My take is the veterinary field is getting high tech. Today's vet is taught to use equipment to diagnose a problem they may have diagnosed with experience and common sense years ago. At times the personal touch is missing.
It's great when you find a vet and maybe a back-up vet that has experience in our breed. They are the best to teach the new vets coming out of school about our breed. Experience and hands on in any breed is the only way.
It's always great when you have references to emergency clinics in your area that are familiar with our breed. That is a tremendous help.
Again education is another key. At times an owner can panic over something that as a breeder or mentor you could help with the problem so it doesn't get overwhelming and they don't rush off to an inexperienced vet that can scare them.
One plus of the Internet. At times you can look online for a simple problem so it doesn't get overwhelming.
"All the pet people assume these health problems are expected. Why? Why are palette surgeries common and routine (ie Cherry Eye)? Why is Entropian common? Why is Hip Dysplaysia common? Why are allergy issues common? Why are CCL surgeries common? "
I believe at times an inexperienced vet can rush into surgeries faster on the Bulldog. Some of the problems that are "common" are just as common in any animal. WE are dealing with life and no one can predict it. Again experience in a breeder helps. Before you breed, do your education. AS a breeder you are creating the life..."Be responsible for it". Also as a pet owner, be responsible. Check out your breeder. Ask for references and check them out.
WE can't blame vets if we keep on perpetuating the problem by breeding an unhealthy specimen just because they need to have a litter. The same with a stud dog. All males don't need to be bred.
Posted on Jun 18, 2009, 10:45 PM from IP address 207.200.116.74