In October 2013, I had lip fold surgery. It was one of the best things I have done, and now after a year of living with the wonderful results I wanted to tell my friends a bit about it. The last year before my surgery, I was not my happy usual self because of my chronic infections, but since the surgery, I’ve been my happy old self once again. Please remember, I am not a medical expert and I am only sharing my personal experience with lip fold surgery. If you suspect you may be a candidate for the surgery yourself, please consult with your own veterinarian.
About two years before I had the surgery, I started getting ornery about having my teeth brushed and my beard combed. Next a foul odor started coming from my mouth. Mom thought maybe I had a tooth that was bad, but things looked alright to her. At that time, we still had not found a vet we really liked since moving back to the US from Germany, so we went to the one we were seeing at the time. They said it was just a small infection in my lip, gave me some antibiotics and sent me on my way.
The smell returned a few months later, I was completely refusing to have my beard combed and I wasn’t thrilled about getting my teeth brushed. I had always loved having my teeth brushed so this was odd. We went back to the vet and were given the same diagnosis and antibiotics. Mom doesn’t like us taking antibiotics unless it is really necessary, so when this happened a third time, we didn’t go to the vet right away. The smell from my mouth was really bad. If you know what a yeast infection in an ear smells like, multiply that by about 100. I could clear a room. Mom was embarrassed and also felt so bad for me. We went to a different vet we had found, but they also said it was just an infection, probable from chewing a bone or something, gave me antibiotics again and sent us on our way. The next time the odor occurred, which was happening more frequently, we found our current vet and asked for some help.
Finally, I was diagnosed with Lip Fold Dermatitis. I had to be given antibiotics to get rid of the infection, but I was also given a dental rinse to keep my lip folds clean and hopefully infection free. What is Lip Fold Dermatitis? It is a condition that affects dogs with lips that sag. With age, lips tend to sag more which can increase the problem. (See my sagging lip in the photo above. We don’t have photos of my lips inflamed because I wouldn’t allow anyone near my lips when that was the case.) Moisture and all kinds of food and debris can get caught in the folds which irritates the skin and can develop into ulcer like sores and/or infections (bacterial and/or yeast). The dark, moist environment is the perfect spot for problems to develop. My beard also contributed to the bacteria growing in the lip fold area. Not only is the odor very unpleasant for humans, it is a real painful condition for us dogs.
At first thought, Mom felt she had neglected my hygiene and it might be her fault, but that wasn’t the case. The condition started slowly, but since previous vets had not diagnosed it properly, we weren’t given proper treatment early on causing the condition to become chronic. Some dogs are simply prone to lip fold problems too, while others never have an issue. The more infected my lips got, the less I would let anyone near the area, thus the situation only got worse. Lip fold issues are most common in dogs with saggy lips, often in dogs that drool a lot. The lip fold surgery is used to cure lip fold dermatitis, but is also commonly used as a cosmetic procedure to prevent drooling.
My vet suggested we get the infection cleared up, shave off my beard to help keep the area dry, and use a special oral rinse twice a day to see if we could keep the situation under control. Unfortunately, it did not work. Being as I was only seven and would have this condition forever, we opted for the lip fold surgery.
Both sides of my mouth had the same problem, although the left side was a bit worse. The operation involved going in and cutting the lip fold, removing a portion, and then stitching the remaining lip back together to make it a tight normal lip.Β My case was one of the worse my vet had ever seen and he has been a vet for quite some time. The surgery sounds painful, but it really was not bad. I could eat normal food the next day, just had to avoid chewing things for about a month, and no rough play for a few weeks.
Once my lips healed Mom started gently brushing my beard and working harder on my teeth again. It took months before I realized it did not hurt me anymore to have these grooming procedures done. Now Mom brushes my beard every morning and my teeth every night. No more clumps or matting in my beard, no more foul odor from my mouth, the plaque has disappeared, and it feels great. It is also much healthier for me in the long run as all that bacteria and infection constantly in my body would not be good for me.
This is a photo of my lip a year after the surgery, looking beautiful! At my last physical, my vet could not even tell I had ever had problems or surgery on my lips! We not only learned a lot about the lips of a dog, but we learned once again, you need to have a vet you can trust. Those other vets had no idea how to help me, but at our current clinic, they nailed it right away and knew all about it and what the options were. If you are not sure your vet knows what they are talking about, never be shy to get a second opinion.
Iβm joining BlogPaws in celebrating Pet Health Awareness Month. Join in the discussion with your own post and read about pet health obstacles, challenges, and tips for keeping pets healthy.
hi. thanks for an excellent, revealing post. my senior bicon frise, kept in full coat, has a very similar problem with her mouth and beard. and i have tried many remedies, but had not heard of this type of surgery. because of my dog’s age (9), her vet may not decide to go for surgery, but i feel this is a new treatment option that we’ve not tried. my dog thanks you. i thank you. and the vet darned well better thank you too!
We so hear you! It so frustrating when a vet doesn’t diagnose the problem. Nine is not a puppy, but considering the life span of your dog, there should be a lot of years ahead and if she has this issue and is healthy enough for surgery, it would probably add to her life span getting rid of the constant infection. It was amazing the difference it made right off the bat!
Well glad it went well and now things are OK. We agree a second opinion is a must if you are not sure. Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly
We were nervous about it, but it was the best thing I could have done!
Katie had a really bad lip infection, and yes the smell can clear the room, and I asked my vet about the lip fold surgery because of Emma. She said it was only necessary if it was chronic, like Emma’s. Katie never had another one. But it is really good to know your options. Thank you.
If it isn’t a chronic problem, I wouldn’t do the surgery, but Emma never does things half way. If she has a lip problem, it is full blown, if she has a UTI, it is the worst kind, so for us, it was the best thing and she has been so happy since we got rid of that infection in her lips.
I remember when you had this surgery, Emma, and appreciate knowing more about it. I’d never heard of any of this before, so glad you’ve shared!
We were going to post about it earlier, but decided to wait to make sure it really worked and held as we hoped.
Emma, I remember reading about your surgery last year, so I’m so glad it was a success! You’re looking beautiful and your lips are kissable Jack says π
With my nice breath, Jack, I’m very kissable!
I remember when you had this procedure done! So glad it went well and everything is better!
It really has been amazing and the best thing I could have done.
The mom says “has it really been a year since you had your surgery?” Gee, I was in my mommy’s womb near you in MN. Maggie was here at that time. We are happy you finally got the correct procedure to control the lip fold issue. Second opinions are a great choice. XOXO Sparkle the PBGV
Yep, I had it done the end of October last year. Lots can happen in a year, for sure! Hopefully you will never have any issues like that because it was not fun.
that is a wonderful result and we agree – finding the right vet makes all the difference.
It is scary, amazing how many vets there are that aren’t really very good.
A good vet is worth his/her weight in GOLD! Mom agrees so much with you. We like a vet that is willing to talk, listen, suggest, listen more and the whole time pet us and kiss us!! We are glad you are healing and on the other side of the lip surgery!! your doodle friend, Dash
It isn’t easy to find a good vet, so a dog has to sniff through a lot of them before we found the perfect clinic! I’m so happy now with my improved lips!
Hmmm interesting. We never heard of it but it makes sense
Snorts,
Lily & Edward
We never heard of it either, so we thought we should bark about it in case anyone else has similar issues and could benefit from the right diagnosis.
Another reminder that no one knows or cares for you pup like you do. Dogged determination gets results! Emma looks great and most importantly feels great too.
It was the best thing once we found out what the real problem was and got the right solution! I’m like a different dog!
Oh Emma, I had never heard of Lip Fold Dermatitis before. That must have been painful when it flared up…you poor girl. I am very happy to hear the surgery was a success and now you don’t have that issue any more. This was a great post…I am sure a lot of us learned something new!
Oz
It was really painful almost all the time and that smell was so bad. We are so happy we found a great vet that could help me out.
Thank you for that information. Had never heard of the condition.
We never had either, and obviously not all vets are up on it which is why we decided to post a bit about it in case any other pups out there have issues like I did.
Wow |Emma I have never heard of this before. Of course I have seen plenty of dogs where there lip does fold like that. I am so glad you got it all cleared up! And one year later, you are looking pretty darn good!!!
α¦ husky hugz α¦ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Lots of dogs have lips like that with no issues, but if you have an issue, it is important to take care of it. We had no idea what was wrong with me for quite a while but once we nailed it down, the cure was the best.
Thanks for sharing, Emmadog. I have Lip-fold Dermatitis too. Approx. how much would my Dad have to pay for this surgery.
Woofs and licks,
Stella
I think the surgery was around $600, but our insurance covered most of that.
I’m so glad you finally found the right vet to get this cleared up for you. Just like with human doctors, sometimes you have to shop around to get a good one. That is such great news that everything is still perfect a year later!
If any dogs suffers from lip fold issues, I would suggest looking into the surgery, it is well worth it.
I’m so glad the vet diagnosed you acted quickly.
We are so thankful for our vet being so knowledgeable and helping me out.
many thanks for a very important post, it’s good to be informed about this ouchie what we can get on our lips. I’m glad the surgery went well and you look really fabulous now and the bad smell is history too. It’s not easy to find the perfect vet, it’s great that you found one :o)
I wonder if I could start wearing lipstick again??? Hmmmm… I am just so happy to not have that pain anymore.
Thank you Emma for your wonderful information and outcome. You have a good mom to pursue this to make you feel better, smell better, and look better!
It was a real nasty problem that really needed to be taken care of properly. Once the vet diagnosed it, it was a fast track to the solution for me.
Mom has never heard of this condition and since we both have the same type of lips (β₯β₯β₯) she said it is something she will keep an eye out for. I am glad it didn’t damage your beautiful smile. Your Sweetie, Bentley
We had never heard of it either, but now we know. Believe me, if your mouth starts getting that smell, you will know it. It was horrible, but now I’m all better and one happy smoochable GBGV girl.
Emma, I’m so glad you are doing better now and also that you found a vet you and your mom like a lot better. I have never heard of these kinds of infections so I had no idea surgery was an option to help. It makes sense!
For many dogs it is just cosmetic plastic surgery, but for me it was for my health. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I needed to, but I should be good for life now.
That surgery makes so much sense. I’m so glad you’re feeling like your normal self and can be happy/healthy again! Thanks for the great info.
Once we were told what the problem was by a vet that actually knew what the issue was, it was a no brainer. It sure helped me out!
I had no idea something like this could happen. So happy you’re doing better after the surgery!
We had no idea either until it actually happened. After having it, I’m finding out lots of dogs have some form of this, but many don’t even know they have it.
Wow, Emma. This is such an informative post–something Mom knew nothing about. I am so glad you finally found a vet that was familiar with this! And I know you are feeling sooooo much better.
We had never heard of it either, but have found a lot of dogs have issues with their lip fold, most not as extreme, so we thought it would be good to post about.
We are glad the surgery worked so well. We seem to remember your Mom being a bit nervous before hand. π I am glad to know more about this. Thunder has saggy lips and he drools so if there is ever an issue, it will be something to keep in mind. π
Many dogs never have a problem, but I’m the type that if there can be a problem, I get it full blown, and I did. Hopefully it will never be an issue for Thunder.
I am so glad you shared this story. Our Dexter deals with the condition but we have been able to keep it at bay with preventative treatment. TY for sharing and glad this all worked out!
Many dogs have mild forms or an occasional flare up, but for me it was so very bad but now everything is great!
Wow! Who knew this could happen? Now I will have to go look at the lips of each of my pups XD So glad you found a vet who you trust and like! Thanks for sharing this.
If it becomes a problem, you would know. Many dogs have loose lips or drool, and never have a problem, but for those that do, I wanted to spread the word on what the problem is and that surgery does really work. We were skeptical about the surgery at first, but would do it again in a heartbeat.
Emma, I am so glad that your Mom did not give up and kept going to different vets until she found one who truly cared and wanted to find the answers to help you. And I’m so glad the surgery was such a great success for you! It was like with my tail issues, for the first few years there were vets who just weren’t helping and it got to be frustrating.
Here’s to good vets who care and Moms who won’t stop seeking answers for us!!
Love, Pixel
Hi Pixel, thank you for your kind words. Finding a great vet is hard. Good to fair vets are all over, but a really great one is worth so much. Glad your tail issues are getting better too.
Thank you for sharing your story!
I just want other dogs to know there is help if you have lip fold issues.
I’m glad it’s worked so well for you, Emma. It must have been horrible to have sore lips all the time.
It was really bad, painful and made me real crabby.
Goodness Emma I had no idea you went through all of that. I am glad you have a good mom who didn’t give up and got you all better. After reading this mom thinks my new sister Taffy the Cocker Spaniel might have those loose lips so she knows to watch out for it. Love Dolly
Cocker Spaniels have it too. Carol Bryant’s dog has some issues with it, but doesn’t need surgery. Just keep an eye on Taffy to make sure she doesn’t start having pain in her lips and/or a strong odor. Will she be living with you now? Hopefully, wherever she lives she will get her weight under control and get plenty of loving!