Skin Conditions
Pyoderma is a common bacterial infection in Bulldogs. A wide variety of skin conditions can be occur with pyoderma, and it can have many different causes. Pyoderma is usually classified as to how deeply the infection extends into the skin - surface, superficial, or deep and also where on the body it is located - skin fold pyoderma occurs often in the moist facial folds, interdigital pyoderma is located in between the toes. Pyoderma is also typically found underneath a screwtail and in the deep folds of the vulva. Pyoderma begins when the skin becomes irritated, usually by an allergen, fleas, or moisture in the Bulldogs wrinkles.
The easiest treatment is prevention by simply keeping wrinkles clean and dry. In the case that pyoderma does develop, try cleaning the area daily, thoroughly drying, and then applying an antibiotic cream as recommended by your veterinarian. If these do not succeed, your vet may need to do a microbial culture to determine the exact bacteria involved.
Ringworm is actually not a ring at all but a fungal infection of the skin that causes a red ringed area of hair loss. This condition is highly contagious to humans and other animals, but is usually easily treated by clipping hair away from the infection, cleaning, and applying an anti-fungal treatment that your vet could recommend. If the Bulldogs nails are involved, make sure you contact your veterinarian as he/she may want to prescribe a stronger medicene. Early treatment is key because if the sores should open and drain, this could lead to a secondary bacterial infection in the skin.
Demodectic mange is a condition caused by mites, eight-legged relatives of the spider and the tick. Demodectic mange can cause skin irritation and hair loss. Sarcoptic mange is also caused by mites and causes many of the same symptoms of demodectic mange, except that sarcoptic mange is contagious to humans as well as other animals. Mites can also live in the ear canal, causing the lining of the ear canal to become irritated and extremely itchy. The irritation may lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Ear mites are also highly contagious to other animals. If you suspect your Bulldog may have any of these mite-related conditions, be sure to visit your veterinarian as they can all be treated with medication.
The easiest treatment is prevention by simply keeping wrinkles clean and dry. In the case that pyoderma does develop, try cleaning the area daily, thoroughly drying, and then applying an antibiotic cream as recommended by your veterinarian. If these do not succeed, your vet may need to do a microbial culture to determine the exact bacteria involved.
Ringworm is actually not a ring at all but a fungal infection of the skin that causes a red ringed area of hair loss. This condition is highly contagious to humans and other animals, but is usually easily treated by clipping hair away from the infection, cleaning, and applying an anti-fungal treatment that your vet could recommend. If the Bulldogs nails are involved, make sure you contact your veterinarian as he/she may want to prescribe a stronger medicene. Early treatment is key because if the sores should open and drain, this could lead to a secondary bacterial infection in the skin.
Demodectic mange is a condition caused by mites, eight-legged relatives of the spider and the tick. Demodectic mange can cause skin irritation and hair loss. Sarcoptic mange is also caused by mites and causes many of the same symptoms of demodectic mange, except that sarcoptic mange is contagious to humans as well as other animals. Mites can also live in the ear canal, causing the lining of the ear canal to become irritated and extremely itchy. The irritation may lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Ear mites are also highly contagious to other animals. If you suspect your Bulldog may have any of these mite-related conditions, be sure to visit your veterinarian as they can all be treated with medication.