Tail pocket
Submitted by Cantu on August 3, 2011 - 2:57pmI need help with Bubba's tail pocket. I clean it after every potty and always try to keep it clean but its just not working. It looks yeasty and black inside his tail pocket and its really itchy too. What else can I do for him? I have taken him to the vet before when it gets infected and they give him medicine, which that will help with the infection but it continues to bother him. I was told by the vet that I should consider amputation. I don't think I want to go that route just yet,especially since he is almost 8 years old.
Thanks
This is what I do with Sophia
I stand her in my shower (which has a flexible sprayer head) or a sink with a spray nozzle. I get her tail pocket good and wet with luke warm water. I use antibacterial hand soap or doggy shampoo, and place a glob on my fingertips. I clean in and around the tail pocket very well, then rinse clean. Then I do it again:-) Rinse it very, very well...I don't want any residue left in the pocket. I dry her off with a towel first, then I use paper towels to get her really dry in the pocket. I put a dab of Desitin Diaper cream on my fingertip and smooth it around into the tail pocket, making sure I get as deep as the pocket goes in.
I only have to do this once a week, and Sophia stays nice and clean and fresh, with no infections. I also feed her grain free food, that helps a lot.
Amy and Sophia
One thing I'm thankful for
My breeder doesn't breed dogs that have tail pockets. I was so thrilled when I found this out after all the research I did on bullies before I got one. That was the one thing I was dreading. I love my breeder :)
I have 2 girls
One of them had to have her tail amputated due to chronic infections. The other one has a deep tail pocket that I clean routinely. I have tried numerous cleaning solutiuons and have had great luck using peroxide. You just need to find what works for you. Good Luck
Mike
Peroxide
Do you use straight peroxide, or what concentration do you use?
Peroxide
My 11 month old male's tail pocket is getting tighter and tighter. It's really hard to think that a place so tight, skin against skin with hair can really get clean. My vet warned against peroxide as it can upset the balance of that very warm and moist environment which could grow bacteria. She advised a vinegar and water mixture and after cleaned and very dry use an antibiotic ointment like you would use for an ear infection. As far as a breeder that doesn't "do that" this is a condition that is unforeseen in many (or most) cases and is one that unfortunately can lead to amputation. It's one of the drawbacksforthe bullies that can be a challenge for their families. Perhaps your breeder should share such a rare secret with other bullie lovers to better the breed. At the Cornell Companion Animal Hospital, they are very common those amputation procedures. There may also be a way to cut the tendens on either side of the tail that is holding it in that position where it re enters the body.
Docsmama