Ask the French Bulldog Experts

admin July 2nd, 2008

Hello. I’m considering purchasing a 5 month old Frenchie boy from a very reputable breeder.

He was just xrayed and he has 2 hemis. The vet says it is no problem and he has no signs of problems.

Should I be concerned? Thank you.

Dr. Lori writes -

No, 2 hemis does not concern me at all. In fact in my book, that is an excellent frenchie spine! The OFA study of frenchie spines shows little evidence to support that hemis have anything to do with the back problems that frenchies can experience, i.e. Intervertebral disk disease.

A better question might be to ask if any familt members have had any back problems.

Good Luck with your puppy and how nice that you have found a breeder who will X-ray pups before they leave!

Lori Hunt, DVM

Tags: French Bulldog, French Bulldog Veterinary, Frenchie, hemis, hemivertebrae, pup, puppy, spinal, Vet, veterinarian

• hemivertebrae , intervertebral disk disease
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lorihuntdvm June 10th, 2008

A question about a lethargic French Bulldog -

Hello. I have a 4 year old Frenchie Male. About 3 weeks ago, he became aloof and wanted to just lay around.I took him to his vet and x rays were taken. He does have hemivertebrae and hip dysplasia, however the xrays did not convince the vet of a diagnosis. His appetite is normal, as are his bodily functions. The blood tests all came back normal He is assuming there was an injury due to activity or strain.

My pup has been on Medicam for 10 days and some days seems chipper and other days, not so much. Any suggestions as to what the next step should be or is he just getting older and slowing down?

Dr. Lori writes -

It could be that he is just slowing down. Sometimes arthritis does develops secondary to the hip dysplasia and/or hemivertebrae, so that could be slowing him down as well. You did mention bloodwork, but you may want to check his thyroid function as well, as that could cause him to be a bit apathetic and lazy.

If all else fails, take him for a second opinion - fresh eyes sometimes see things differently.

Lori Hunt, DVM

Tags: arthritis, blood work, French Bulldog, French Bulldog Veterinary, French Bulldogs, Frenchie, health, hemivertebrae, thyroid, veterinarian

• French Bulldog Veterinary
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