English Bulldog Lump possible herpes virus;

Question

Slims Lump   QUESTION: My 6 year old English Bull Dog has developed this lump on the center of his head right on top behind his ear mark. I noticed it a couple days ago when I pet him because it was hard like a scab.  It has now developed into a pinkish lump and I can see it through his hair.  Behind the lump is swollen like in his creases going to his neck.  He is not acting like it hurts but I can tell it's bothering him a little because when I try and touch it for too long he starts moving.  I fed him Science Diet since he was a puppy but I switched him to Beneful about 7 months ago.  Please let me know if I can give him anything or what I should do.

ANSWER: Hi Monique,  Take him in for a Vet check-up.  I think it may be a herpes virus type-lump.
Only the Vet can tell for sure what is going on with Slim.
There are just so many things this could be.  That was a very good photo.
Please see the vet ASAP.

I would love to talk to you about the food choice for Slim.  Beneful is full of corn and junk fillers. NOT good at all for his skin, coat and overall health.
I know the bag is very colorful and they have some GREAT advertising.

Please get back to me on Slim's weight and if he has any other problems.  It would be great if we could get him on some supplements and a better food.

BEST wishes and thanks for the question!

Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much Marie.  We took him in and it turned out to be a growth filled with blood and pus.  They drained it and gave him some medicine but he did say it was infected and it was a good thing we brought him in.  I appreciate your advice as we were unsure what to do.  He is a healthy 68lbs and he has no other health problems suprisingly enough he's a pretty healthy english bulldog with a big boxy head.  The vet's office couldn't believe it.  He eats Beneful only because it was slightly cheaper then the Science Diet and he tends to be pretty picky on what he eats.  I would definitely take any advice you have on any foods.  We tried some other kind called BLUE which I'm not sure he liked and I really don't like to mix his food up too much.  I like to stay consistant.  Please any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks again,
Monique

Answer
Hi Monique and Slim,  Glad you did take him to the Vet for an exam!  
Yes, I would love for Slim to get onto a better quality food:

Here are some that most bullies do great on:

I would like you to look for Wellness Core ( OCEAN)-  If you can't find it go with Merrick "Before Grain"- Ocean / seafood flavor only.

Grain free ( ocean ) may be very helpful for skin, coat , hips and joints.
English bullies dog great on Grain-free - PLUS - they Poop Smaller because there is less corn and junk fillers = smaller poops
YOU also feed SMALLER portions becasue there is good food and no junk in the ingredients.
MORE condensed nutrition in every bite.

Add some Ground Lamb  3-4 x per week as a topper....
( YOU can cook up some ground lamb and add this to your dry dog food each day ) Just 1/4 to 1/2 cup 1x per day of the cooked lamb....
The Wellness and Merrick dog foods also have WET canned - you can add that as a topper - 2-3 teaspoons on top of the dry Grain-free kibble.

Next - a good Bulldog Supplement:
No drugs - all natural

**  NuVET wafers - this is an Immune system healer and Allergy Blaster - Great for skin and coat healing, too....give him 1  day long term ....( 1 wafer is about .60 cents per day)
Please call in the order for fast shipping:

Tell them you are working with Marie Peppers from ask the Pet Nurse.
Give referral code 81098 / you need a "pet pro" or vet to refer you to the NuVET program.....
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
1-800-474-7044
NOT sold in stores...
Here is my bulldog NuVET page:
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html

VERY safe and can be used with "anything" the vet has ordered for your dog.

Add some Olive oil ( 1/2 teaspoon) to his dog food daily - mix well
Must be PURE olive oil.


BEST wishes...

Happy NEW Year!

Marie Peppers