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Complete the Health Survey
The Bouvier Health Foundation (BHF) worked with the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) and launched a Bouvier Health Survey in June 2020. This was a crucial step in understanding the health issues found in Bouviers. The last health survey was done in 2004. Current health information is very important to maintain the breed's longevity and quality of life.
The survey is a point in time survey which means it provides information "now," "currently," or "at that exact moment” rather than duration. Because this is a point in time survey, dogs may be entered multiple times any time there is a change in health status.
We need to keep track on the number of dogs who are afflicted with various health disorders.
Current status as of 03/29/26
872 dogs have entered the survey. The number of dogs with the following disorders.
In our survey, hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer diagnosis, inflammatory bowel disease most common GI disorder, and osteoarthritis most common orthopedic disease reported. There are 25 dogs with diagnoses of hypothyroidism.
When evaluating the survey data for known genetic health problems in Bouvier's there are 33 dogs with glaucoma, 11 with juvenile cataracts, five with SAS and three with the canine degenerative myelopathy. Under orthopedic disorders there are 41 with hip dysplasia, 29 with cruciate ligament tears ( thought to be genetic) , and 16 with elbow dysplasia.
Please take the survey. Remember, dogs may be entered multiple times any time there is a change in health status. This is very important . Please help us understand what diseases occur in Bouviers.