PerCYSTence

There are sometimes its tough being a bulldog.  Wonderful little creatures that they are, the package comes with it's share of inherent problems.  Owning a Frenchie is a good way to ensure a close relationship with your vet, although I'll dare to say we've been pretty lucky so far.  Apart from some eye and face-fold issues that we will always have to treat on a daily basis, the other problem that persistently (or should I say perCYSTently?) bothers Brutus are interdigital cysts.

Bulldogs and some other breeds have prickly little hairs that grow in between their toes.  It seems to happen more in the summer, but cysts form around the hair follicles and can get pretty ugly.  They must look worse than they feel, as Brutus is almost never noticeably bothered by the cysts.  That being said, he is more than happy to let me soak the affected foot - he often falls asleep while I'm doing the Epsom salt soak - in fact he's snoring away now as I type, with one foot in the water.  I'm guessing it must feel good!

We're about 2 weeks in to treating two cysts on his right front foot.  Twice daily soaks, plus an anti-inflammatory/antibiotic application.  Lots of activity seems to aggravate them, but just try to convince Brutus that he can't do his usual amount running and jumping.  Easier said than done!! 

If you biggify that photo above, you can see the cyst (as well as the prickly little hairs I was mentioning) on the toe my thumb is holding.  You can't see the second one, but it's right by the nail bed on his last toe.  Poor guy, what a bummer.  Good thing my little Frenchie is a tough cookie, there's a great big world out there, and Brutus wants to be sure he doesn't miss a thing!