As a certified animal chiropractor and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, one of the most common breeds I work with—by far—are bulldogs, particularly French Bulldogs. While they’re undeniably adorable and full of personality, bulldogs are also among the most structurally challenged breeds in veterinary medicine. I’m often asked: “Why do so many bulldogs need chiropractic and rehab care?” The answer lies in their anatomy, genetics and unique musculoskeletal vulnerabilities.
🦴 Chondrodysplasia: Why Bulldogs Are Built Differently
Bulldogs—including Frenchies, English Bulldogs, and other brachycephalic breeds—are chondrodysplastic, meaning they have abnormally developed cartilage and bone. This genetic trait gives them their distinctive features: shortened limbs, wide-set bodies, and compressed facial structures. However, chondrodysplasia also predisposes them to a host of orthopedic and neurologic conditions that affect their spine, hips, knees and overall mobility.
These breeds are not just “sturdy” — they are biomechanically compromised, often born with or developing:
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Hemivertebrae (malformed spinal vertebrae)
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Narrowed spinal canals
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Joint laxity and instability
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Abnormal gait mechanics
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Reduced shock absorption through their spine and joints
🐾 Why Bulldogs End Up in My Care
The bulldog breeds are overrepresented in my practice because they are:
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Structurally predisposed to back and joint issues
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Athletic and playful, which sometimes worsens their underlying instability
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Owned by dedicated humans who want to avoid surgery or long-term medications
The conditions I most frequently manage in bulldogs include:
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Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
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Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries
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Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
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Hemivertebrae-related instability
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Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
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Patellar luxation
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Post-surgical recovery needs
🩺 How Chiropractic and Rehab Improve Bulldog Mobility and Comfort
Because of their structural makeup, bulldogs don’t always respond well to traditional veterinary treatments alone. That’s where complementary care like chiropractic and rehab therapy becomes essential.
Here’s how I help bulldogs thrive without invasive surgery:
🔹 Chiropractic Care
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Restores joint motion and alignment
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Reduces compensatory strain and muscle tightness
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Supports spinal cord and nerve function in conditions like IVDD and hemivertebrae
🔹 Canine Physical Rehabilitation
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Builds strength and stability in weak or atrophied areas
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Re-educates gait after injury or surgery
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Improves balance, coordination, and endurance
🔹 Therapeutic Laser Therapy
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Reduces inflammation and pain by downgraded inflammatory cytokines while increasing upregulating anti-inflammatory mediators
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Accelerates tissue healing via chromophore stimulation, a process called photobiomodulation
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Excellent for arthritis, disc injuries and surgical recovery
🔹 Shockwave Therapy
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Breaks down scar tissue and calcification
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Stimulates blood flow and regenerative healing via growth factor production
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Used for CCL tears, bone spurs, muscle spasms and chronic joint disease
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❤️ Proactive Care for a Problem-Prone Breed
I always remind French, English and all other Bulldog owners that their dogs may need routine care throughout life — not because they’re fragile, but because their bodies were never built for long-term orthopedic resilience. Early intervention with chiropractic and rehab can:
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Prevent minor issues from becoming major problems
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Delay or eliminate the need for surgery
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Improve quality of life and longevity
🐶 Final Thoughts
Bulldogs are among my most lovable — and complex — patients. Their challenges are real, but so are their successes. With regular musculoskeletal care, I’ve helped countless Bulldogs get back on their feet, avoid surgery, recover faster from surgery, breath easier and enjoy life again. Pet parents will also note that their snoring is considerably less loud after chiro/rehab therapy (!)
If your bulldog is limping, struggling to get up & down, trouble with stairs or getting in/out of the car or showing signs of back or extremity joint pain, please reach out. There are non-invasive, effective options available — and I’d love to help.
