Monday, August 23, 2010

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! 

21 comments:

Nubbin' Tails said...

We know all about close relationships with your vet. Is every other day for 2+ months too much? Is it bad when your vet reads your blog?

Glad to see you are taking your treatments like a man.

Wags!

Mr. Nubbin'

Scooter said...

Awww brutus.
Sorry to hear about the cysts on your paws. Hoepfully the soaks and meds will help it to heal and you might as well get some extra attention while you can. Hang tight and be still so it all will go away.

wags
Jazzi

houndstooth said...

I've never heard of that, but now I'm going to be paranoid about it! It doesn't look like much fun!

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

Yep. We know all about that 'close relationship with your vet' thing, too (although with 2 youngsters in the house, I haven't been seeing our vet as much as I did with the Methuselahs in the house)! Poor guy - I'm glad they don't seem to bother him, but that's a pretty funny picture with him happily soaking his foot! ;-)

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Family

Sonic said...

Poor Brutus! Be careful of soaking your paw though... The Beagle from down the road told me that if you put a dog's paw into water while he sleeps, he'll end up peeing himself.

I haven't tried it before, though.

Sonic

Stephanie said...

Hmmm, my Boston has never had this problem, but then again, I don't think I've ever looked between her toes. Now I think I'll check her toes tonight.

Tucker said...

Aw, sorry about your boo boo little buddy. You'll be fine, just don't lick it or the hoomans may put you in the cone of shame.

woof - Tucker

Maxmom said...

Get better soon, Brutus!
Lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SA

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We spend way too much time and money at our vets too, but we are always glad they are there for us. Those toesies look like they could be very sore. Good mom to take such good care of your Frenchie:)

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Anonymous said...

You sure are tough, Brutus! Sometimes I get weird little thingies on my muzzle near my whiskers. In fact, I've got one now! I wonder if it's a cyst? My mom says she's giving it one more week and then taking me to the - gulp! - V.E.T. I sure hopes it goes away. Do you thinks I could soak my muzzle in Epson Salts?

Hope your cysts go away real soon!

Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie

Kari in Alaska said...

Im glad it doesn't seem to cause him any pain. I hope they go away soon.

Don't forget, we moved to http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh Brutus you poor baby. What a big boy keep your feets in the soaking stuff. Mom has spent 41718175177875 dollars at the dermatologist with my Lily. Yep, us Frenchie..gotta love us. Feel better big boy.
Benny & Lily

Pat Wahler said...

Sounds like a nice foot spa would be quite useful!

Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com

Taffy said...

Hmmmmm....sounds to me like Brutus just likes getting a pedi and has found a way to get one every day ;o)
I've been visiting the vet almost weekly lately trying to figure out what is wrong with me and honestly, I'm sick of it! So, we understand.
Snuggles,
Twix

Lorenza said...

Ouchie! I hope it is not too much painful!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

The Oceanside Animals said...

Sorry about your foot owies, Brutus!

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Grrrrreat... you decided to stay in Blogville!! I am very much happy about that...

SOOOOOOO when are you and Stella getting married????

Molly the Airedale said...

We hope your toe feels better soon, Brutus!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Wilma said...

Hi Brutus,
I sure hope your cyst is feeling better. Thank you for telling us about it. I think Sluggo may have had one of those a few months ago. It seems to have gone away. We will be more aware of them now.

Anita said...

awww Brutus what a bummer. That soak must feel good though.

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

What a good little patient he is. Those cysts seem like they would hurt, but us pooches know how to hide pain very well. Soak those tootsies Brutus!