English Bulldog skin, new vet recommendations

by Mike
(Columbia, MD)

I have an English bulldog, 4 years old. her skin issues have continued for about 2 years. In the past, working with a vet, we've treated with shampoos, Malaseb products, Claritin, regular wrinkle and ear cleanings and When necessary, antibiotics, anti-fungal pills along with Mometamax and other steroid pills. We have also done a 10 week food trial and have had the tests done to rule out any parasites and organ function.

It has gotten to the point where are now seeing a dermatologist for our bulldogs skin issues. The next step is a skin allergy test. To prepare for the test, we have stopped the daily Claritin, and mometamax and have started with baths 2-3 times a week with a new medicated shampoo. Her skin has since gotten worse and I didn't get a warm feeling from the Veterinary dermatologist that the skin testing, and subsequent shots will actually help. Is it possible a swith to a new dog food, possible all natural may help considerably?
We currently feed her Royal Canine Bulldog 24. My concern is that these vets are not looking at the whole picture. She has had some weight loss in the last 2 years, and a few other issues which may all be related. The vets seem to think she is at a good weight despite the fact that she gets about half of the amount of food as recommended by the royal canine bag.

I guess in writing this I have convinced myself that although we should probably go ahead with the skin allergy testing we should also find a new vet that’s actually experienced with bulldogs and less concerned with how many animals they can see in a day. Can you recommend any ways to determine if a vet is right for our bulldog dog?



Hi Mike

Form you very well written and detailed mail, i get the feeling that most has been done. The only "medical" thing to do is the skin testing.
You have been on medication, shampoo for bacteria and fungi.....food trials as well and antibiotics.
Skin testing is the last and final missing investigation.

Do you have any contact with the breeder at all? I am thinking if the breeder knew any thing about the other in the litter it would be very interesting. Might be others have problems as well. That would not be any positive of cause, but at least you would know that you had "genes" to battle against.

I get the feeling you didn't had good contact with the dermatologist. More left withe the feeling of "thinking of money" than trying to help you and your dog.

That's very personal, but of cause very important for you to be aware of. In my opinion, you should not love your vet but at least have a feel of respect and trust.

We haven't had the pleasing experience of meting each other - nor do I know my college. We all react in different ways, and my college might react in a way which can be misunderstood. Writing this, I keep thinking of "frustration" - it keeps coming back in my mind.

That's a power full emotion, both negative or positive. It can help you get on and do things you need to do, or it can overwhelm you, leaving you with a sad and negative feeling.

I would think this is easy to get "frustrated" in your case. Doing all this medical treatments and trying the best you can - while you see your dog itching and itching.

I would get very frustrated if this happened my dog. And I get frustrated as a vet as well trying and trying do the best and make the patient better, but not succeeding. That's very frustrating and very demanding for you the owner, and the vet.

Skin diseases is the most frequent reasons for going to a new vet. Thats a sign of frustration in my opinion. Feeling we are not getting any where! - somebody have to be the one which can help us!!

But, it can be very difficult dealing with skin diseases.

A vet knowing how to take care about his/her own fustrations and the fustrations you (quite natural) have is important.

Regarding the amount of food. Please take into account your dog is an individual. There can be big differences in the amount of food individual dogs need. Of cause the weight should be stable. Not getting thinner and thinner, appetite should be normal as well, knowing that eating habits is very individual and can vary a lot from dog to dog.

You can do some testing to see if there is any signs of intestinal diseases and irritations. Biopsies or blood samples of b-vitamin can be done to see if some intestinal wall reaction is a part of this skin problem. This might have been done as well as white blood cell count and thyroid test.

If all have been tried, go for some sort of more natural food.

You can cook yourself or you can perhaps by some "homemade" dog food. Some food which contain as little preservatives as possible, hasn't been much processed in production line - something completely different from the Royal Canin diet.

Just to give it a try.

Why not.

I wish you all the best and I am going to send you lot of thoughts in the future.

Kindly

DVM Per Schonbeck