Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 6/2/2008

Question
Do you have any clue what could be causing my American Bulldog's hind leg to become swollen with little red bumps? It has been bleeding from a few different areas and feels hot because of the inflammation. I have tried putting neosporin, but I think that only makes the sores on the outside feel better for awhile. We also soaked it in some Epsom salt (which is good for interdigital cysts they get) and I've tried a warm Epsom salt compress to see if that would draw out some of the infection. The worst thing is that we have had to put a cone on him because he won't stop licking and picking at it. We just moved to a new house and they (he has a brother) loved their new back yard, but suddenly about a week ago, they have become terrified of the back yard and won't leave the porch even if we have them on a leash. They still do not mind the front yard, which has the exact same grass. I don't see any bite marks, but wonder if it could be some kind of not-so-obvious parasite. Please let me know what your thoughts are on treatment and what we can do to get them in the yard again.

Answer
Jen:  Oh boy, your dog needs to get to the vet.  It sounds like a Cellulitus and he needs antibiotic therapy right away.  This can get into the blood stream and kill a dog.  I don't know any other way to say this.  He needs medical help right now.

As for the cause of the sores... it could be bug bites such as fleas?  Not sure.  Your vet should be able to tell you if they are bug bites. Something must have upset him and he associates the back yard with pain.

I am a big fan of home treatments!  In your case, I would see a vet ASAP and not continue with the home treatments.


I sure hope all goes well and you pal gets healed fast...


BEST of luck!


Marie of The Doggie Chalet Hotel
http://www.apluspetcare.com