-Welcome to PuppyGal's Medical Information
AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE -
like he's been running a race but he's just been laying around?
SEE YOUR VET OR YOU MAY LOSE YOUR PET
ALWAYS TAKE YOUR BULLY TO A VET WHO IS EXPERIENCED WITH BULLDOGS!!!
If you do not like the prognosis a Vet has given you please, please get a second or third opinion. I have been instrumental in saving the life of three Bullies, because I insisted the people take their dog to another Vet. These were people who I did not know. They called me in desperation after having searched the Internet for Bully Breeders.
Recommended Websites For Pet Health & Training Information:
www.purina.com
www.peteducation.com
www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/
www.doglogic.com
Ear Infections- Otomax - Order online
Bully Shedding - On 2/1/04, I received the following information from a friend:
The name of the supplement we purchased at PetSmart for unseasonal shedding is "ShedRelief" made by Lambert Kay Company. It's an antioxidant and contains omega 6 fatty acids. I swear by the stuff."
Reminder on Bully Shedding:
Another 'thumbs up' for Omega Fatty Acids
From: Priscilla,
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2004 11:06 PM
Subject: Omega Fatty Acids
Hey....just read the thing on omega fatty acids...when Timmy was a year or so old the hair on her back was so thin in spots she looking like she was balding....she's been on omega three fatty acids (or as we call them "fish pills") ever since....she loves them...she thinks they are treats and comes running when i tell her it's time for her fish pill....the vet said something about the way some bulldogs utilize fatty acids in their diets and that they need the extra supplement.....i have noticed now that she's older that even if i don't give them to her for awhile her hair stays nice and thick.
You're The Bully Parent!!!
To your vet your Bully is only a dog, but it is much more to you, so ensure that the treatment your vet is giving "your baby" is CORRECT!! If your Bully is sick, take charge of its recovery process by being knowledgeable about every detail of what has transpired.
- Get copies of the medical records, compile a medical history especially of the current illness. What drugs have the doctors used? Validate via the Internet that the strength and length of time are correct. (I always request that my Bullies get the maximum dose of any drug because they are seldom sick and when they are it is serious.)
-Research the Internet for any new medicines, techniques or information of which your vet might not be aware.
-Put your Bully on vitamin and mineral supplements to help it's immunity system fight off the illness. Plan out the supplement regimen (Dr. Wendell O. Belfield, a San Jose, CA veterinarian www.belfield.com) and ask your vet if they know of any negative impact the supplements would cause.
- Join an online Support Group. These groups are most often "pro-active" and can relate to you their experience, their research, etc.
You can do all of this without being rude and a good vet will appreciate your deep interest and understanding of the situation.If your vet gets offended, find yourself a new vet. You have a right to ask questions, get answers and make suggestions. You are paying the bill.
Understand that vets are people, some are good and some are not. Some are quick to blame a continued illness on genetics and therefore the breeder, so they will not look incompetent. Look at Jeb's story as an example of misdiagnosis. A good way to get rid of a problem is to get rid of the Bully, i.e. put it down. In situations where it actually is genetics, the breeder may or may not be at fault. While visiting Mississippi State University Veterinary School, one of the professors of radiology told me they had been working with a breeder of Champion Labs and discovered that in her bloodline hip dysplasia skipped 5 generation!!!
Then again, unfortunately there are breeders who are only doing it for the money and do not care about genetics or the quality of the puppies. I've had my share of disappointments in pups that I have purchased. (I thought surely I could trust the word of a retired vet. I should have trusted my instincts!!!) BUT that is another situation altogether, your primary objective should be ensuring that everything that can be done is being done to get your "baby" well. DO NOT EXPEND VITAL ENERGY POINTING FINGERS AND ACCUSING, WHEN YOUR BULLY'S WELL BEING IS AT STAKE. There is time enough for that after your Bully's situation has been resolved.
Inter digital Cysts
http://www.homestead.com/bulldogsworld/DigitCyst.html
Interdigital cysts are actually a cellulitic form of deep tissue pyoderma (skin infection). Cellulitus is a condition in which inflammatory fluids are forced into the tissues, rather than being discharged on the surface. Interdigital cysts are characterized as a firm, nodular thickening of the interdigital web. These cysts generally exhibit active stages of deep draining tracts of large pustules in one or more interdigital spaces.
Interdigital pyoderma tends to be chronic in nature, therefore a thorough search for the underlying cause is essential. This search can consist of skin scrapings, bacterial cultures and sensitivity tests. Most often the causative factors are found to be infection with staphylococci, ingrown hairs or blockage of a sebaceous gland. Though in some cases a genetic predisposition is suspected, which will necessitate intermittent lifelong antibiotics to control the symptoms. In some cases, the cyst is removed under general anesthesia followed up by appropriate antibiotics.
In many cases, interdigital cysts can be alleviated, if only temporarily, by home treatment. Home treatment should not be attempted by novices, it is however a step available to those experienced in dogs and the possible repercussions of interdigital cysts. The following is a brief outline of one fairly successful home treatment course.
a) first thoroughly clean the area.
b) soak the paw in warm water with Epsom Salts. Some people find it easiest to soak all 4 feet at the same time by standing the dog in a bath tub.
c) Do not allow the dog to drink the water.
d) Soak for approximately 10 minutes.
e) Dry area thoroughly.
f) apply Panalog ointment to the area. or use preparation H.
g) repeat daily until swelling has been gone for 3 days.
This problem appears as a red swelling that pops up between the dogs toes.
This was sent to me by a person who asked for assistance then found the article on the Internet. Their vet had drained the fluid in the lumps and then stitch him back up charging them $500 (Great Scott!!!), but the cysts just came right back.
I don't' see that #1 Or #2 could cause a problem, but ask your Vet if in doubt.
Does your Bully have loud breathing
If so it could have a heat stroke, so please read the following information
This first article is a good explanation of the respiratory system. Please read the last paragraph carefully.
www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1609&articleid=515
The palate is the top of the mouth and when it is too fleshy (elongated) it obstructs the intake of air. The following article explains this very well.
http://www.barkbytes.com/medical/med0026.htm
'Tis The Season - For Skin Rash/Infections
With all the rain we have had!!!
Warning: Many dogs are allergic to Febreeze, it makes them break out in hives.
Click Here
Ear Cleaning Solution
Contribution From Beth Glowacki, Bully Owner:
-My Vet recommends the following to prevent Ear Infection: Equal parts of peroxide, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Used on a weekly basis, you'll never get mites or infection."
I have more complicated recipes for the actual Treatment & Prevention of Ear Problems but this is a preventive and so very simple everyone could use it!!
New Bully Food & Water Information
Experience and $433 in vet bills taught me that a sudden change in water (chemicals such as chlorine or minerals as iron etc.) can stress a Bullies digestive system causing severe diarrhea, of course the same is true of food.
New Bullies need to be kept on the same food they were being feed by the former owner and given only bottled water for a minimum of 10 days, then slowly begin to introduced your tap water while monitoring the stool to insure you are not rushing the process. If it's food needs to be changed because it has been feed one of inferior quality make the same slow switch.
Please do not consider Purina Puppy Chow an inferior food. We will discuss this product later at length. We use a lot of it for very sound, tested by us, reasons.
Bully Baby Umbilical Cord Hernias
We been given the following suggestions to help prevent hernias after a c-section - "tie off the umbilical cords with a thread rather that using the heavy clamps that most vets use, also some breeders use hair pins". I say either method is worth a try - Judy
Emergency C-Section!!!
Click Here
Cherry Eye!!!! Redness in the corner of the eye next to the nose.
Click Here
Hip Dysplasia Scare!!!! This is a lesson worth sharing.
Click Here
Please use harnesses on bulldogs!!!!!
Click Here
Medical Alert!!!
We got a call today from a friend who happen to notice her Bully mouthing her shrub. Quick action and plant identification saved her Bully's life. It had eaten 4 berries and would have died of what would have appeared to be a heart attack. If you have these plants in your yard please get rid of them.
Japanese Yew
Common Shrub In Northern USA
Can Kill Your Bully!!!
Go To:
www.purina.ca/petdetail.asp?row1=home&row2=dogs&row3=healthcare&ContID=19
For Additional Information On Plant Identification!!!!
Listing Of Other Poisonous And Deadly To Your Pet Plants:
Azalea
Belladona,Catura,Jenbane,Jessamine,Jimsonweed
Caladium,Dieffenbachia,Philodendron
Crown of Thorns/English Ivy
Daffodil,Tulip,Wisteria Bulbs
Foxglove
Larkspur
Lily of The Valley
Monkshood
Oleander
Holly
Jerusalem Cherry
Nightshade
Lily
Mother-In-Laws Tongue (aka snake plant)
Rhubarb
Seeds and pits of Apple,Apricot,Cherry,Peach,and Hydrangea
Walnut Hulls
Yew
source: The First Aid companion for Dogs and Cats by Amy D Shojai
>Feeding English Bulldogs
2-6 months feed softened Puppy Formulated Food (I recommend Purina Puppy Chow). Feed them 3-4 times daily and ALL they will eat at each feeding.
7-12 months, softened puppy food, feed 2 times daily ALL they will eat!!!!
13-24 months, dry puppy formulated is OK (soaked is better), 2 times daily ALL they will eat!!!! Best however is to Free Feed, having dry food available at all times.
I have raised more Bullies than your Vet or the Food Manufacturer and I know for a fact that Bullies need plenty of food and nutrients to fully develop their big heads, wide chests and big bones!!! The only reason to cut back (fat content not volume of food) would be because your 13-24 month old is FAT. Young pups will have growing spurts and need to be beefy!!! Also if not fed enough, their bodies and minds are not satisfied causing them to be TOO active/hyper, which then becomes a life long trait!!
(Think about your own restless emotions when on a diet!!)
Puppyhood is a time of rapid growth and development. As such, puppies require nearly double the amount of nutrients per pound of food than do older dogs. Puppies need higher levels of nutrients that are not available in regular dog food. Because of their special nutritional needs, your puppy should only receive puppy food for the first year. Most dog food manufacturers offer a special formula for puppies that is higher in protein (28%-30%), and enriched with the fat soluble and water soluble vitamins, minerals, fats, and other essentials your growing puppy needs. (The above information courtesy of www.peteducation.com)
Since all of our Bullies are very robust, when they show symptoms of being ill (loss of appetite, weight loss, etc.) it can turn serious in a hurry, therefore we take them to our Vet immediately.
Meanwhile, we constantly consult
www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/
and
http://www.peteducation.com
for answers to our questions and when responding to inquiries from people visiting our website.
Things your dog should not eat:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1276&articleid=1030
Since even Vets don't have all the answers to perplexing, minor problems, we will be posting e-mails from people who have found an answer to their particular problem, in hopes of helping others who encounter it.
Subj: Bully Allergy
Date: 3/1/02 2:39:34 PM Central Standard Time
From: AF Calli
To: BullieGirl
Hello Judy, It's been along since I last spoke to you. I hope that everything is alright Jenni is doing well, we narrowed down her allergic reaction down to Purina Small Bites.
Note Prior Reports of Allergies to: Purina One Lamb & Rice, Nutro, Natures Choice Lamb & Rice Puppy Food
Subj: Bully Acne
Date: 1/27/02 4:24:38 PM Central Standard Time
To: BullieGirl
Well, it was the plastic bowl he was drinking out of! I got him a ceramic bowl and within a week his chin cleared up. Weird isn't it? That is my first experience with a dog that was allergic to a plastic drinking bowl. Anyway, he looks much better now.
What to Put In Your Canine FIRST AID KIT
contributed by Anne McGuire
Email: vintage@flash.net
Copyright (1995)© by Anne V. McGuire. May be reprinted, whole and unedited, for distribution free of charge and for educational purposes only. Ms Mcguire has A Golden Retriever
Assembling a canine first aid kit for home or travel use is fairly simple. In fact, its pretty easy to assemble a kit that will serve both human and canine members of your family!
Before reading further, know that I am NOT a veterinarian. The contents of my first aid kit were assembled using common sense and my experiences with my own dogs. Dosage information listed here comes from the Merck Manual or from my own veterinarian.
***PLEASE consult your own vet about appropriate uses and doses before giving your dog any of these medications. Also be sure to become familiar with the side effects and Adverse Reactions before using any of these medications -- while they are considered fairly safe and are not prescription medications, there may be some dogs that will react badly to some of these drugs.***
The first thing you need for a good first aid kit is a suitable container. We use a fishing tackle-type box. On the outside, with permanent marker, label the box "First Aid" on all sides -- in an emergency someone else might have to locate and use this kit. Tape to the inside of the box lid, a card with the following information:
Your name, address, phone#
Name & phone# of someone to contact, in an emergency, who will take care of your dogs if you are incapacitated
Your dog's names and any information about any medications they take, any allergies or significant medical conditions they have
Name & phone# of your vet
Also tape to the inside of the box lid, a card with a list of common medications, their general dosages, and the specific dose for the weights of your own dogs:
For example:
Benadryl 1-2mg per lb, every 8 hrs (65lb dog, 2-4 25mg tablets every 8 hrs)
Aspirin 5 mg per lb every 12 hrs (1 325mg tablet per 65lb dog per 12 hrs)
Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting: 1-3 tsp every 10 min until dog vomits
Pepto Bismol 1 tsp per 5lb per 6 hours (3-4 TBSP per 65 lb dog per 6 hrs)
Kaopectate 1 ml per 1 lb per 2 hours (3-4 TBSP per 65 lb dog, 2 hrs)
Immodium 1 mg per 15 lbs 1-2 times daily
Mineral oil (as a laxative) 5-30 ml per day..do not use long-term
(NOTE: my dogs both weigh about 65 lb. YOURS may differ.
List the actual doses needed for your OWN dog's weights. This way they are quickly and easily available and you don't have to be searching for a calculator or trying to recall from memory when your dog needs medication.)
NEVER EVER give Tylenol (toxic to liver) or ibuprofen (Nuprin, Motrin, Advil, etc.). Ibuprofen is very toxic and fatal to dogs at low doses. Only aspirin is safe for dogs, and buffered aspirin or ascriptin is preferred to minimize stomach upset.
Check with your vet to confirm dosages before using. If symptoms persist, consult your vet ASAP -- do NOT continue to try to treat at home, the problem might be more serious than you think!
Give liquid medications using an oral syringe tucked into the side of the dog's mouth, holding jaws closed (rather than poking straight down the throat and risking getting liquid into the lungs).
ALERT!!! Some Christmas Ornaments Can Kill Your Dog !!!!!
"Snow Globes" are filled with ethylene glycol, otherwise known as antifreeze, which is DEADLY to your dog. Last year an owner lost her dog to kidney failure after licking up what came out of a broken Snow Globe.
From the Straight Poop Newsletter *** If in doubt, see your vet! *** *** Your dog's health is too precious to play gotta-save-money guessing games with! Remember first aid is just that -- the "first" aid given as you get the patient to a doctor for proper medical attention. ***
