Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 12/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 year old bulldog that has been through it all. He had knee surgery when he was one and his throat collapsed so he had to have throat surgery. He still gags and vomits all the time we have tried different foods and none of them seem to help.  He now has sores on the bottom of his 2 front paws that will not heal, we soak them in betadine everyday.  I dont know what else to do is he just a problem dog?

ANSWER: Oh, Thanks for the cute photo of Piston!  What a bullie face!
Yes, I would love to help you.  What are you feeding him now :  brand and flavor?
Also, any current  medications or supplements ?
Let me know and I can help you two.

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am feeding him Iams with Prebionics lamb and rice now, we were feeding him royal canine bulldog formula.  We do mix soft canned food with it because he won't eat it unless we do. All through his surgeries we were giving him medicated food from the vet.  He is currently not taking any supplements. Should he be?

Answer
Melina, I would not continue the betadine soak every day.  Too harsh on his paws.
I would place him on a Baking Soda Wash 1 x per day for 1 week.  After the week, just do 2 x per week long term.
You will need to pour cups of baking soda and warm water over his paws.
The best way is to fill up the tub 1/4 the way with warm water.  Then add 1/8 to 1/4 of a cup of pure baking soda to the tub water and mix with your hand.
Have him stand in that for 5 minutes - then rinse the paws with just warm water.
This if very healing ....

Next - Please buy some EMT gel - you can find this at a hunter supply store or even some pet stores - it is placed on the wound and helps to heal while protecting the paw.
It is like an invisible bandage - you can replace the get every 1-2 days.
http://naturmix.com/pages/products/EMTGel.html


Last - Please get this boy onto the NuVET Plus wafers - this will help with healing - help to get rid of the inflammation response you mentioned and ingrown hairs.
This is a skin healer and allergy blaster.  Will help to re-build the weak immune system and repair the paws.
Ask for the NuVET Plus wafers - Start with 2 per day for the first 30 days and then go down to 1 per day long term....
The bottles are 20.00; 39.00 and 55.00  ( With my order code 81098, you can get 15% off when you call in.)
1-800-474-7044
Also, here is my bulldog page for NuVET -

http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html

They Guarantee results in less than 60 days or your money back.
All Natural and Holistic....
NOT sold in stores / this is an exclusive holistic product
So, give them a call today:  Make sure they know PET Nurse Marie wants you to start out on the 2 per day......*****


With the BAKING soda bath, EMT gel and the NuVET, we would be able to heal this bullie!
YOU may even want to look for some tube socks ( toddler ) or toddler slipper socks - for when he goes out to potty or for a walk ( just when the areas are open)
They sell dog booties at  the Handicapped dog site.
Google in handicapped dogs.com?  something like that:  GREAT site for all kinds of dog booties, shoes and even socks.

We can leave the food alone for now.  I think a change is in order down the road.  Changing to a grain-free food will be helpful for his skin....
Let's wait on any food change for a month or so.
Contact me after he starts the NuVET - Baking Soda, and EMT gel.
Give me an update in 30 days...



KEEP me posted
Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net

here is what it looks like: