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FBDFA Breed Education Video Library
Upcoming Educational Interview
Dr. Danielle Paglia, DACVOBoard-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Date: August 28, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM CT Availability: The full interview will be uploaded to the FBDFA YouTube channel and added to the Breed Education Library.
Dr. Danielle Paglia is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO). She earned her B.S. in Animal Biology from the University of Florida and her DVM from Mississippi State University. She completed internship and specialty training at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and UC Davis. She currently practices at Eye Care for Animals in Austin, Texas, with special interests in brachycephalic ocular syndrome, eyelid reconstruction, and client education.
This interview will cover important topics related to French Bulldog eye health. We plan to include 3–4 follower-submitted questions along with board questions and a presentation from Dr. Paglia.
We are currently collecting questions. Please submit your questions for Dr. Paglia so we can include the ones most relevant to French Bulldog owners and breeders.
We are grateful to Dr. Paglia for donating her time and expertise to support education through the French Bulldog Foundation of America.
Interview: Purdue's Canine Spine Study
The French Bulldog Foundation of America is honored to share a unique opportunity with our community.
In early May 2026, our Board of Directors interviewed Dr. Kari Ekenstedt, DVM, PhD, an Associate Professor of Anatomy & Genetics at Purdue University and head of Purdue’s Canine Genetics Laboratory. Her work focuses on canine genetics and genetic disease research, including both inherited conditions and more complex health traits in dogs.
This interview includs discussion surrounding the current French Bulldog spine study at Purdue, along with broader topics such as DNA, genetics, and French Bulldog health. Purdue’s Canine Genetics Lab describes its work as partnering with pet owners, veterinarians, researchers, and dogs to solve genetic diseases, while also helping support responsible breeding decisions through genetic testing.
Dr. Ekenstedt’s background makes this an especially valuable opportunity for breeders, owners, and breed advocates who want to better understand questions such as:
- What current research may teach us about French Bulldog spinal health,
- How genetics and inheritance actually apply in real-world breeding decisions,
- Where DNA testing is helpful, and where it does not tell the full story,
- What responsible health-focused progress could look like for the breed going forward.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the French Bulldog Foundation of America is committed to education, research awareness, and advancing conversations that support the long-term health of the breed.
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Spinal Health and Breeding:
- Dr. Ekenstedt emphasizes that there are currently no hard-and-fast research-based rules for breeding based on OFA spine results.
- While she advises caution when seeing many spinal anomalies, she stresses that clinical function—how the dog walks and lives—is more important than a numerical threshold.
- She clarifies that hemivertebrae (a bone abnormality) and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD, a cartilage issue) are distinct conditions with different genetic drivers.
The Role of DVL2 and CDDY:
- The DVL2 mutation, which causes the breed-typical "screw tail," is fixed in French bulldogs, meaning it is present in all individuals of the breed.
- CDDY is a highly prevalent mutation in most canines (approximately 89% in FBDs) that can cause abnormal discs, though having the mutation does not guarantee that a disc will herniate and cause clinical problems.
Recommendations for Breeders:
- Dr. Ekenstedt encourages breeders to view spinal health as only one piece of a "really big picture" that includes overall form, temperament, and respiratory function.
- She advises keeping dogs lean, maintaining muscle mass through exercise, and keeping nails short to minimize environmental risks that might lead to disc herniation.
Future Research and Support
- The researchers are actively collecting DNA samples and radiographs from French bulldogs to increase their sample size and identify the specific genetics behind spinal phenotypes.
- They suggest that breeders and organizations can best support this work by continuing to contribute data and potentially collaborating with the AKC Canine Health Foundation to sponsor future research grants.
French Bulldog: What to Expect During a PennHIP Evaluation by Dr. Carly Hubbard DVM, CCRT
Video demonstration of the examination process was conducted by Dr. Carly Hubbard, DVM, CCRT of Animalia Wellness in Franklin, Tennessee. While the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip screening is a well-established method for evaluating hip dysplasia, the PennHIP method is also fully accepted and provides valuable additional insights. A passing PennHIP evaluation can count toward an OFA CHIC certification as early as 12 months of age, rather than waiting until 24 months for a traditional OFA hip evaluation. Additionally, PennHIP results are not affected by the hormones of a heat cycle. PennHIP offers a non-subjective, quantitative measurement (the Distraction Index) that gives breeders conclusive data at a younger age.
Inside BOAS: What Every French Bulldog Owner & Breeder Should Know by Dr. Julia Ziegler DVM
The French Bulldog Foundation of America had the privilege of hosting an in-depth BOAS/RFGS educational webinar led by Dr. Julia Ziegler recorded for our members and followers. Dr. Ziegler delivered over an hour of invaluable insight into the disease process of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)—what it is, how it impacts our dogs, and most importantly, how we can objectively assess and improve respiratory health through the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS). Throughout the session, we were also able to engage in meaningful Q&A, giving breeders, owners, and enthusiasts the opportunity to deepen their understanding and ask real-world questions. This webinar is just one example of our ongoing commitment to: • Educate • Advocate • Promote responsible, health-focused breeding At FBDFA, our mission is simple but critical: Health Above All Else. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Ziegler for sharing her time and expertise with our community. More educational opportunities, clinics, and resources are coming soon—because improving the future of the French Bulldog starts with informed decisions today. If you’re not yet part of our growing community, we invite you to join us.
What Does BOAS Sound Like? Dr. Jane Ladlow Demonstrates the Noises
This video snippet features Dr. Jane Ladlow, developer of the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) for the UK's Kennel Club—now available in the US via the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). It demonstrates three audible BOAS types, explains the RFG/BOAS test process, details the four severity grades, and guides breeding pairings for acceptable dogs. Credit: Dr. Jane Ladlow, "BOAS: How to diagnose it," Cambridge Veterinary School, 2020. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du6M58mhxZE.