Tail Troubles

[purplelori]

Poor Wally-
His Bulldog genes are causing him problems. While he looks like a heavy boned boxer, he has the screw tail of a bulldog--which necessitates wiping his bottom when he poos. Well, apparently Mom hasn't been doing as good a job as necessary lately, because day before yesterday I noticed some stain on baby wipe that made me think he was a bit raw under that tight little tail. So, I tried putting some ointment under there (icky) and called the vet yesterday. They weren't too concerned, said to try that for a couple of days and if no improvement, then come in. Well, when I got home last nite and tried to clean him, he REALLY didn't want me to mess around back there, and seemed very uncomfortable. So called and made an appointment for today at 5pm. This morning, he wouldn't even eat his breakfast--he's so smart, he figured out if I eat, I poop, and it hurts! I feel so bad. Hope they can fix him up and give me a better idea of how to keep him clean---here I thought the unscented baby wipes were just the thing, and they said no, it can actually make things worse!

Anyone have any helpful hints?

[daisy'smom]

Poor Wally! I hope he gets all fixed up! Is he part English Bull Dog or American Bull dog??

[purplelori]

Thanks Tanny-

He's 1/2 boxer and 1/2 English Bulldog. In the face, I think he's all boxer (although his head is REALLY broad.) but in the back, it's ALL Bulldog!

[AussieGirl]

Poor guy, hope he feels better soon. I have heard of heaps of people using baby wipes on their dogs I have never heard anything bad about it, I do know that when using them on my kids when they had nappy rash used to make them cry (poor little things). Did the vet say to never use them or just while he is having problems "there"?

[nikita&memo]

Aw poor Wally!....Lori, i am cleaning Memo's butt nearly every day too...i think it's cause he's white it looks more dirty. All i use is the heavy duty Bounty paper towels with a little of his shampoo (earthbath) and water.

[Doreen]

I would think warm water and a little mild soap might be better than the wipes. Oh yeah, a little doggie shampoo, but just enough to do a little bit of cleaning.

[KeeperBoy]

I use these wipes, we've never had a problem, but we don't wipe everyday. They seem to be a little easier on the skin. Not sure how they compare to pampers though. Hope he's feeling better soon!

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Baby-Wipes

[purplelori]

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Today 03:01 PMpurplelori
Thanks for your good suggestions. I checked on the web for 'bulldog tail problems' and discovered this is a fairly common problem--sometimes they have to amputate! I hope not, as it is one of his best features
http://forums.boxerhub.com/album.php...&pictureid=351

I'll let you know what the vet says tonite

[Ruby Red]

Oh my Lori, I spent a little time looking this up for you and was quite astounded to read that this problem is very common and as you say sometimes amputation of the tail is recommended – yikes- really shocked to read that.

Anyway, here are a few things I found – don’t know if they help you at all:


From: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Bulldogs-...Tight-Tail.htm

All English Bulldogs have part of their tail still inside the body as an extension of the tail bone. Some have straight tails and some have screw tails. Aninverted tail is a condition where part of a screw tail makes a loop inside the body and then comes out.

Screw Tail:
This inverted tail is very tight and close to the body with a very tight tail pocket and part of the tail constantly rubbing and festering in the pocket. This is not a fault of breeding, it just happens sometimes.

Sometimes constant maintenance of the tail pocket will keep your bulldog healthy. You need to clean out the tail pocket daily using warm water and a washcloth in a circular motion and get deep into the pocket. Then the area must be thoroughly dried and perhaps add some Gold Bond powder. You may need to use a syringe to get into the area with some fluids

From: http://bulldogsworld.com/tailamp.html

A Bulldog's tail can be difficult to look after, ideally he should have a nice straight tail, moderate in length, that can be easily lifted for cleaning. However, screw tails, inverted tail and similar tails can cause your bulldog problems, including interfering with bowels, soreness, swelling and infection to name a few possible problems, not to mention in extreme cases, almost impossible to clean, which leads to infection and problems by itself.

You should try to keep the tails clean and dry, wipe out with peroxide on a cotton ball and then dry fully. If these things prove to be a problem you should talk with your vet for possible removal.

It should be noted THAT ONLY IN THE MOST EXTREME CASES SHOULD A TAIL BE REMOVED since it's part of the spine itself. Bulldog tails are NOT docked and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Again, only in the most extreme cases would one even consider a tail removal.

If it's sore and irritated one can use one of those mustard squeeze bottles to put a medicated powder in the tail pocket or even use an anti- bacterial type of ointment to offer relief. However, the disadvantage to this is with a hard to clean tail, you will have to clean and remove that every day or two, which may be hard to do and painful to the dog. It may be easier to pack it with a slightly damp betadin solution (not soap) sponge, then remove it after 4 hours, by simply pulling it out, repeat twice a day for 3 days. This is for infected and sore tails/ pockets. Removal of tail is a last resort. If possible the best solution is to wash it out good and dry it fully. If a vet suggests removal, always get a second opinion.

After cleaning, you could try some calendula cream/ointment.
.
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[daisy'smom]

Bag balm might help. If you do use baby wipes be sure they are the unscented for sensitive skin.