Background:
Hot spots, also known as acute moist pyoderma, are warm, painful,
oozing patches of the skin which can appear very quickly (often in a
single day). They generally form as a response to an initial
irritant, such as a flea bite, a local allergic reaction, or other
causes (ticks, burrs, mosquitoes, or heat). Dogs will bite or
scratch at the skin, making it vulnerable to infection and
inflammation. Dogs with heavy coats, such as Golden Retrievers, are
more likely to develop these lesions because the fur traps moisture
against the skin. More hot spots are likely to form in the spring
and summer seasons, due to the increased prevalence of allergens in
the environment and the complications of shedding.
Clinical
Signs:
Hot spots can seem to appear quite suddenly. They can be located
anywhere on the dog’s body, but are less likely to be found on the
mid-back. More than one can appear at one time. The lesions are red,
moist, oozing and sensitive to the touch.
Diagnosis:
Your veterinarian can diagnose hot spots on sight. However, a full
physical examination will be required to identify any possible
causes, such as fleas.
Treatment:
Hot spots are treated by clipping the hair around the sore, cleaning
the area and treating with topical medications. The topical
medication may contain antibiotics, drying agents or corticosteroids
(for example, Gentocin spray). Oral antibiotics may also be
prescribed. In order to prevent additional trauma to the area, your
veterinarian may fit your pet with an Elizabethan collar (funnel
collar), or place bandages on your pet’s feet to avoid scratching
trauma. Any predisposing conditions, such as a flea infestation,
should also be treated appropriately.
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