Need assistance with advice for Max

Max'sDad

New member
Dec 7, 2017
10
17
New York
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Maximus
Hello All,

I am the Dad of Max, who is 5 yrs old. I have read threads in the past but have always been reluctant to respond. Unfortunately we too have felt the ups and downs with owning a Bulldog. Everything was good at first, then Max had developed eyelid Entropion and needed surgery. That was all taken care of. Later that year he was at a vet recommended dog boarder and suffered an attack as a result of being left too long in a dryer. He nearly passed because his esophagus almost closed and had to be rushed to an emergency room. (Never again will I leave him at a boarder.) Shortly after Max was diagnosed with Epilepsy and now takes Phenobarbital as a result of monthly seizures. If that wasn't enough earlier this year he suffered a dislocated spinal disc, we believe as a result of going up and down steep steps while visiting my son's college apartment. He became paralyzed so I took him to a Neurology specialist who gave him a strong dose of steroids and said hopefully if Max is able to move and walk in a day or two, then he will not be paralyzed. Thank god that was the case.
I can deal with all of that, Max has become like my son, what I'm at a loss of is answers for the skin condition he developed a year ago. See attached photos. His veterinarian is really good. He tried several pills, creams and finally we had a skin graph done which diagnosed the Staph infection. Having no luck with a cure with my regular Vet., I decided to take Max to a Dermatology Specialist. As you may know they charge 3 to 4 times the amount per visit. But again the Dermatologist was nice and understanding, said he could cure Max. I have gone through this ritual off medicated baths, MiconaHex+Triz mousse that I apply daily. Shots, mite applications, steroids given orally. We have been to he specialist 4 times now and Max's skin has improved but has never been ride of the patches of dry skin missing.
I am so frustrated and feel for Max so much. I don't bring him around other dogs so that people won't feel their dog will get what he has.
So I'm reaching out in hopes that maybe someone knows of a Dermatologist who is near New York and has had success with this skin disorder. Or I would appreciate if any one has had this situation with their Bulldog and has found a remedy that actually worked.

Thanks in advance,
Max'sDad

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1Chumly

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Feb 19, 2015
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Houston, TX
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Buster 2013-2023 Monty 6/2010 - 1/2020 Chumly 2002-2014
Aww, poor boy. So sorry he is going through this. If you don't feel he is improving and want to take him elsewhere, do you have a veterinary teaching college near you? They are the ones that teach all the vets that we go to so it could be worth a shot. You may have a bit of a wait for an appointment though. Please keep us updated. Good luck.
 

helsonwheels

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Jan 10, 2016
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Nyala, Jake (R.I.P. Duke)
Great advice from @1Chumly.

You need to build his immune system. With all the meds he took itā€™s normal his system is shot. A Raw diet would be better than kibbles n if you canā€™t simply start using raw organs as a topper everyday. Also wild caught whole frozen fish, beef heart, liver etcā€¦.He needs a good source of probiotics n prebiotic in him. šŸ‘
 

ddnene

EBN's SWEETHEART aka our little GOOB
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Jun 19, 2013
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Willow (2015) Walter (2014-22) Winston (2012-13) Wellie (2012-13) Bella (2007-13)
I agree w/@helsonwheels

I think a good diet would definitely help... my Walter has lost his fur due to seasonal alopecia, but it has always come back. My daughter would actually put coconut oil on his patches, and I swear that seemed to stimulate this hair growth. Good luck, and please keep us posted!!!
 
OP
Max'sDad

Max'sDad

New member
Dec 7, 2017
10
17
New York
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Maximus
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Great advice from @1Chumly.

You need to build his immune system. With all the meds he took itā€™s normal his system is shot. A Raw diet would be better than kibbles n if you canā€™t simply start using raw organs as a topper everyday. Also wild caught whole frozen fish, beef heart, liver etcā€¦.He needs a good source of probiotics n prebiotic in him. šŸ‘
Like you for the advice. There is a Vet College a few hours away but when I looked it up they didn't say anything about dermatology disorders. But maybe it's worth a call to them.
I also read several people talk about changing his diet and the advantage of probiotics.
I'm going to take a shot at that.
Thanks for your advice.
Happy Holidays
 

helsonwheels

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2016
13,066
2,370
Alberta
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Canada
Bulldog(s) Names
Nyala, Jake (R.I.P. Duke)
Like you for the advice. There is a Vet College a few hours away but when I looked it up they didn't say anything about dermatology disorders. But maybe it's worth a call to them.
I also read several people talk about changing his diet and the advantage of probiotics.
I'm going to take a shot at that.
Thanks for your advice.
Happy Holidays
@ddnene also has given you great advice regarding coconut oil as it does restore hair. It basically helps to reduce the protein loss in the hair cause itā€™s very rich in lauric acid so it penetrates better in the skin/scalp. Good for humans so good for dogs.

At the same time your dog will smell better šŸ˜
 
OP
Max'sDad

Max'sDad

New member
Dec 7, 2017
10
17
New York
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Maximus
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I'd like to thank all who have given suggestions. I just bought a fish based kibble instead of his venison and a raw food topper. I'm also ordering some probiotic supplements for Max and going to start applying the coconut oil today. Time to take matters proactively and hopefully I'll find the solution.
Thanks again guys
 

tigertanktoo

Active member
Mar 31, 2019
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SW Georgia
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United States
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Gabe - EBD 7 yrs old and Charlie - Cockerspaniel 15 yrs old
Good luck and here's hoping it all goes well for you and especially for Max.
 

helsonwheels

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2016
13,066
2,370
Alberta
Country
Canada
Bulldog(s) Names
Nyala, Jake (R.I.P. Duke)
I'd like to thank all who have given suggestions. I just bought a fish based kibble instead of his venison and a raw food topper. I'm also ordering some probiotic supplements for Max and going to start applying the coconut oil today. Time to take matters proactively and hopefully I'll find the solution.
Thanks again guys
Let us know how it goes. I personally prefer probiotics in food sources. Example, fermented sauerkraut or fermented veggies. Make sure itā€™s sold in the fridge section. Just a thought šŸ‘
 

2BullyMama

I'm not OCD....now who moved my bulldog?
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Jul 28, 2011
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Chelios (Frenchie), Nitschke (2004-2011) Banks (2005-2014) and Lambeau (2014-2024)
Agree with all the advice hereā€¦. better food and a great probiotic
 

oscarmayer

Have Bulldog Will Travel
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Jan 20, 2016
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Cephalexin is the GoTo drug for Staph infection. His Staph looks advanced. He would require a minimum of 8 weeks. Subsidize that with Douxo Mousse daily on the affected areas. Once under control, the aforementioned suggestions concerning probiotics and immune system healing will help keep the Staph from returning.
 

oscarmayer

Have Bulldog Will Travel
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Jan 20, 2016
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VA
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Bulldog(s) Names
Lala, Chesty, Winky, Waggles, Moose, and rescue Peggy(soon to be placed)
...what kind store would have that?
we get our sauerkraut(Boar's Head) from the Deli section at local Harris Teeter. What the dogs don't eat, I do!
 

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