Hot Spots in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

Hot Spots in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs (also known as “bulldog moist dermatitis” or “bulldog moist eczema”) is a condition that can be caused by multiple factors.

Hot Spots in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PRESENTATION:

A bulldog hotspot typically presents as a focal area on your bulldog’s skin that appears

• Sticky hair
• Ulcertively inflamed
• Dark red, discolored.
• Infected, purulent
• Intense itch
• Painful

Hot Spots in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs TRIGGER:

Bulldog hotspot is typically triggered by an itchy irritant, examples are:

FLEAS: Bulldog flea bite allergy

INSECT BITE: Arthropods like a spider bite, ant bites, etc.

ALLERGIC REACTION: an allergic reaction often to plants, trees, grass, or food)

SKINFOLD DERMATITIS:  dampness and moisture provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, such as bulldog skin fold dermatitis.

The initial reaction is an inflamed area that is usually itchy and painful, triggering an intense bite & scratch cycle in the affected area.

The self-trauma compounds the initial inflammation. It further intensifies the discomfort and itch leading to an infection (pyoderma).

Hot Spots in Bulldogs LOCATION:

Hot Spots can occur all over the body, but one of the most common areas is under the flap of the ear and neck.

Bulldogs, are predisposed to hot spots due to the abundance of moist skin folds around the face and head, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

Hot Spots in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PAIN WARNING:

Bulldog Hotspot is due to persistent biting and scratching at a particular area of the skin.

Your bulldog might appear to be sensitive to touch. You should carefully check the area for redness, bleeding, pus, and infection.

Remember, this condition is extremely painful, so you must be careful about how you approach and handle the medical care at that site.

Hot Spots in Bulldogs TREATMENT:

BULLDOG HOT SPOT CLIP & CLEAN:

We usually try to clip away the fur surrounding the area of irritation.

BULLDOG HOT SPOT SCRUB & RINSE:

Carefully and completely clean the area with a topical antiseptic rinse that will help kill the bacteria and alleviate the infection.

like Dr. Kraemer’s:

• Bully Skinfold  Antiseptic Rinse
• Bully Antiseptic Wipe
• Bully Antiseptic Lotion
• Bully Hot Spot Spray
• V4B Bully Antiseptic Extra Strength Shampoo

 

BULLDOG HOT SPOT CORTISONE TREATMENT:

We often inject some form of cortisone to help reduce the pain, itch, and inflammation.

BULLDOG HOT SPOT ANTIBIOTICS MEDICINE: 

We often prescribe or inject an antibiotic to combat bacterial infection (pyoderma).

BULLDOG HOT SPOT E-CONE:

Hot Spots in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs generate intense itch, thus an Elizabethan collar (cone) helps prevent further self-trauma and irritation of the area during the healing process.

It is important that we determine the cause of the hotspot.

Does your bulldog and/or French bulldog need to be treated regularly for fleas?

Is your bulldog and/or French bulldog allergic to a particular plant growing outside your home?

Do you need to clean your bulldog skin folds more often?

Are you treating it with the wrong product?

Are you treating yourself often enough?

Once you have answers to these questions, you can take preventive action such as a flea preventative, allergy control, or skin fold care.

Preventive care helps avoid re-occurrence, and it promotes a happier, healthier pet.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE

*This guide was compiled courtesy of Dr. Kraemer, a “must-read” manual for any current or future bully owner