“It’s all the wrinkles that worry me,” said Mrs Snell. I looked up from the medical record and examined her concerned face closely. I saw a 35 year old woman in pretty good shape with hardly a wrinkle in sight. Then I looked down at Harry her 3 year old English Bulldog, tail wagging double time with the classic body wiggle that let me know he was happy to see me. Of course, I thought, it was HIS wrinkles she was referring to.
As his veterinarian, I too was concerned about his wrinkles and folds, especially on his face. “There is a smell coming from them which stops me from kissing him as much,” she went on. As I examined him (my real patient), I too could smell the somewhat stale odor of skin fold dermatitis. This moist infection often affects dogs belonging to breeds which have wrinkles, like bulldogs. Although this condition is usually limited to the face, many bulldogs also have skin issues elsewhere on their bodies because of their sensitive skin.
As I finished my exam, I reassured Mrs Snell that Harry was in great shape generally. We would help solve his skin problem with a short course of antibiotics and cleansing wipes and put him on a supplement of essential fatty acids for his long term dermatological well being.
Fish oil supplements contain essential fatty acids which are excellent for dogs’ coats as well as their joints and general health. It is important to select a high grade product so that it is easily absorbed by the dog. As with other nutrients, it can take a few weeks before the effects are seen. I made an appointment for Harry in three weeks’ time.
When Mrs Snell came into the consulting room the second time, she beamed at me. “Thank you so much Doc. Not only can I kiss Harry all the time, he seems a happier dog.” I looked closely at Harry’s face; the adorable, kissable wrinkles were still there, but the off-putting odor was gone and he was licking my chin with great gusto. And his wiggle was as enthusiastic as ever.
We agreed to keep Harry on the fish oil supplement long term and also to bathe him regularly with a shampoo for sensitive skin so that we would be sure that his skin would stay healthy. As she left, I was tempted to quip, “ You may kiss the dog!”
