Ask the French Bulldog Veterinarian - Poor Itchy Frenchie Pup
admin June 26th, 2008
I purchased my wonderful Frenchie from Petland in September he is actually a year old today. he is my absolute pride and joy.
I would say probably about 2 or 3 months after we brought Tucker home he started scratching his under belly and we didn’t think anything of it until it became a constant thing. I looked at his stomach and his poor little nipples where black and purple, and so irritated red that I took him to the vet closest to me right away.
She said he was just itchy and to give him a bath. I took him home and bathed him more often but still he would wake us up in the night with his thumping.
I then took him to my Grandparents vet, who said to change to his food and put him on benadryl. I did that for a few months and then went back because it hadn’t cleared up.
I ended up getting dog polysporin to rub in his belly, and while it helps to clear it up I still need to know what the problem is so I can eliminate it and not have to keep buying t-shirts for him so he doesn’t stain the furniture.
I ended up taking him to a different Vet across the city and he changed his food again and put him on Vanectyl. P. I do not like the side effect of that drug at all!!
He now has this red scabby thing in his one ear. I just feel so bad for my little man we have taken away everything all his treats.. I just want to get to the bottom of this for him so he can enjoy his puppy life..
Dr. Lori writes -
It sounds like your frenchie is suffering from a common frenchie ailment, skin atopy. I have addressed this in an article I wrote on skin issues in frenchies which certainly will give you more info than you may want.
I think you need to visit a veterinary dermatologist. He/she will probably start with skin scrapings and cultures and will most likely suggest allergy testing. It will be costly to get to the root of the problem, but sounds like he needs some help, as he is so young and already so uncomfortable, and these things tend to worsen with age, so getting a jump on it now will be so very helpful in the long run.
Good Luck!
Lori Hunt, DVM
