Veterinary Advice Cocker Mouth

[garythesign]

Please would you have any advice for a long-term problem with Harvey, my 13 year old cocker spaniel (from a working line)?

He has ‘cocker mouth’ – infected lip folds and this has been an issue for about 18 months now.

He has had a number of courses of antibiotics over this period. Initially it helped, but the infection keeps coming back. Most recently, he had a course of 12 Betamox 200mg starting 5th August.

Four months ago he was prescribed Douxos3 foam, a dab on each side, twice a day.

Again, this seemed to help initially, but not any more. In fact he dislikes it so much, I only apply it once a day. Currently one side of the mouth is ‘gluey’, but the other side is pink and inflamed, smelly too

My vet is not coming up with any other options and I hate to see Harvey sore and uncomfortable.

My vet does not think lip fold surgery would be a good idea, he said he would do more research but that was four weeks ago and I have not heard back.

He had his teeth cleaned about a year ago and the vet says his teeth are reasonable ok.

He eats Royal Canin Senior 10+ kibble. His appetite has always been good. He has slowed down physically and mentally.

He takes Yumove+ for joints (wonderful) and RenewMe for cognitive function (not so good).

Any advice you could give to improve Harvey’s situation would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance

[moorx]

I'd not heard of this, but can imagine how they get it. As you know, I'm not a vet, just an owner.

Sorry if it's basic, but have they done swabs? To establish what might be the best antibiotic?

The only other thing that occurs is that one of our greyhounds kept getting mouth problems after a dental, he was originally prescribed antibiotics, then one of the best vets we've ever had (sadly no longer with our local practice) realised that it was a fungal issue, and prescribed something for treating people.

Sorry not to have more detail, but it's a while ago now and my memory is shocking these days

[Thevet]

This is not a simple fix, I'm just a farm vet but my experience of this says that continual effort will be required to get on top of this nasty infection associated with a wet fold in the skin so close to the mouth. So, swabs for antibiotic sensitivity would be sensible but may be not so important considering the anatomical issues. Anyway, any measure that reduces the bacterial growth on what is a damaged area will be good, try hydrogen peroxide bathing, chlorhexidine also (aka hibiscrub) I would have thought that this should be combined with some antibiotic regime to help attack on all fronts.
If you feel your vets aren't offering a suitable course of action then ask for a referral to a skin specialist.
Lip fold dermatitis is difficult but can be beaten....albeit with ongoing therapy to keep it away

[SPR2]

Why does your vet against surgery- age?

A friends spaniel has recently had surgery for this and it has been very successful.
He said it was Lipfold Pyoderma and needed a lip tuck.

Edited by SPR2 on Friday 28th August 23:08

[Thevet]

SPR2 said:

Why does your vet against surgery- age?

Edited by SPR2 on Friday 28th August 23:08

Que?

[SPR2]

Thevet said:

Que?

I assume his vet was against doing surgery ( careless error sorry)

[moorx]

garythesign said:

My vet does not think lip fold surgery would be a good idea

[garythesign]

Hi All

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I’m fairly sure it is bacterial rather than fungal, but I will suggest swabs. He has had different antibiotics, some work better than others but the infection comes back.

We have used hibiscrub with antibiotics, then changed to the Douxo.

With regard to surgery, age is a factor, though he is quite healthy and his heart is so good that junior vets are called in to be surprised at such a good heartbeat from an old dog! I think the shape of the lipfolds is an issue, John (the vet) said it would be difficult to get it 100% right and there would be a chance of re-infection. Also I expect older dogs take longer to heal? Your opinion on this would be useful.

Is there an anti-bacterial ointment that would help?

I will ask John about a skin specialist, we live in the west of Ireland in a rural area, so likely to be 3/4 hour drive from a specialist.

Thanks again

Gary