Itzel Yagual asked 1 week ago
French Bulldog with Non-Responsive Hot Spots and Skin Infection Needs Help
Suki, my French Bulldog, has been dealing with ongoing skin and allergy issues for the past two to three months.
Despite changing her food per our vet's recommendation, she is still experiencing hair loss, what appear to be hot spots, and yellow crusty patches — primarily around her neck and across her body.
She is itching somewhat less, but her skin condition has not improved.
She is still very young, and I am genuinely worried about her wellbeing.
Why Medication is Not Helping My Fr. Bulldog Skin Infection?
We have already tried Simparica, Apoquel, and hexaclor and a food transition, all of which have been a real financial stretch for our family.
What Bulldog Therapeutics Will Help My Bulldog Skin Problem?
I'm hoping you might be able to recommend some of your products that could help support her skin health and comfort at a more accessible price point.
Any guidance you could offer would mean so much — I truly don't know what else to do, and I want to make sure she gets the care she needs.
Thank you so much for your time and compassion. I look forward to hearing from you.
Itzel
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 1 week ago
Treating a French Bulldog with red patches, hair loss and hot spots
Hey Itzel & Suki! 💕
Poor Suki, nobody signed up for the itchy life! Let’s get that sweet girl comfy again.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s probably going on and what we should do next:
Could this be a skin infection?
ANSWER: Yes, it very likely is a bacterial skin infection.
But here’s the thing, bacteria are usually the “uninvited guests” that show up after something else (like allergies) starts the itch party.
Are the current medications enough?
ANSWER: As you already noticed, not quite.
Most of what you’re using right now targets fleas and itching, but we’re still missing strong support against the actual bacteria and yeast.
So we’re only fighting half the battle.
What should we do before buying more meds?
ANSWER: Great question! Let’s be smart about this.
I recommend two quick, low-cost in-house tests first:
- Skin scrape: to check for mites (demodex, sarcopit)
- Skin cytology: a quick microscope check for bacteria, yeast, and other clues
This way, we stop guessing and start treating the right problem.
Could food allergies be playing a role?
ANSWER: Possibly!
You mentioned a diet change, but you did not mention which food or how long the trial lasted.
A proper food elimination trial can be super helpful to diagnose food allergy.
Atopic (environmental) allergies are actually more common in dogs like Suki, though.
What are the photos of the skin suggest overall?
ANSWER: Classic Allergy + Secondary Infection combo.
The itching and widespread redness, angry skin, skin lesions, and only partial improvement are very typical of this.
Dr. Kraemer what is the next step?
ANASWER: Here’s our game plan:
- Cytology: Do the cytology test as soon as possible
- Antibiotics: Start targeted antibiotics based on what we see under the microscope
- Medicated Shampoo: Keep using the medicated shampoo
- Non Shampoo Days: on non-bath days use:
Consider complementing the bully medicated topicals with therapeutic supplements:
MONY SAVING TIP: we offer bundles that combine the topical and supplements at a discounted price.
What if the skin problem doesn’t improve?
ANASWER: If we’re still not seeing good progress, we’ll go deeper with a bacterial culture or even a skin biopsy if needed.
Non improving Fr. Bulldog Skin Problem Question Final thought:
Think of it like this. something started the fire (allergies), bacteria moved into the house, and now we’re putting out the flames the smart way!
Keep me updated on how Suki’s doing. I’m rooting for her to get back to her happy, zoomies-full, non-itchy self very soon! 🐾
Best of Luck
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
