Tail Pocket Issues

[Shiny Thach]

Hi All, I recently signed up on this site after referring to it many times for issues that I have run into with my bully, Mr. Rondo. I am a first-time bully owner and knew that an english bulldog would need a lot of TLC but I don't think I really knew what I was getting into!

Rondo will be turning one on May 25th =] The first issue I ran into was with him itching/scratching and realized it could be food allergies. Upon switching his food, I saw some improvements with the itching but then tear stains developed. I tried Angels' Eyes and it miraculously worked, but the side effects were far worse Rondo developed an ear infection, acne, and his tail pocket was very much infected. After stopping the Angels' Eyes, his ear infection went away immediately and his pimples have also went away... now I am left with this tail pocket issue. I have read several articles/forums offering advice on what to do but I am just at a loss. My boyfriend and I have tried to keep up with keeping the tail pocket clean and dry but it continues to bleed and scab up. It isn't even under his tail pocket; it is actually right in the middle of his tail (his tail is more like a knub since it is so short). His fur is slowly fading away and I am actually starting to see raw skin. It is so heart breaking and I am not sure what I should do. I have read stories about amputating his tail and the vet even suggested it if it becomes a problem. I really do not want to amputate it because I fear the worse, bc this vet is no specialist... he's miserable and all momma wants to do is make him feel better... Any advice, please?

 

[LisaMarie]

Amputation should be a last resort. What are you feeding your EB? I know that Desertskybulldogs has recomended in the past Panagol(not sure if I spelled it right) but you need a prescription for it. This might be an infection and you might need to go to your vet to make sure. What I do with Mocha is clean once a day (usually at nite) with Malacetic wipes and then dry the area very well and then I apply Golds Bond powder( the yellow bottle) on dry her tail to keep it dry. You should put a little bacitracin on it or Goodwinol ointment in the mean time before you get see your vet.

 

[IluvEnglishBulldogs]

How do you apply the Gold Bond Powder up there since there is no nozel on it.?

 

[karenben]

keep it as clean as possible ,ensure its dried thoroughly you can use hibiscrub, then apply nappy rash cream,once its clear then use some plain talcum powder fragrance free ,as pure as you can get it,also you can use dermacton cream you can buy it online its the best stuff ive ever used and all natural ingredients and promotes hair growth,good luck,karen

 

[TessaAndSamson]

How do you apply the Gold Bond Powder up there since there is no nozel on it.?

I have seen suggested on here to use a refillable ketchup bottle like this, I believe the tip might need to be cut a bit.

As for cleaning the tail pocktet. I clean Samson's tail pocket using Fort Dodge waterless shampoo sprayed on a gauze pad (or something similiar), then wiping with. Then drying the area. Followed with wiping with mal-a-ket wipes. Both of those items can be ordered on sites like amazon without a prescription. Over the weekend my vet suggested I try neo-predef topical powder for Samson's face wrinkles but she said it can also be used in his tail pocket. I think that might work better than gold bond because it is an anti-bacterial. You do have to have a prescription for it but I would ask your vet about it, if they don't carry it at your vet office you can buy it online at places like dr fosters & smith with a prescription from your vet.

What is Neo-Predef with Tetracaine?
Neo-Predef with Tetracaine is an antibacterial powder medication used to treat certain ear and skin infections or conditions.

Who is it for?
It is for dogs, cats and horses.

What are the benefits?
* Antibacterial powder with anti-inflammatory and soothing anesthetic effects
* Used for skin and ear infections, including acute otitis externa, acute moist dermatitis and inter-digital dermatitis
* Adheres well to moist surfaces

 

[LisaMarie]

@ilovenglishbulldogs , I put some on a small towel and then I pat the area with it. [MENTION=574]TessaAndSamson[/MENTION] , that is a great idea!!!

 

[kazzy220]

Maggie has a tail pocket and so far we have had no problems ......

Although, from what you say it's not the actual tail pocket that is the problem .. it's halfway along. Is it on the underside of the tail .. could your bully be pooping on it?

It may also be that you have finally got everything right, but that there is an infection there. so until you get the infection treated by going to a vet then it won't get better on it's own. That's just another thing to consider.

As for you not being happy with your vet. Look on the www.bca.org website and scroll down to recommended veterinarians. I believe there are a couple listed in columbus.. maybe more!

 

[Shiny Thach]

Hi All, thanks so much for your input! I appreciate it very much.

[MENTION=1710]LisaMarie[/MENTION] - When I got Rondo, he was eating Eukanuba. When I switched his food, I went from Fromm, to Nutrisource Grain-Free and now Orijen. Any reviews on Orijen? He seems to be doing well on it.
[MENTION=574]TessaAndSamson[/MENTION] - I would definitely like to try those wipes. Thanks!
[MENTION=959]kazzy220[/MENTION] - So glad Maggie has no issues! and yes, you are correct. I suppose it isn't technically the tail pocket itself but there is a lot of stinky gunk under there that I've had to clean and keep dry. I thought that could be the source of the problem which is where the redness is (right in the center of his tail). I will post a picture below.. sorry if it's graphic... Has anyone ever seen something like this before? and is it normal? As you can see, it is almost right in the center of tail, not within the pocket itself.

 

[LisaMarie]

[MENTION=2307]Shiny Thach[/MENTION] ,if you look in this forum there is a list of foods listed. They are the best that are out there now and they are also rated. I feed my bullie Natural Balance LID. It has worked for Mocha.They have many flavors and they are Grain free and they have a great line of treats. Many of our fellow members here use Fromm which also has great flavors and treats, and they love it and the bullies have thrive with it. When it comes to food its a matter of seeing what works best for your dog. Keep in mind that English Bulldogs have sensitive digestive systems and many suffer from allergies, so I would recomend a food that is grain free. Hope I was able to help.

 

[GatorRay]

I think I would take her to the vet to make sure there is no infection because there won't be anything to fix it except antibiotics if there is. Then, the suggestions for the powder are very good ones. You also might want to try douxo wipes which are just basically a chlorhexidine wipe. They are great to keep everything clean. They are an antiseptic wipe good for chin acne and wrinkles. I can't say enough about how wonderful they have been for the nose rope. I get them from the vet but you can buy them online without a script.

Sounds like the food has worked well. If she still has tear stains, you can use peroxide or a peroxide and cornstarch mix. I switched Gator to Fromm Beef Frittata and he is doing amazingly well with it. He has tear stains that are now fading with the food, but I am using peroxide on them to help them go away faster. Before the food switch, no matter what I did (even the peroxide), they just stayed the same.

 

[roanne9145]

If she seems in pain all the time I would get her tail amputated by an experience bulldog vet. It will make all the difference in the world for her. After the operation it takes about one week to start healing. Kind of scary but the difference is like night and day. My daughter had it done for her girl. Of course try everything else but if it all fails get it done it works.
Good Luck with your girl
Roanne

 

[NJBullyMommy]

So I might be a little behind here, but what is a tail pocket? Brutus barely has a tail...it's a little numb lol.

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

So I might be a little behind here, but what is a tail pocket? Brutus barely has a tail...it's a little numb lol.

Lol..yup I found out about that whole tail pocket thing here too! Up under tail..little hidden jewel area! From what I read..they come in ALL different depths..needs to be kept cleaned and dry. Jakes isn't too huge..yet! About 2 knuckles deep..and no problems..have fun exploring today!

 

[luvdogz]

Also, please remember that exercise is important to overall health - EVEN in the EB!! Exercise stimulates the circulatory system which is the blood flow and it's the blood that carrys healing fluids to the entire body.

Don't let your dog get overweight - keep him lean. Less food is more important than exercise! EB's get fat because they are in the house a lot and so they get treats. Don't give treats very often. Feed lightly.

Exercise is also very good for the emotional/mental health of your dog. My bully loves to go for walks. I do it at the crack of dawn in the summer but he's up and ready to go!

 

[luvdogz]

me again.

I just rescued a breeding female who is obese and has a pretty bad tail pocket. My first act was to spay her but now i'm going to get her weight back to a healthy place and see if this improves the tail pocket environment. She don't like the fat farm - LOL!