Lisa asked 2 months ago
Vet Will Not Prescribe RX For My Bulldog's Interdigital Cyst
Hello Dr. Kraemer, my French bulldog Daisy who is 4 years old began getting cysts between her toes. 🚨
Antibiotic and Apoquel for Interdigital Cysts
The vet prescribed her some apoquel tablets to stop the itching and antibiotics. He explained that he would not prescribe any more meds until she has a blood test.
Affordability and Cost of Drugs Monitoring
As you can imagine, I’m very worried as I have been quoted a huge price as well as consultation fees.
Interdigital Cysts Epson Dip is Not Working!
I have been soaking her feet in Epsom salts, and I have been using anti-bacterial sprays on her paws. It doesn’t seem to be working and there’s a clear sign of infection between on of her toes.
I am so worried about her, and I’m worried about affording the bills as he wants 6 month blood tests.
Is there anything that you could recommend.
Thank you.❤️
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 2 days ago
Vet Will Not Prescribe Medication For My Fr. Bulldog Interdigit Cyst Question Answered
Great and valid question! Here’s the scoop:
Should You Monitor Prescription Medication?
Many medications prescribed long-term do require monitoring. Your vet isn’t being overly cautious, it’s their responsibility to keep you informed about potential risks.
Does Apoquel For Interdigital Cyst Requires Lab Test?
That said, I’ve used Apoquel for many years in itchy bulldogs and have rarely seen lab abnormalities or serious side effects.
Still, your vet’s top priority is your pet’s health and your peace of mind.
A reasonable compromise is for some clinics to have owners sign a consent form acknowledging the risks and declining routine testing.
This way, your bulldog remains comfortable, costs stay manageable, and your vet is protected.
Does My Fr. Bulldog Requires RX for Interdigital Cyst?
Apoquel and even antibiotics won’t address the underlying problem. They can calm symptoms like itching and secondary infection, but they aren’t curative. Interdigital cysts are often a lifelong problem that required multimodal approach
Bulldog paw issues should always include non prescription therapeutics
#1 Bully Topical Therapeutics for Interdigital Cysts
Along with the spray you’re already using, add an antiseptic rinse (like my Bully Wrinkle Antiseptic) mixed with your Epsom salt paw soaks.
You can also include a waterless bully lotion or a yeasty bully antiseptic shampoo for ongoing maintenance.
#2 Bully Therapeutics Supplements for Interdigital Cysts
- Bully Fish Oil for chronic inflammation
- Bully Derma-Care Skin & Allergy Chews for allergy relief
- Bully Immune Support to strengthen overall defenses
Are Antibiotics Required for Interdigital Cysts?
Antibiotics can sometimes be necessary to control secondary infections that develop with interdigital cysts. However, as with any medication, the benefits should always outweigh the risks.
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant “superbugs” like MRSP, which are much harder to treat. They can also disrupt your bulldog’s gut microbiome, the good bacteria that support digestion and immunity—leading to issues such as dysbiosis and leaky gut.
That’s why antibiotics should be used thoughtfully and only when truly needed.
If long-term antibiotics are prescribed, I always recommend pairing them with a quality probiotic, like my Bully Probiotic, to help protect and restore gut health.
What Is The Optimal Care For Fr. Bulldog Cyst?
Interdigital cysts are often a lifelong bulldog issue.
The goal is to minimize prescription drug reliance and keep your bully comfortable with by adding non-rx topicals, supplements, and preventive care.
Antibiotics and apoquel may help in certain cases, but they’re not a cure for interdigital cysts and should be part of a broader, balanced treatment plan
For a deeper dive, see my full article where I cover the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bulldog and French bulldog interdigital cysts in detail HERE and HERE
Keep me posted
Dr. Kraemer, Vet4Bulldog
