A cross-sectional study of show English bulldogs in the United States: evaluating paw lesions, cytological findings, pruritic behaviours and gastrointestinal signs.

BACKGROUND: English bulldogs (EBDs) are considered to commonly show signs of pododermatitis and gastrointestinal (GI) disease.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe a population of presumed healthy EBDs: (i) evaluate dogs according to published criteria for health, (ii) describe paw lesions, if present, (iii) report pruritic behaviours and GI signs and compare to normal values, (iv) report pedal cytological findings, and (v) determine correlation between lesions, cytological results and pruritic behaviours.

ANIMALS: Thirty four EBDs participating in a dog show.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs were examined, and pedal cytological samples were collected. Pruritic behaviours, GI signs and medical history were assessed. Owners completed questionnaires regarding history and assessed pruritus.

RESULTS: No dog met criteria for being healthy. All dogs had an abnormal dermatological examination, 22 of 34 had a history of recent drug administration and 16 of 34 had a history of dermatological disease. Every dog had at least one erythematous paw. Compared to values for a healthy dog population, facial rubbing was the only increased pruritic behaviour, and GI signs differed in belching, flatulence and regurgitation. Mean cytological evaluation values were within normal ranges except for inflammation. Lesions did not correlate with cytological findings or pruritic behaviours, with the exception of white coloured exudation with inflammation and cocci.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study supports that show EBDs have frequent pedal lesions and history of dermatological disease, with over half receiving medication, as well as increased frequency of belching, flatulence and facial rubbing. Pedal cytological findings were not predictive of lesions, with the exception of white coloured exudation.