Thanks paula,unfortunely I can feel and see billybob's ribs. My wife and I are very concerned and keeping a close eye on him,so far he gained 2 lbs. this past month which makes him 44 lbs.

We are feeding him 3 cups per day. Other than weight loss due to cutting back on food,he has plenty of energy,his stool looks normal everything except his coat is dry and some patchy areas,but then again he has always had dry skin.

Thanks paula,unfortunely I can feel and see billybob's ribs. My wife and I are very concerned and keeping a close eye on him,so far he gained 2 lbs. this past month which makes him 44 lbs.

We are feeding him 3 cups per day. Other than weight loss due to cutting back on food,he has plenty of energy,his stool looks normal everything except his coat is dry and some patchy areas,but then again he has always had dry skin.

I think the best thing to go by is: can you feel, but not see, the dog's ribs and do they have a waist. People think that bulldogs should be big beefy creatures, but that's probably not right for most of them. My girls are slender and very athletic and people are always surprised by that. But they are females, so meant to be smaller and other dogs may have bigger frames. It's not the pounds per se, it's how the dog looks and acts that should be the criteria.

I think the best thing to go by is: can you feel, but not see, the dog's ribs and do they have a waist. People think that bulldogs should be big beefy creatures, but that's probably not right for most of them. My girls are slender and very athletic and people are always surprised by that. But they are females, so meant to be smaller and other dogs may have bigger frames. It's not the pounds per se, it's how the dog looks and acts that should be the criteria.

especially if it's only really noticeable from certain angles or in the sun. Not a big deal, it will probably go away on it's own. I have used antibiotics and shampoos and sprays in the past to help clear it up when I've been actively showing, but it seems to go away on it's own anyway. You can do a search here on staph and you'll get tons of information. If it IS staph, it can take several months to go away--so as long as it doesn't keep getting worse, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I'm not a vet, so this is just advice from my experience. If you say where you live, there is probably someone on here who can point you to a good bulldog vet. It sounds like you are keeping a close eye on your dog, so watching and waiting to see if he continues to gain some weight back is probably not a bad way to go if money is tight.

especially if it's only really noticeable from certain angles or in the sun. Not a big deal, it will probably go away on it's own. I have used antibiotics and shampoos and sprays in the past to help clear it up when I've been actively showing, but it seems to go away on it's own anyway. You can do a search here on staph and you'll get tons of information. If it IS staph, it can take several months to go away--so as long as it doesn't keep getting worse, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I'm not a vet, so this is just advice from my experience. If you say where you live, there is probably someone on here who can point you to a good bulldog vet. It sounds like you are keeping a close eye on your dog, so watching and waiting to see if he continues to gain some weight back is probably not a bad way to go if money is tight.

Didn't you post earlier about food allergies on this same boy? Could it be this situation is related to your earlier post in some way?

Didn't you post earlier about food allergies on this same boy? Could it be this situation is related to your earlier post in some way?

are on everyone's minds. We have 5 dogs so going to the vet can be a nightmare. Years ago, I stopped yearly vaccinations, not because of cost but because I truly don't believe they are necessary. 2 years ago, my vet changed his protocol on vaccinations from yearly to 3 to 7 years, depending on the vaccination. I also don't test for worms, I've never had a dog with worms except rescues when they first arrived.

I do not hesitate to take my dogs to the vet when they are sick but I also am aware that a vet needs to make profit, I love my vet but I don't intend to pay his son's tuition to Harvard.

The combination of weight loss and thinning hair makes me wonder if his problem may be thyroid. That is a simple, inexpensive test and if positive, the meds are the cheapest of all meds.

Good luck, it sounds like you truly love your dog and he's very lucky to have you.

Lynn King CPDT

are on everyone's minds. We have 5 dogs so going to the vet can be a nightmare. Years ago, I stopped yearly vaccinations, not because of cost but because I truly don't believe they are necessary. 2 years ago, my vet changed his protocol on vaccinations from yearly to 3 to 7 years, depending on the vaccination. I also don't test for worms, I've never had a dog with worms except rescues when they first arrived.

I do not hesitate to take my dogs to the vet when they are sick but I also am aware that a vet needs to make profit, I love my vet but I don't intend to pay his son's tuition to Harvard.

The combination of weight loss and thinning hair makes me wonder if his problem may be thyroid. That is a simple, inexpensive test and if positive, the meds are the cheapest of all meds.

Good luck, it sounds like you truly love your dog and he's very lucky to have you.

Lynn King CPDT

try to find one who has his/her own practice and isn't corporate owned. I tried out a lot of vets before I found the one I use now. Some of them would charge a fortune for testing, one even told me how she would save me so much money and then charged me a 'boarding' fee for leaving him there for two hours so they could do blood work and xrays. Where are you located, there may be some recommendations from people on here. If he lost the weight that fast, he must have a pretty active metabolism. It stands to reason he would put it back on at a slower rate than he lost it.

Kathy, Ollie and Chester

try to find one who has his/her own practice and isn't corporate owned. I tried out a lot of vets before I found the one I use now. Some of them would charge a fortune for testing, one even told me how she would save me so much money and then charged me a 'boarding' fee for leaving him there for two hours so they could do blood work and xrays. Where are you located, there may be some recommendations from people on here. If he lost the weight that fast, he must have a pretty active metabolism. It stands to reason he would put it back on at a slower rate than he lost it.

Kathy, Ollie and Chester

You ask lots of questions. IMHO its better to be somewhat of a pest by asking questions, and say that "I'm trying to learn as much as I can about care for my dog because I understand that its a partnership that we have together...to keep him healthy and happy."

Ask what the diagnosis is...is it one problem or several and ask for a name or term. Ask what the medication is expected to accomplish and about how long that will take. Ask what the long-term prognosis is...is the dog expected to fully recover or do you think this problem will come back...I need to know what to expect so I can watch for it and hopefully catch it early. I know that a few doctors don't like to be asked these questions but most will try to explain conditions and problems to you. You're not trying to take over his job, not at all. You're trying to learn to recognize when there is a real problem and get the dog into the vet for treatment.

Re "tests" I always ask what the doc expects to gain from this test. If I have doubts with the explanation I may say let me try this medication one time and if the problem doesn't clear up I'll agree to the testing for a deeper diagnosis...and I do follow thru with that (ie, recurring ear infections have prompted C&S testing = culture and sensitivity which is growing a sample of the infected tissue/discharge in Petri dish for 10 days to get it to grow and test meds for responses).

You ask lots of questions. IMHO its better to be somewhat of a pest by asking questions, and say that "I'm trying to learn as much as I can about care for my dog because I understand that its a partnership that we have together...to keep him healthy and happy."

Ask what the diagnosis is...is it one problem or several and ask for a name or term. Ask what the medication is expected to accomplish and about how long that will take. Ask what the long-term prognosis is...is the dog expected to fully recover or do you think this problem will come back...I need to know what to expect so I can watch for it and hopefully catch it early. I know that a few doctors don't like to be asked these questions but most will try to explain conditions and problems to you. You're not trying to take over his job, not at all. You're trying to learn to recognize when there is a real problem and get the dog into the vet for treatment.

Re "tests" I always ask what the doc expects to gain from this test. If I have doubts with the explanation I may say let me try this medication one time and if the problem doesn't clear up I'll agree to the testing for a deeper diagnosis...and I do follow thru with that (ie, recurring ear infections have prompted C&S testing = culture and sensitivity which is growing a sample of the infected tissue/discharge in Petri dish for 10 days to get it to grow and test meds for responses).

Thank you for your frank and honest oppinion. I agree with you about his weight and take responsiblity for what happened. Beleive me I felt soo bad about what we put him through and had doubts about the vets recomendation but I just put too much faith in the doctor and it clouded my judgement. I will in the future use alittle more common sense and realize that vets are not infalible(I hope I spell that right) and are not there to see the day to day events or results of their diagnosis.

I do have one question about finding a good vet. How do you know if a vet is doing the right thing (as far as treatment or ordering tests)or just beefing up the vet bill? You rely on their good judgement to treat your dog but at the same time, sometimes you feel are these test really necessary and they put you in a position that you have to make the call and I am a sucker when it comes to that,you want to do whatever it takes to keep your dog(family member) healthy and safe.

Thank you for your frank and honest oppinion. I agree with you about his weight and take responsiblity for what happened. Beleive me I felt soo bad about what we put him through and had doubts about the vets recomendation but I just put too much faith in the doctor and it clouded my judgement. I will in the future use alittle more common sense and realize that vets are not infalible(I hope I spell that right) and are not there to see the day to day events or results of their diagnosis.

I do have one question about finding a good vet. How do you know if a vet is doing the right thing (as far as treatment or ordering tests)or just beefing up the vet bill? You rely on their good judgement to treat your dog but at the same time, sometimes you feel are these test really necessary and they put you in a position that you have to make the call and I am a sucker when it comes to that,you want to do whatever it takes to keep your dog(family member) healthy and safe.

on his back they weren't totally bald but you could definatley see something going on when the light hit him. I took him to our local military base vet and he did a skin scrape and some other minor stuff no bloodwork or anything really involved and he said it was just hair loss due to stress cuz my husband had just left for a deployment and my bullie and him are very close. I cleaned the patches with these special wipes i got at petsmart that i use for his face wrinkles and then i powered the spots with the same powder i use for his face wrinkles and i tried to keep him happy and active to take his mind off of my husband being gone. After several weeks the patches went away on their own. I can't help but think they are related to his weight loss and probably the stress of being hungry all the time. I do agree u need to find another vet i have several i use for various degrees of problems and i have never payed more than 200$ for a visit. And dozer has had everything from swallowing things and having stomach and intestine prob's, to bald spots, to couch jumping injuries. Best of luck with your baby.


glitter-graphics.com

on his back they weren't totally bald but you could definatley see something going on when the light hit him. I took him to our local military base vet and he did a skin scrape and some other minor stuff no bloodwork or anything really involved and he said it was just hair loss due to stress cuz my husband had just left for a deployment and my bullie and him are very close. I cleaned the patches with these special wipes i got at petsmart that i use for his face wrinkles and then i powered the spots with the same powder i use for his face wrinkles and i tried to keep him happy and active to take his mind off of my husband being gone. After several weeks the patches went away on their own. I can't help but think they are related to his weight loss and probably the stress of being hungry all the time. I do agree u need to find another vet i have several i use for various degrees of problems and i have never payed more than 200$ for a visit. And dozer has had everything from swallowing things and having stomach and intestine prob's, to bald spots, to couch jumping injuries. Best of luck with your baby.


glitter-graphics.com

The one thing I did not like about the vets there is since its an animal hospital I never had the same vet twice. All with different oppinions and ideas.

Thanks for all your replies,when I drove home the day of the visit I felt sick to me stomach and alittle stupid because I should have never let it go on for so long (weight loss). He would be soo hungry through out the day but then again I think billybob would eat all day long if you let him.

He also has something going on with his back. Tiny balding patches where you can see his skin. It is localized in the same area,it does not spread to other body parts but is spreading alitte in local area. You can really see it when the sun is shining on him.

Could these be related to weight loss. I posted here recently and mentioned he has food allergies and we put the on NB fish and potato. Seems ok so far,no more ear infections (smelly ears) no more sores between toes/pads,smeels alot better overall.

So now it just this skin condition and gaining weight. I do have to say I post here for a several different reasons and one happens to be to avoid going to the vet if possible. I been out of work since Dec.11 2008 and his last visit was $500.00 various shots and anual check up,stool sample and even charged to clean his ears. Oh I forgot also main reason was yeast infection in ear. do you think I can stick it out alitte bit longer or does he need to go back to vet. soon?

I kow between the visit and possible bloodwork,med. for skin, always do stool sample etc. its going to be atleast another $500.00 I have never neglected a pet in my life but if I can buy time. My wife is also an unemployed teacher who has sub jobs that pays very little.

The one thing I did not like about the vets there is since its an animal hospital I never had the same vet twice. All with different oppinions and ideas.

Thanks for all your replies,when I drove home the day of the visit I felt sick to me stomach and alittle stupid because I should have never let it go on for so long (weight loss). He would be soo hungry through out the day but then again I think billybob would eat all day long if you let him.

He also has something going on with his back. Tiny balding patches where you can see his skin. It is localized in the same area,it does not spread to other body parts but is spreading alitte in local area. You can really see it when the sun is shining on him.

Could these be related to weight loss. I posted here recently and mentioned he has food allergies and we put the on NB fish and potato. Seems ok so far,no more ear infections (smelly ears) no more sores between toes/pads,smeels alot better overall.

So now it just this skin condition and gaining weight. I do have to say I post here for a several different reasons and one happens to be to avoid going to the vet if possible. I been out of work since Dec.11 2008 and his last visit was $500.00 various shots and anual check up,stool sample and even charged to clean his ears. Oh I forgot also main reason was yeast infection in ear. do you think I can stick it out alitte bit longer or does he need to go back to vet. soon?

I kow between the visit and possible bloodwork,med. for skin, always do stool sample etc. its going to be atleast another $500.00 I have never neglected a pet in my life but if I can buy time. My wife is also an unemployed teacher who has sub jobs that pays very little.

First of all, yes I would change vets. Sounds like several of the problems you have with this office (various vets) is related to them being "too big" and you're not getting the benefits of a close relationship with a doctor you trust who knows your dog well...on that basis alone I would switch, and the vet you see for your other dog, if he/she meets my criteria listed above, should do nicely for BillyBob. YOU need to be involved with your dog's care and that means knowing what particular needs your own dog has (he may not be "average" on all fronts, ie the weight issue) so if you knew he was quite uncomfortable at the lower amount, I do scold you for not picking up on that sooner.

As for his small skin issues, hopefully some of that was related to stress from the diet and any accompanying lowering of his resistance/immune system. I would do medicated baths and if you are even using a basic shampoo, leave the lather on him for 10mins before rinsing very well...if he's itchy or you see dry flakes, then bathe every 2wks, otherwise I'd do it weekly. Dust the clean spots with Gold Bond Medicated Powder too.

Many vets 'over-vaccinate' and since this is an adult dog, and he's undergoing some changes now, I'd certainly forestall any vaccines (unless rabies is needed for licensing) for a few months at least, until he's back to desirable weight/condition.

First of all, yes I would change vets. Sounds like several of the problems you have with this office (various vets) is related to them being "too big" and you're not getting the benefits of a close relationship with a doctor you trust who knows your dog well...on that basis alone I would switch, and the vet you see for your other dog, if he/she meets my criteria listed above, should do nicely for BillyBob. YOU need to be involved with your dog's care and that means knowing what particular needs your own dog has (he may not be "average" on all fronts, ie the weight issue) so if you knew he was quite uncomfortable at the lower amount, I do scold you for not picking up on that sooner.

As for his small skin issues, hopefully some of that was related to stress from the diet and any accompanying lowering of his resistance/immune system. I would do medicated baths and if you are even using a basic shampoo, leave the lather on him for 10mins before rinsing very well...if he's itchy or you see dry flakes, then bathe every 2wks, otherwise I'd do it weekly. Dust the clean spots with Gold Bond Medicated Powder too.

Many vets 'over-vaccinate' and since this is an adult dog, and he's undergoing some changes now, I'd certainly forestall any vaccines (unless rabies is needed for licensing) for a few months at least, until he's back to desirable weight/condition.

Anytime I have to see a vet other than my regular vet (who sees ALOT of bulldogs), they pretty much always tell me that my dogs are overweight. I just smile and say nothing....

A few years ago I was trying to get the last point on my male and everyone was giving me tips on how to put a couple more pounds on him to get him to his perfect weight. At the same time, he got a mild staph problem, so I took him in to get some antibiotics to help clear it up. I had to laugh when the vet came into the room and told me how gorgeous he was, but that he was overweight and I should try to take several pounds off of him!!

However, all of that aside....I would be a little bit worried if my 58# dog lost 16# in 4 months. That's more than 25% of his body weight. It's good that he's putting some weight back on and not holding or continuing to lose. I would keep a close eye on it and make sure that he continues to gain. By the way, I feed both of my adult dogs about 3 cups of Natural Balance food per day and I usually add cooked chicken or ground beef or a few tbsp of canned food to it. My female weighs about 52# and my male is about 63#. I take them for 2 mile walks and they're both still rarin' to go...so I don't think they are overweight

Anytime I have to see a vet other than my regular vet (who sees ALOT of bulldogs), they pretty much always tell me that my dogs are overweight. I just smile and say nothing....

A few years ago I was trying to get the last point on my male and everyone was giving me tips on how to put a couple more pounds on him to get him to his perfect weight. At the same time, he got a mild staph problem, so I took him in to get some antibiotics to help clear it up. I had to laugh when the vet came into the room and told me how gorgeous he was, but that he was overweight and I should try to take several pounds off of him!!

However, all of that aside....I would be a little bit worried if my 58# dog lost 16# in 4 months. That's more than 25% of his body weight. It's good that he's putting some weight back on and not holding or continuing to lose. I would keep a close eye on it and make sure that he continues to gain. By the way, I feed both of my adult dogs about 3 cups of Natural Balance food per day and I usually add cooked chicken or ground beef or a few tbsp of canned food to it. My female weighs about 52# and my male is about 63#. I take them for 2 mile walks and they're both still rarin' to go...so I don't think they are overweight

Guess what, my vet happens to be the one recommended in my area.

I do not think they are bad,its just being a hospital you get who ever is there that day,and like any other profession different doctors have different opinions,and believe me every visit was a different idea about how to treat my dog.

As far as them being expensive,having a princeton address is like a license to charge more. Do you really need a bulldog specific vet. I have a border collie and I am thing about just taking him to his vet., closer and less expensive.

Guess what, my vet happens to be the one recommended in my area.

I do not think they are bad,its just being a hospital you get who ever is there that day,and like any other profession different doctors have different opinions,and believe me every visit was a different idea about how to treat my dog.

As far as them being expensive,having a princeton address is like a license to charge more. Do you really need a bulldog specific vet. I have a border collie and I am thing about just taking him to his vet., closer and less expensive.

thinks thatmine are great weights.  I feed them 2 cups per day one in the am and one in the pm.  They also get frozen greenbeans for treats, they are good for them and inexpensive.  They all weight 40-48 lbs.  The two six month olds are 30 and 35 lbs.  I think that the  male is going to be bigger a dog ,therefor weigh more.  I think the male will be about 60 lbs. and the female areound 45-50.  She is smaller too.

thinks thatmine are great weights.  I feed them 2 cups per day one in the am and one in the pm.  They also get frozen greenbeans for treats, they are good for them and inexpensive.  They all weight 40-48 lbs.  The two six month olds are 30 and 35 lbs.  I think that the  male is going to be bigger a dog ,therefor weigh more.  I think the male will be about 60 lbs. and the female areound 45-50.  She is smaller too.

on the left hand side under health there is a heading of bulldog vets by state. Maybe you can find one near you, they are all recommended by BDW people.

Kathy, Ollie and Chester

on the left hand side under health there is a heading of bulldog vets by state. Maybe you can find one near you, they are all recommended by BDW people.

Kathy, Ollie and Chester

based on my bullie. He weighs 61 lbs and eats 3 cups a day. I have had my bullie to 3 different vet's and they all said he was a healthy weight and looked great. I think the vet that told you he was overweight and concerned for heart problems was a little overly concerned. I have seen bullies that weighed anywhere from 40 lbs to 92 lbs and some looked healthy and others seemed a little over weight. But weight changes in dogs do take longer than humans he's prob just taking a little longer to gain the weight back than he did to loose it. It sounds like you need to get a more expierenced bullie vet.


glitter-graphics.com

based on my bullie. He weighs 61 lbs and eats 3 cups a day. I have had my bullie to 3 different vet's and they all said he was a healthy weight and looked great. I think the vet that told you he was overweight and concerned for heart problems was a little overly concerned. I have seen bullies that weighed anywhere from 40 lbs to 92 lbs and some looked healthy and others seemed a little over weight. But weight changes in dogs do take longer than humans he's prob just taking a little longer to gain the weight back than he did to loose it. It sounds like you need to get a more expierenced bullie vet.


glitter-graphics.com

Yes it was me earier,I am not sure if its related or not. Like I posted prior,He was overdue for shots and the main concern was a very bad ear infection,I never seen anything like it. He has had gunk in his ears since maybe 6 months to a year old and I would clean them out but thought maybe this is normal for this breed,the vet would say the same just clean them out every so often.

I realize vets need to make a living like everyone else and at times maybe see your pet once a year so I think they just try to get you to have every possible test while they have you there. Don't get me wrong I am not saying they deceive you or cheat you,I just sometimes think they tug on your heart strings and I am a real sucker when it comes to that.

He's such a good dog. His metabolism is high,very active, thats why I am confused he shows no sign of an illness.

I live in hamilton square nj its about 10 miles south of princeton,just outside of trenton. Our current vet is located in princeton nj (maybe that explains higher cost but we were told they were great buldog vets).

Thank you for all your responses,feels good i'm not alone and can get good advice besides just relying on your vet.

Yes it was me earier,I am not sure if its related or not. Like I posted prior,He was overdue for shots and the main concern was a very bad ear infection,I never seen anything like it. He has had gunk in his ears since maybe 6 months to a year old and I would clean them out but thought maybe this is normal for this breed,the vet would say the same just clean them out every so often.

I realize vets need to make a living like everyone else and at times maybe see your pet once a year so I think they just try to get you to have every possible test while they have you there. Don't get me wrong I am not saying they deceive you or cheat you,I just sometimes think they tug on your heart strings and I am a real sucker when it comes to that.

He's such a good dog. His metabolism is high,very active, thats why I am confused he shows no sign of an illness.

I live in hamilton square nj its about 10 miles south of princeton,just outside of trenton. Our current vet is located in princeton nj (maybe that explains higher cost but we were told they were great buldog vets).

Thank you for all your responses,feels good i'm not alone and can get good advice besides just relying on your vet.