English Bulldog Health and Care

Hi Jan,
I recently received your bulldog book, and was especially interested in reading
about wrinkle care. I have a 2yr old female, Maizey, and she never had any
wrinkle issues until now (which I realize doesn’t usually become an issue until
they get older), and she doesn’t have many wrinkles…I clean them usually with
baby wipes & I went out and purchased diaper cream & vaseline….because I have
noticed that a couple of them look a little irritated. The diaper cream made it
worse. One of the wrinkles on one side of her face, one of the ones that her
tears seem to run down through…is really sore looking….it’s red looking and
gets dark sticky junk in it. I clean it everyday. I bought a germicidal/
fungicidal spray (for dogs) & also an antibacterial/ pain relief spray (for
people) that I have been using as well. Also her tail I know is definately not
as bad as some bulldogs, but I still try to keep it clean, because it also seems
to get yucky….I always wipe her little butt after she goes potty, because
other wise it gets on her tail & stuck under there ( I have done this since she
was little)….and it seems to have lost the fur on the underside of the tail
(only a liitle spot though, not the whole underside)…I know it has been
bothering her…she seems to run around a liitle like it hurts (she can’t reach
it) & then sits down quick every couple of feet.
I don’t know what to do…I am ready to take her to the vet, for their
suggestions….I HATE the thought of her being uncomfortable or in any kind of
pain.
What do you suggest? Do they make a product that is specifically designed for
this? If not, someone should!!!! They would make a killing!
Please let me know what you suggest.
Thank you sooo much,
Courtney

——answer——-

Hi Courtney,

It sounds like she has a yeast infection in her wrinkles.
That dark stuff that smells sour usually indicates a
proliferation of yeast.

I’d recommend you clean the areas with a sterile eye
wash (you can get it at a drugstore), then dry the areas with
a soft towel. Then rub some anti-fungal cream into the
areas.

Anti-fungal cream comes in many forms. I use Monistat
that I can get at the grocery or drug store. You can also
use anti-fungal cream for athlete’s food.

I think the cream would be more effective than the spray you
are using as you can rub the cream into the skin for better absorption.
Apply the cream for a few days and see if it makes a difference.

Diaper cream and vaseline would not be effective against yeast
and the vaseline might seal in the infection and make it worse.
Vaseline is best for cracked paws or a dry nose.

The part under her tail could be the same thing. Her behavior
definitely sounds like it’s bothering her. If she scoots on her
but she could need to have her anal glands expressed. This
could be determined by your vet.

A small loss of fur under her tail is probably nothing to worry
about. It could be a result of the infection. If it gets worse,
then you may need to see a dermatology specialist.

I do think there is a connection between yeast and diet, so be
sure you’re feeding her a premium grade food.

Here’s some more information about yeast (candida) from a pet site:
“Yeasts are single cell organisms, which are found on the surfaces of all living things, including your pet’s body. Yeasts normally live on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Unfriendly bacteria, viruses, allergens and other enemies also find their way into other membrane-lined passageways and cavities. Also existing in the body are billions of friendly germs.
One family of yeasts called, Candida albicans, live in your pet’s body, and consume substances such as sugar and fats in order to survive. Yeast toxins affect your pet’s immune system, nervous system, and their endocrine system. Since these systems are all connected, yeast toxins play a major role in causing allergies, vaginal and bladder infections, skin disorders and many other health problems.
When a pet’s immune system is healthy, the body is able to destroy the yeast. However, when the immune system is weak, the yeast may produce in mass amounts causing toxins that disable the immune system and prevent it from functioning properly. In this case, the immune system cannot destroy the yeast. At this point, the system becomes altered causing a host of health problems.
Many pet owners have visited several veterinarians, and have spent hundreds of dollars without any positive results. In a large percentage of cases, a vet has ruled out a yeast infection. However, when the owner began treatment for a yeast infection, the pet responded positively.”
This is quoted from the site in the link below and has more information:
http://www.purelypets.com/articles/yseabinfections.htm
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can help you any further.Your Bulldog Pal,
Jan

——follow up——–

Hi Jan,
Yeah, I used to be a vet tech so I know about yeast…but, we really didn’t
have too many English bulldogs that came to the clinics I worked at…so, the
yeast infections I normally dealt with were in the ear.  However, I did have a
feeling this was what it could be…it definately has that “yeasty” smell to
it.  I tried this antifungal/antimicrobial spray stuff for dogs…but it didn’t
seem to work….so, I will have to try an antifungal cream.
Also, I do know absolutely how important diet is!!  I have her on Innova Evo Red
Meat diet- Large bites.  It has no grain, by-products, etc..
I also, was a manager at a family owned pet store many years ago & at that time
had to go through quite a few pet nutrition seminars….but, sooooo much has
changed since then.  I saw this food by Royal Cainin
Anyways, thank you sooooooooooooooo  much for your help.  That really sounds
like a good plan of action, I will give it a try.
She’s not dragging her butt & I checked her anal glands…they do not need to be
expressed.  I just think it’s irritated & is the same problem as her
wrinkles…..yeast I am sure.
Thanks again & I will absolutely let you know how it goes.

Courtney

———-answer———-

Hi Courtney,

Hopefully some cleaning and the cream will do the trick,
sometimes it gets really bad and becomes systemic and
you need to use more drastic measures.

You sound quite knowledgeable!
That Innova is a great product.

Please let me know how it goes.

Your Bulldog Pal
Jan