Welcome to the latest installment of the Purina Animal Advice Show Blog! I’ll go ahead and change up the writing style and destroy any illusions – I’m Joe Hipperson and yes, I am the writer of the blog.
Today’s show welcomed back The Perfect Dr. Laura Pletz from her trip to the Big Apple (That’s New York City, kids) and with her return she brought in a ‘soundtrack’ from the show that was totally inspired by the trip.
More on the soundtrack later…let’s get to the TOPIC OF TODAY’S SHOW:
Smooshed in Face Syndrome. Ok, that’s not the official term—and we’ll get to official term soon—but we’re talking about dogs that look like they went head first into a wall at 88 miles per hour. The biggest culprits? Bulldogs.
The topic was inspired by the Perfect Neighbors of Dr. Pletz. They have two bulldogs. The first is named FRANK THE TANK…and the newest addition is BEANIE. Yes, this means they are referred to as “FRANK & BEANS.”
When it comes to dogs that have a smooshed in face you need to kep the in-between of the folds DRY! 2-3 times a week, in fact, is what Dr. Pletz recommended.
Dogs with this facial set-up are more prone to Eye issues and breathing difficulties. (If only the Lovely Dr. Carolyn Gilje had been there—we would have had a brilliant impression of the “the reverse sneeze)
Breathing is tough due to their soft pallet being too long—it results in effecting the Stanodic Naries. THE STANODIC NARIES is a GREAT NAME for a Band, by the way…I’m just sayin. I'm a genius. Just look at me.
Eye issues that can be bothersome and result in pretty serious repercussions. For example, The eyes ‘bug’ out on these smooshed in faced animals and that keeps the eyelids from shutting all the way. This leaves the eyes dried out, irritated, causes corneal injuries and the eyelids roll in—which allows the eye lashes to rub the surface of the eye itself.
CALLER HIGHLIGHTS!
Sue called in about her cat (7 years old) having severe vomiting issues. Hairballs were ruled out. Food was removed and vomiting stopped. But since the cat has to eat—no food is no option. The cat is now ‘standing up’ when nature calls for a #2. Dr. Pletz asked the ‘perfect’ question: What kind of vomit type is she seeing? (gross…sorry, but seriously) Sue explained that te vomit was brown and almost stacked in piles. (yep, still gross) Dr. Pletz believe there may be an underlying issue related to the thyroid. She advised Sue to get that checked out to see if it will “RIGHT THE SHIP.”
NOTE: “RIGHT THE SHIP” is a new expression we learned today.
Doreen called in about the pets of her and her daughter. 1 is a pug and the other is a Boston Terrier pug. (nicknamed BUG) There is a very big barking issue with these dogs. Dr. Pletz inquired about a barking collar and Doreen explained that they have tried that with no success—so Dr. Pletz stacked another card on the deck and told her to try the collar FIRST with a TRAINER. Of course, no better trainer came to mind than Matt Coke at Kennlwood. (right next door to the Barrett Station Vet Clinic at Manchester & Mason.
TODAY’S SOUNDTRACK!
Track 1: Nail In My Coffin by THE KILLS. (Great song, awesome vibe, cool vocal—very HIPP) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-mhX3W-y2M
Track 2: Slow Ride by FOGHAT. (No joke…while in NYC, Dr. Pletz decided to buy bell-bottoms and now that song is playing in her head anytime she struts the new look) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcCNcgoyG_0
Track 3: Shake Your Rump by THE BEASTIE BOYS. (Very cool pick off of one of the groups greatest records) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BptQHAW2T5M
TRIVIA QUESTION!
What branch of the US Military have an English Bulldog as their mascot?
ANSWER: The Marines!
Side-note: The original mascot was named JIGGS. Upon hearing this I immediately stated how much I would love to have a dog named RIGGS…and I’d always call for him using my best Danny Glover impression. “HEY RIGGS!”
ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM THE DESK OF PLETZ:
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
This syndrome consists of one or more of the following conditions:
1) Stenotic Nares
2) Elongated Soft Palate
3) Everted Laryngeal Saccules
What to Watch For:
-very noisy breathing/snoring
-exercise intolerance
-cyanosis (gums look blue) with exertion
-fainting
What Can you Do?
- surgery can be done if severely affected
- healthy body weight very important for minimizing symptoms
- avoid collars and use a harness instead
- be very cautious with intense physical activity (these dogs are not athletes)
- avoid excessive time spent outside when it is hot and humid
Eye Problems
Eyes are very prominent so they can be prone to ocular injuries.
Often their eyelids do not close all the way and this leads to dryness and irritation of the cornea.
Bulldogs especially are prone to something called Entropion. This is a condition where the eyelids roll inward and the eyelashes irritate the surface of the eye. Surgery is the treatment of choice to correct this problem.
Skin Problems
Facial Fold Dermatits
- often exacerbated by excessive tearing caused by previously mentioned issues
- routine cleaning is very helpful for prevention of infection
- surgery can be done if severely affected
Screw-Tail
- abnormality in which the tail is formed in such a manner that it creates numerous folds
and crevices that can easily become infected
- surgery is indicated in many cases
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