, the articular surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. This separation of the two bones within the joint is called a subluxation. Subluxation causes a drastic change in the size and shape of the articular surfaces. Most dysplastic dogs are born with normal hips but due to their genetic make-up, and other factors, the soft tissues that surround the joint develop abnormally causing the subluxation. It is this subluxation and the restructured hip that leads to the symptoms we associate with this disease. Hip dysplasia may or may not be bilateral. It could affect both the right and/or left hip.

What are the symptoms of CHD?
All dogs, even English bulldogs, of all ages are subject to hip dysplasia, leading to osteoarthritis. In severe cases, puppies as young as five months will begin to show pain and discomfort prior and after exercise. The condition will worsen until even normal daily activities are painful. Without medical intervention, these dogs may eventually cease to walk. In most cases, however, the symptoms do not begin to appear until the middle or later years in the dog’s life.

The symptoms are similar to those seen with other causes of arthritis in the hip. Dogs often walk or run with an altered gait. They may resist movements that require full extension or flexion of the rear legs. They often run with a “bunny hopping” gait. They will show stiffness and pain in the rear legs after exercise or first thing in the morning.

In milder cases, movement and exercise will warm up the stiffness of the joints. Some dogs will limp and many will become less willing to perform in normal daily activities. Many owners attribute the changes to normal aging but are surprised to a see a normal and pain free movement of their dogs after treatment. As the condition progresses, most dogs will lose muscle tone and may even need assistance in getting up.

Genetics is the primary causative factor of Canine Hip Dysplasia. There is no disease without the genes needed to transmit this generative disease. Dog just don’t get hip dysplasia by chance rather it is either genetically dysplastic or not.

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An English bulldog has the whole world on its feet. Sadly, its world is exposed to disease causing microorganisms that must be kept at a minimum for good health. Let’s face reality that no matter how much we love our pets, they are naturally endowed to engage in seriously dirty things such as licking an object that fell on bacteria laden floor. It certainly is helpful to explore ideas on how to keep our dog’s immunity as strong as possible.

A canine’s immune system is a largely composed of antibodies, white blood cells, and other substances that resist and eliminate infections and reject foreign proteins. The other organs such as the thymus gland and bone marrow are production sites of white blood cells. Others, which include the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, trap microorganisms and potentially harmful substances while providing a place for immune cells to collect, interact with each other and with foreign substances, and produce that disease fighting response that keeps your dog healthy.

The immune system of your dog can be complicated. There are four various types of immune system problems including hypersensitivity (allergy), neoplasia (cancer, rapid cell growth), autoimmunity (body attacks itself) and immunodeficiency (infection fighting problems). There is a possibility that your bulldog can develop immune problems no matter how you try to shield it from organisms, partly because of inherited disorder. The immune system weakens due to aging or living conditions, which are less optimal when there is lack of exercise, poor nutritional intake, or inadequate intake of fresh water.

Here are tips to improve your bulldogs (dogs in general):

1. Improve the diet – Buy only AAFCO certified foods. These products do not contain artificial ingredients. Certification guarantees the required nutrients that your dog needs. Check for the label that says, “nutritionally complete for all stages.” Avoid labels, which are AAFCO certified, but only say, “formulated to meet AAFCO standards” which means a substandard nutrition unlike the standard and nutritionally complete label.
2. Physical exercise is a must for pets. Dogs in the wild hunt for food thus staying physically fit. In contrast, modern and domesticated dogs stay inactive most of the time. Inactivity makes them physically weak. Incorporate regular exercise in your dog’s daily routine to strengthen its limbs and keep it happy as well.
3. Supplement. Give your dog its dose of natural dietary supplements with all the essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients good for your dog’s body. These supplements function to improve the immunity of your dog. It then cleanse its body, strengthen its inner organs, maintain normal levels of blood pressure and blood sugar, and support long life and vitality.

Consider these two important things upon choosing a dietary supplement for your dog, which are quality of ingredients and FDA approval.

Ingredients
The quality of a dietary supplement is directly proportional to the quality of its ingredients. Always choose a product, which contains the best possible natural ingredients. Some of the names you should look for include Huang Qi, mistletoe, Indian ginseng, Echinacea purpurea, milk thistle, and cat’s claw. These are very powerful herbs, which can boost your dog’s immune system considerably if consumed regularly. Also, look for minerals like zinc and selenium and essential vitamins like A, B, C, and E.

FDA approval
The seal of approval marks a distinction to separate the genuine products form the fake ones. Always choose a product that meets the standards set by the Dietary Supplement Health Education Act or DSHEA.

Keeping Your Dog’s Defenses Strong

Pay extra attention to your dog especially when it’s nearing old age. Your dog’s needs increasingly important to follow steps to maintain their disease fighting capabilities strong with the following steps:

No plastic
Plastic leaves harmful chemical residue behind. Use only glass, stainless steel, or porcelain containers for your dog’s food and water.

Nutrition
Some studies suggest that nutrition or under nutrition as the most common cause of immunity ineffectiveness. Recent studies confirm that a deficiency in only one vitamin or mineral can in fact make a big difference in your dog’s ability to stay healthy.

Plumpy and Happy
Research shows that overweight dogs are susceptible to diseases and infections than those who are not.

Exercise
Research shows that active pets are less prone to sickness than ones who lead sedentary lives.

Stress
Stress inhibits white blood cell formation and function and causes an important disease-fighting gland (thymus) to shrink.

It is more important to take steps to keep your dog’s immune system working at its best. It is vital to health and wellness especially for older English bulldogs and other breed of dogs that could be struggling with chronic diseases. Follow these tips and take extra good care of your dog.

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Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Urban legends have it that raisins and grapes can kill dogs after ingestion. It all started from a chain letter of a pet owner whose dog died of grape poisoning. Many people dismissed the letter thinking it sounded too strange and was just another email scam.

Read the chain letter here.

Dog owners should be aware of the food fed to their dogs. You may not know it but you may be poisoning your pet. Grapes and raisins are indeed toxic to dogs including English bulldogs. The type of grape and the type of dog does not matter. It is a proven fact that as few as 7 raisins or grapes could put your bulldog to death. The ASPCA has released information on 10 cases of grape poisoning in dogs. Five of the dogs had severe reactions that they died or were euthanized.

Toxicity

A computerized animal toxicity database enabled vets to see a trend in 1989. The trend showed that some cases of acute renal failure or sudden kidney failure in dogs all share a common history: the consumption of raisins or grapes before kidney failure. Numerous possibilities are explored by researchers to pinpoint the exact causative agent of grapes and raisin poisoning. It can be because of the presence of mycotoxin (fungal toxin), pesticide, herbicide or heavy metals, but remain unknown up to this time.

Symptoms of grape and raisin poisoning in dogs

Once your bulldog ingested raisins or grapes, you will notice a jittery (hyperactive) behavior and vomiting within the first 24 hours. Diarrhea may also be seen with vomitus and feces showing partially digested grapes or raisins. When 24 hours has passed, the dog may become anorexic, lethargic and depressed. Soon, the dog stops drinking or urinating. By the time the kidneys fail, it will be too late to treatment and soon the dog will die.

Treatment for grape/raisin poisoning

Early intervention for raisin and grape poisoning has higher chances of saving dogs from poisoning. If raisin or grape ingestion was 2 hours or less, the veterinarian will want to induce vomiting to remove the toxins in the body. Activated charcoal will be administered to absorb remaining toxin. Aggressive intravenous or IV fluid therapy is needed to keep the kidneys in good health. Additional medications for kidneys may be given depending on the severity of the dog’s condition.

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