Crusty Hyperkeratosis Nose In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs

Dr. Kraemer, My adorable bulldog is dealing with a crusty bleeding nose. I’d love your expertise to ensure I’m on the right track.  Any quick tips or product recommendations? Your advice means the world to us! 🌎❤️

Thanks a ton! 🙌 [Gayle and “Belichick”] #BulldogHealth #HyperkeratosisHelp🙏

Introduction to Crusty Dry Nose in Bullodg and Fr. Bulldogs:

Crusty dry nose and paw hyperkeratosis are more prevalent in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs than in other breeds.

Hyperkeratosis involves the overgrowth of keratin, a protein responsible for the formation of nails, hair, and the outer layer of the skin. Managing and addressing hyperkeratosis in these specific areas is crucial for maintaining these breeds’ overall well-being and comfort.

Proper management of this condition is essential for the health and comfort of Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. Regular care and attention can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications associated with hyperkeratosis.

• Can it be prevented?
• Is it contagious?
• How should it be treated?

Where I am Most Likely to Find Bulldog Dry Crusty Skin❓

➡️ Naso-plantar Hyperkeratosis: is the most common

1. the nose (naso)
2. the paw (plantar)

➡️ Other less common hyperkeratosis locations are:

1. ear tips
2. elbow callus

Bulldog Crusty Dry Hyperkeratosis Nose & Paw 5 X MUST KNOW❗

1. Hyperkeratosis is due to excess keratin production, genetics, and flat-face breed confirmation.
2. Most are mild and can be managed without a prescription.
3. The severe form might require topical antibiotics and pain management.
4. Treatment includes
   • bully naso-plantar balm
   • skin therapeutic supplements
   • antiseptic wipes or lotion
5. Prevention includes Dr. Kraemer’s Skinfold Care Bundles 

Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX

What Are the Contributing Factors to Bulldog Dry Crusted Nose and Paw❓

Factors Contributing to Hyperkeratosis:

➡️Genetics: Bulldogs and French Bulldogs may overproduce keratin due to their flat-faced conformation.

➡️Climate: Dry weather, allergies, and sun exposure can exacerbate the condition.

➡️Flat Face: The brachycephalic structure of these breeds can contribute to dryness and irritation, further promoting hyperkeratosis.

Crusty Hyperkeratosis Dry Nose in Bulldogs SYMPTOMS:

Many of you have seen a bulldog with a crusty, thick layer of keratinized skin over its nose and paw pads and wondered what it is.

1. MILD  DRY CRUSTY NOSE SYMPTOMS:

Most cases are mild, with only mild, benign

• Crusty nose or paw
• Chappy
• Fissured
• Thick callus

2. SEVERE DRY CRUSTY NOSE SYMPTOMS:

• Oozing
• Bleeding
• Deeply Fissured
• Painful
• Infected

Dry Crusty Paw Hyperkeratosis In Bulldogs SYMPTOMS:

Just like your bulldog’s dry nose, the paw might suffer from mild to more severe hyperkeratosis

➡️ MILD FORM: In its mild form, though unappealing, hyperkeratosis is typically benign and considered cosmetic and harmless.

➡️ SEVERE FORM: In contrast, the severe form represents an advanced stage where the condition may progress to “fracture,” fissure, or split, and in some instances, even bleed. These more pronounced changes can disrupt the natural keratinized protective skin barrier, potentially leading to infections and causing pain, especially when affecting the nose or paw pads.

As a result, your bulldog’s paw may become irritable, itchy, and painful, prompting the bulldog to lick it and potentially exacerbate the injury. Managing severe hyperkeratosis becomes crucial to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

What are the Crusty Nose and Paw Most Common Symptoms?

➡️ Nose: dry, cracked, crusty, and potentially painful, leading to rubbing and discomfort.

➡️ Paws: thickened, crusted paw pads potentially cracking and causing pain, limping, and difficulty walking.

• CRUST: Crusty thickens the keratinized layer of the nasal bridge or paw pads
• CRACKS: Cracked keratinized layer, often with dry blood
• PAIN: Pain and Discomfort
• ITCH: Licking and Rubbing
• LIMP: Limp if paw pads are affected
• INACTIVITY: Limping and inactivity if paws are affected.
• INFECTION: Active Infection in a severe case (deep cracks)

🚨A severe case of paw digital hyperkeratosis can also cause pain and lameness.

Crusty Dry Nose and Paw In Bulldogs and French Bulldogs CAUSE:

Normal Keratinization: Keratin helps make the top layer of skin and acts mostly as a protective barrier

• KERATOSIS:  is the normal production of keratin
• HYPERKERATOSIS: an overproduction of keratin

Hyperkeratosis happens when too much keratin is made.

1. DRY CRUSTY NOSE GENETIC CAUSE:

Nasal hyperkeratosis is much more common in bulldogs than in most other breeds, making genetics a likely cause.

2. BULLDOG HYPERKERATOSIS IDIOPATHIC CAUSE:

Hyperkeratosis’s cause is often unknown (idiopathic), but it is suspected that an inherited origin is involved.

3. CRUSTY DRY BULLDOG NOSE ANATOMICAL CAUSE:

Another reason could be a failure of the keratin to wear down due to the breed’s flat facial bones and smooshed face (brachycephalic).

4. BULLDOG PAW HYPERKERATOSIS ORTHOPEDIC CAUSE:

Uneven weight bearing is thought to be the cause of bulldog paw hyperkeratosis. In bulldogs, it is usually due to their abnormal conformation and breeds common orthopedic conditions, such as:

• Bulldog elbow dysplasia
• Bulldog ACL Tear
• MPL: Bulldog Medial Patella Luxation
• Bulldog hip dysplasia

5. BULLDOG CRUSTY BLEEDING NOSE AND PAW OTHER CAUSES:

• ZINK DEFICIENCY
• PEMPHIGUS: an autoimmune disease
• VIRAL: Canine Distemper
• IMMUNOLOGICAL: Immune incompetency
• CANCER

🚨Due to its genetic nature, bulldog nasal and digital hyperkeratosis is a condition that requires lifelong management and care

Nasal and Paw Crusty Hyperkeratosis In Bulldogs DIAGNOSIS

• Visual exam
• Culture: to rule out bacterial infection
• Biopsies in a severe case
• Distemper Test: viral test

How to Prevent Crusty Thicken Hyperkeratosis Bulldog Nose?

1. BULLDOG THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS

• Bully Skin & Coat DermaCare
• Bully Fish Oil: V4B Bully Fish Oil EFA
• Bully Skin & Coat: V4B Bully Dermal-Care
• Bully Immune Booster: V4B Bully Immune Support Formula
• Bully Multivitamins: V4B Bully Multivitamin (VIT E)
• Bully Comfort: V4B Bully Comfort & AchLess Formula
• Bully Joints & Bones:  V4B Bully Total Joint Support

2. BULLDOG AND FR. BULLDOG THERAPEUTIC TOPICALS:

• Bully Nose and Paw Balm:  V4B Naso-Plantar Bully Balm
• Bully Antimicrobial Wipes: like Dr. Kraemer’s V4b Bully Skinfolds Wipe
• Bully Antiseptic Gel and Lotion: like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B antiseptic or yeasty Gel and lotion
• Bully Antiseptic Spray and Rinse: like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B antiseptic Hot Spot

3. BULLDOG, CRUSTY NOSE, AND PAW CARE

1. Trimming and Shaving: Regularly checking and trimming the paw pads can help prevent excessive keratin buildup.
2. Hydrating and Lubricating Lubrication, Hydrating, and Emollients.
   • Ensuring your bulldog has an adequate water supply helps maintain skin hydration from the inside out.
3. Soaking: Paw soaking with Epson salt and antiseptic bully rinse
4. Hygiene: Good Hygiene
5. Keratolytic: ointments that include sulfa and salicylic acid that help break down the excess keratin
6. Weight Control: for paws/digit bully hyperkeratosis
7. Balanced Nutrition: Providing a well-balanced and nutritious diet supports overall skin health, which can contribute to preventing hyperkeratosis.
8. Avoid Harsh Elements: Protecting your bulldog from extreme weather conditions, such as excessive sun exposure or harsh cold, can minimize the impact on the skin.
9. Boots: dog booties to protect your bulldog’s paw pads from rough surfaces and extreme temperatures.

Crusty Nose In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs TREATMENT

1. ANTISEPTIC MEDICATION: if the site is infected, topical and oral antimicrobial and Antifungal
2. ANALGESICS: Pain medication
3. BANDAGE: Paw bandaging or boot
4. OINTMENT: Keratolytic ointments (sulfa and S. Acid)
5. COLD LASER THERAPY
6. SUPPLEMENTS: therapeutic supplements for pain relief like Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bully Comfort Formula
7. TOPICALS: therapeutic topicals like Dr. Kraemer’s antiseptic wipes and gel. And Bully Naso-Plantar Balm

Crusty Nose In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs: TIPS & WARNINGS

Below are Dr. Kraemer’s selected tips and warnings

#1 🩺 BULLDOG NOSE PETROLEUM GELLY TIP:

Petroleum gels are safe to use; for those concerned about licking and ingesting them, it’s only problematic in large amounts and high concentrations. These gels can temporarily create a barrier and trap existing moisture, helping to manage dryness and irritation.

#2 🩺 BULLDOG CRUSTY PAW HYDRATION TIP:

You can prime the area by socking the callused skin with lukewarm water. Softening the area by soaking it for around 10-15 minutes helps in several ways:

• Increased effectiveness: Makes the callus softer and easier to remove
• Reduced discomfort: Softer skin leads to a more gentle and comfortable experience during removal.
• Improved results: By removing dead skin more effectively, soaking can help prevent the callus from returning as quickly.

If the area is infected, mix with the water some of Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Antiseptic Rinse 

#3 🩺 BULLDOG CRUSTY NOSE COSMETIC TIP:

For the majority of Bulldogs, mild hyperkeratosis of the nose is primarily a cosmetic concern. In its mild form, this condition is typically not infected and causes minimal discomfort or irritation. Preventive measures and regular maintenance are often sufficient to manage mild hyperkeratosis.

Bully wipes and bully derm-care balm can be effective in keeping the nose moisturized and healthy.

#1 ⚠️ BULLDOG DRY NOSE LIFELONG-CARE WARNING:

To prevent the painful and infected forms of hyperkeratosis, you must follow our home care recommendations, which include:

1. HYDRATION
2. MOISTURIZERS
3. TRIMMING
4. TOPICAL BULLY THERAPEUTICS
5. THERAPEUTIC BULLY SUPPLEMENTS

#2 ⚠️ BULLDOG CRUSY PAW WEIGHT CONTROL WARNING:

To avoid paw hyperkeratosis, your bulldog should maintain a lean body weight.

#3 ⚠️PAW PAD ORTHOPEDIC WARNING:

Keep your bulldogs on therapeutic joint supplements to prevent digital hyperkeratosis,

#4 ⚠️ PAW INTERDIGITAL CYST WARNING:

To avoid paw hyperkeratosis, you should manage your bulldog’s interdigital cyst with our therapeutic topicals

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