Tail Skinfold Dermatitis

By: Dr. Roy Kraemer |
DVM, Bulldog Specialist Veterinarian

Subject: Help for Bruno’s Tail Pocket Troubles 🐾😔 #TailHealth #BulldogCare

Dear Dr. Kraemer,

Bruno seems to be struggling with some issues related to his tail pocket lately. I’ve noticed redness and irritation in the area, and he seems quite uncomfortable. 😔 I’m worried and would greatly appreciate your advice on how to care for his tail pocket problems.

🙏🏼 Thank you for always being there and all your great products and preventive articles

Warm regards, Sam, Ben & Bruno 🐶💖 #BulldogMom #TailTroubles

Tail pocket dermatitis specifically refers to inflammation and infection in the skinfold around the base of the tail. This condition is more common in breeds with screw or corkscrew tails, like bulldogs, where the tail is tucked against the body, creating a pocket.

The corkscrew, or tightly curled tail, creates a deep pocket that traps moisture, heat, and debris. This environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to infection and inflammation.

Patients with tail pocket rely on topical antiseptic care therapeutic products specifically designed for bulldog skin folds.

Bulldog Tail bones radiography 360 corkscrew

The corkscrew tail of a bulldog, characterized by its twisted and ingrown nature, can manifest in diverse variations, shapes, and forms, each exhibiting varying degrees of severity and discomfort or pain intensity.


Bulldog Tail Pocket Infected Dermatitis 5 X MUST KNOW

  1. The tail pocket is due to vertebral malformation of the tail bones
  2. The curls inward in various degrees, even a 360, creating deep hidden folds
  3. The pocket traps moisture, leading to inflammation and infection, swelling, itchiness, and severe PAIN
  4. Treatment includes supplements and antiseptic  therapeutics (wipes, rinse, spray, lotion)
  5. Prevention includes Dr. Kraemer’s Tail Pocket Care Bundles 

Members of our bulldog community prefer prevention over RX

bulldog infected tail fold Bundle - Ultimate

Unlike many other breeds, bulldog tail bones often exhibit a distinctive backward turn and occasional twisting resembling a pretzel, pulling along the skin and hair. In numerous instances, the tail is deeply embedded and tucked, concealing the folded parts from the owner’s view.

Tail pocket prventive-care and maintenence is critical.

Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Infected Tail Pocket Skin Fold Dermatitis

Bulldog Tail Pocket VERTEBRAL MALFORMATION

Other bulldog verterbral malformations are:

  1. Bulldog vertebral malformations
  2. Bulldog and French Bulldog Hemivertebrae
  3.  Bulldog Spina Bifida

 

Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Tail Pocket Infection: CAUSE

  • FRICTION: Frictional trauma, bone on skin
  • MOISTURE: Excessive moisture and dumbness
  • INFLAMMATION: Severe Inflammation and Swelling
  • ITCH & PAIN: constant discomfort 
  • REDNESS & ULCERATION
  • DISCOLORATION AND HAIR LOSS 
  • SMELL & DISCHARGE: purulent discharge
  • DRAINING TRACT:
  • YEAST & BACTERIA: Yeast & Bacteria Overgrowth/Infections (Pyoderma)
  • SELECTIVE BREEDING

Bulldog skinfold diseases such as tailfold moist dermatitis are compounded by selective breeding.

Bulldog Skinfold Dermatitis LOCATIONS:

Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Infected Tail Pocket draining tract

NASAL SKINFOLD-INFECTED DERMATITIS:

Similar to the tail, the juxtaposition of nasal skin and friction can result in excess moisture, further compounded by tears and mucus from the eyes.

Itching of the area can lead to injury to the eye and acute corneal ulcers.

VAGINAL SKINFOLD DERMATITIS:

Similar to the tail, the opposing skin and friction in the genital area can result in excessive moisture, compounded by urine and other vaginal secretions. This environment can contribute to the ascent of bacteria to the urinary tract, potentially leading to chronic urinary tract infections (UTI) in bulldogs.

Bully tail fold dermatitis can lead to urinary tract infection

BULLDOG TOES & PAWS SKINFOLD DERMATITIS:

Similar to the tail, the opposing skin and friction in your bulldog’s paw, toe, and interdigital space can result in excessive moisture, further compounded by licking.

BULLDOG CHIN SKINFOLD ACNE DERMATITIS:

Bulldog Acne” is often compounded by constant wetness and moisture due to the breed’s drooling and water bowl chin dripping.

BULLDOG SKINFOLD INFECTED DERMATITIS OTHER LOCATIONS:

  • Neck folds
  • Face folds
  • Aarmpit folds
  • Inguinal area folds
  • As well as all other potential bulldog’s moist skinfold dermatitis “hot spots”.

Bulldogs Tail Pocket Skinfold Dermatitis DIAGNOSIS:

The degree of the tail problem and the therapeutic urgency might not be obvious to the new bulldog owner.

A digital examination, preferably conducted with gloves and a wipe, is essential for the tail pocket. This is because most of the inflamed, ulcerative, and infected areas are deeply embedded and may not be readily visible.

Tail infection in bulldogs and French bulldogs

Bulldogs Infected Tail Pocket PREVENTIVE CARE:

Early preventive care, an attentive owner, and ongoing conscientious wiping and care are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of your bulldog.

Bulldog Antiseptic Wipes:

For the best outcome, your bulldog tail folds should be maintained with antiseptic bully wipes

Wiping once daily is adequate, severe cases might require twice daily

DR. KRAEMER’S V4B BULLY SKINFOLD ANTISEPTIC XL WIPES:

  • EFFECTIVE
  • INEXPENSIVE
  • EASY TO IMPLEMENT
  • CONVENIENT

Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Tail Pocket TREATMENT:

In the majority of cases, nonprescription antiseptic topicals prove sufficient; however, more severe instances may necessitate intermittent prescription medication.

In cases of severe pain, surgical options should be considered as a potential solution.

TOPICAL ANTISEPTIC BULLDOG WIPES:

Dr. Kraemer’s daily V4B Bully Antiseptic  XL Antiseptic Wipes are best for most daily bully tail maintenance.

French Bulldog XL Antiseptic Skinfold Wipes Handout

BULLDOG TAIL INFECTION SUPPLEMENTS:

COMFORT & PAINLESS:

 IMMUNE BOOSTING:

CALM & RELAX:

  • V4B Bully StressLess & Calm chews
  • V4B Bully Hemp Relax & Calm chews

BULLDOG TAIL INFECTION TOPICAL RX:

In cases of more severe bulldog skinfold infections, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian regarding prescription medication options. This may include discussions about topical anti-inflammatory powder or ointment.

BULLDOG TAIL INFECTION SYSTEMIC RX:

In an acute case, pain medication, anti-inflammatory itch control, antibiotics, and antifungals might be required.

Infected Tail Pocket Skin Fold Dermatitis in bulldogs

BULLDOG-INFECTED TAIL FOLD DISEASE SURGERY:

If therapeutic preventive measures and medical treatment are inadequate, tail removal should be discussed.

Bulldog Tail SURGERY WARNING:

Tail amputation in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs is distinct from the simple tail shortening performed in some other breeds. The procedure is highly technical and poses significant challenges, with a much higher risk of potential harm due to unintended surgical errors.

It is strongly recommended that this surgery be carried out exclusively by an experienced surgeon who has successfully performed such amputations before.

The bulldog corkscrew tail bones are above the descending colon, a cut to deep can severe the intestinal wall.

Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Infected Tail Pocket SURGICAL MERITS:

Surgery is an excellent option for severe cases for the following reasons:

  • PAINLESS: permanently eliminates the pain, itch, and smell.
  • CAREFREE: Best for bulldog owners who cannot provide daily care.
  • STRESSLESS: Best for reluctant and, at times, aggressive bulldogs who refuse the daily wiping.

For bulldogs experiencing chronic, painful, ulcerative, bleeding tails that are difficult to manage or those with draining tracts, surgery is often considered the best quality-of-life option

In terms of appearance, the cosmetic outcome of the surgery is generally excellent. I have not encountered any complaints from bulldog owners, and your bulldog is likely to appreciate and benefit from the procedure.

Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Infeccted Tail Pocket Infection post op

Bulldogs Tail Pocket TIPS & WARNINGS:

Below are Dr. Kraemer’s selection of tips and warnings

Bulldogs Tail Pocket ANTISEPTIC WIPE TIP:

The tail’s snug and deep structure may lead hesitant owners to overlook crucial areas.

Ensure thorough cleaning by reaching deep into the tail pocket and folds, as most infections occur in these concealed parts.

Infected Tail Pocket PERINEAL IRRITATION TIP:

Other reasons for your bulldog to be irritated in his or her backend are:

  • BULLDOG ANAL GLAND: Anal gland impaction and Infection can be very irritating to the perineal area
  • BULLDOG INTESTINAL WORMS: Whipworms are known to irritate the perineal area
  • BULLDOG ALLERGY: Allergies like bulldog flea allergy
  • VAGINAL SKINFOLD DERMATITIS: In female bulldogs, “Bully vaginal skin folds moist dermatitis.”

bulldog skinfolds antiseptic lineup bundle

V4B Bully Skinfold XL Wipes ANTISEPTIC:

Extra-large bully wipes will cover your entire hand or finger, protecting you from the “stinky stuff.”.

V4B Bully Skinfold XL Antiseptic Wipes

  1. PULLOUT: Extra-large antiseptic bully wipes are pullout style, making them easy and convenient.
  2. LOW COST: Extra-large antiseptic bully wipes are inexpensive
  3.  EASY: The XL wipes are large, durable surfaces that can do the job well, even in a very folded, protected tail.

Tail Infection VAGINAL WARNING:

The bacteria present on the tail can be harmful to the urinary tract. Therefore, if wipes have been used on the tail, it is advisable to discard them and use a fresh one for cleaning the vaginal area.

Bulldogs Tail  BUTT CLEANING WARNING:

It’s important not to confuse the “butthole” with the bulldog tail pocket and folds. Nonetheless, ensure to clean both areas separately. Fecal material and anal gland secretions can accumulate in the folds and pockets, emphasizing the need for thorough hygiene in both regions.

Tail Folds Bulldogs SURGERY WARNING:

For bulldog tail removal surgery, I recommend seeking out a veterinarian experienced with the procedure.

Tail Infection in Bulldogs: PAIN WARNING:

Bulldogs with severe skin fold dermatitis, awaiting surgery, should be placed on pain management. Bulldog tailfold dermatitis is inherently a painful condition, and providing pain relief is crucial for the well-being of the affected dogs.

Tail Infection in Bulldogs STEROIDS WARNING:

The effective treatment and prevention of bulldog tailfold dermatitis typically involve the regular use of daily wipes.

Systemic medications, such as steroids and antibiotics, should be reserved for rare acute events and used only in the short term. Prolonged use of these medications can be harmful to your dog and is ineffective for long-term management.

It is not advisable to manage bulldog tail fold disease with extended use of systemic steroids and/or antibiotics.

Bulldog Tail and ALLERGIES WARNING:

Bulldog allergies, such as

  • Bully flea allergy
  • bulldog atopic dermatitis
  • bulldog food allergies

often compound the tail fold problems; therefore, make sure that your bulldog is effectively treated for those.

Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs

 

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The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding any medical condition. It's important to always consider professional medical advice promptly and not to delay seeking it based on information you've read on this platform. Any reliance on the information provided here is entirely at your discretion.

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