| ACRAL LICK GANULOMAS - acral lick
dermatitis |
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 Acral lick granulomas are a common problem in dogs, especially
Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes and Labrador Retrievers.
Lick granulomas can develop secondary to allergies, trauma,
bacterial/fungal infection or underlying joint disease.
They most
commonly appear on the wrist or ankle. Acral lick granuloma may
cause a dog to lick the affected area, which may become habitualized
so that the sore does not have a chance to heal.
NOTE: A very frustrating skin disease found mostly in dogs is called acral
lick dermatitis (ALD), commonly know as a lick granuloma.
Dogs with this disease lick incessantly, causing chronic skin lesions of the
limbs. |
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| CLINICAL SIGNS |
| Acral Lick Granulomas appear as an area of hairlessness and redness,
predominantly on one of the limbs. Over time, the skin becomes red,
irritated and hard, maintaining the appearance of an open wound. |
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| DIAGNOSIS |
| Veterinarians can usually diagnose acral lick granulomas based on
behavioral history and an examination of the sore. However,
identification of the underlying cause can be more difficult,
requiring a series of diagnostic tests. A history of trauma may
suggest joint damage. Physical examination may reveal other signs of
allergy. Depending on the physical findings, it may or may not be
possible to identify what initiated the behavior. |
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| TREATMENT |
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 Treatment is directed at alleviating the underlying cause, such as
an allergy, infection, or joint disease. If a bacterial infection is
suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed. Allergies may be treated
with immunosuppressive therapies. In most cases, your veterinarian
will suggest you employ an Elizabethan (funnel-like) collar with
your dog to curb the behavior.
If an underlying cause cannot be
found, then the lick granuloma itself should be treated. There are a
number of ways of doing this. Topical treatment with a combination
of Synotic and Banamine has been used, as have anesthestic
preparations like DermaCool or Relief. Other strategies include use
of bitter apple or chloramphenicol ophthalmic ointment, as well as
bandaging or using a sock to cover the lesion. Hydrocodone may be
prescribed to cut down on the irritation and/or fill the need for
endorphins that the dog may be experiencing.
In cases where the behavior is
linked to psychological stress, simple changes in the environment
may help significantly.
In more persistent behavioral cases, amitriptyline (Elavil), naltrexone (Trexane), clomipramine (Anafranil)and
fluoxetine (Prozac) are often prescribed. Other solutions include:
radiation therapy, casts over the area, cryosurgery and surgical
excision.
Ultimately, finding a cure may take several approaches to
find the one that will work.
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| Breeds most likely to have a Lick
granuloma |
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Irish Setter
- Weimaraner
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Lick granulomas are almost always located on the front of the wrist area
(carpal area) or on the front or outside of the rear leg just above the
paw. Acral lick granulomas are thick, hairless, scarred and deeply
infected sores that often have ulcerated and oozing centers as a result of
continuous, compulsive licking and infection. |
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| Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. Günbil German shepherd dogs, worldclassgsd.com and or Günbil German shepherds, accepts no liability related to the veterinary advice and
information provided on this site regarding health matters. |
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