Infected lip is a worry

Our vet works his magic on your furry friends

QMy two-year-old springer spaniel has a mouth problem. The vet has diagnosed a fold in the lower lip which, due to poor ventilation and consistent moisture, is causing a persistent infection. She says that daily bathing of the area might keep it under control but surgery is best for a permanent solution. Have you come across this?

AThis is a condition called skin fold dermatitis, also known as skin fold pyoderma. Pyoderma just means bacterial infection of the skin, favoured in this case by the warm, moist, poorly ventilated fold. Fold pyodermas occur in other parts of the body, including the face, tail and vulva, particularly in flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds.

You don’t mention this in your email, but lip fold pyodermas can be a trial not only for affected dogs, but also for their owners. This is because, apart from mouth irritation, there is usually a foul smell associated with the infection, often wrongly attributed to dental disease.

Your vet has mentioned medical treatment may help. This consists of daily antibacterial shampoos or wipes which, of course, is very labour intensive and not particularly pleasant for the dog. Add to this that your dog will hopefully live for another 12 years.

I agree with your vet’s advice, therefore, that surgical treatment offers a permanent solution to the problem. The operation involves parallel incisions above and below the fold and its removal.

Healing in this area tends to be rapid and by the time sutures are removed the problem has usually been solved.

QMy seven-year-old male neutered cat has developed a film at the corner of each eye. A friend has said this is normal in some cats.

He doesn’t seem unwell so I am not sure whether I need to bother with a visit to the vet.

If the film is at both corners of the eye, near to the nose, it is likely to be the third eyelids that you can see.

These have an important extra protective and lubricating function for the cornea. Normally you can’t see them and if they become visible it indicates a possible problem.

Some diseases that can affect third eyelids include conjunctivitis, caused by viruses, bacteria or irritating foreign bodies.

Diseases of the eye, such as a tumour behind it, can also cause the third eyelid to become prominent and there is a condition called Horner’s syndrome that will make the third eyelid protrude. The latter two normally affect only one eye.

Aside from eye diseases, there are many other problems that will cause a general deterioration in condition, causing the eyes to fall back slightly in the orbit, which will have the effect of making the third eyelids visible.

There is a condition called Haw’s syndrome, which occurs without any obvious signs of illness, except for the visible third eyelids. Some of these cases have been associated with gastrointestinal viruses or parasites. Affected cats may get better in a few weeks, but a check-up with your vet is recommended to be sure that the problem is not something more serious.

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