Removal of nasal fold on an English Bulldog

Walter, a 5-year-old English Bulldog, had struggled with skin problems his entire life. Abscesses between his paws, allergies, and itching caused him constant discomfort. His facial skin was particularly irritated.

Walter’s owner spent a significant amount of time every day cleaning the folds to keep the worst of the infections under control. The skin issues were periodically treated with antibiotics, but they kept returning.

What is the problem with a pronounced facial fold?

Bulldogs are often characterized by a prominent skin fold over the nose.

 

 

In Walter’s case, this fold was particularly severe, preventing airflow to the skin beneath it. The skin under the fold was constantly red and inflamed, causing significant discomfort. Walter frequently tried to scratch his head, particularly in the fold, where there was no ventilation. He used both his paws and rubbed his head against carpets and similar surfaces.

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After years of attempts to manage the issue with cleaning and medical treatments, it was decided that Walter should undergo surgery to remove the fold. This would allow air to reach the skin and reduce the likelihood of infections.

 

How is the surgery performed?

Walter was anesthetized and prepped for surgery. The fold was carefully cut away on both sides and removed with precision. The skin was then sutured back together.

After surgery, Walter was treated with antibiotics and pain medication. He also had to wear a protective collar to prevent him from scratching and reopening the stitches.

What Happens After the Surgery?

Ten days after the surgery, Walter returned to have his stitches removed. He wasn’t particularly bothered by them, but he was noticeably less interested in scratching his head compared to before. Walter’s challenges with skin infections on his head may not be entirely resolved, but removing the fold eliminated one major source of irritation.

Choosing a “lift” for better health!

The ethics of giving a dog a “facelift” can be debated. However, it’s important to remember that this type of surgery is not performed to alter the dog’s appearance. Instead, the operation is chosen because it is deemed highly beneficial to the dog’s quality of life. It provides relief from constant skin irritation around the nose, cheeks, eyes, and mouth.

Bulldogs are wonderful animals, and we should do everything we can to ensure they live as comfortably as possible. This goes for all our beloved pets, big or small, wrinkled or smooth.