HOTSPOTS
Hot spots
are more common in the summer months, and are the bane of many dog owner's
lives. They are nasty sore areas which develop rapidly on the skin,
often over night, almost without warning. The vets call then canine
pyotraumatic dermatitis, but hot spots is far easier to understand! The theory is that these spots do not just break out at random. The incidence of self trauma by scratching or licking is considered to be the major factor producing the characteristic sore, ulcerated, wet skin area that is often quite well demarcated. The majority of these nasty inflamed areas occur on the rump, flanks, face, around the ears, or on the upper neck, but that does not prevent them cropping up elsewhere. The sticky fluid, which is exuded, matts the coat in the local area and eventually forms a thick crusty scab. The big disaster for the show dog is the loss of hair, with the common follow up of much darker hair growing through the healed area. The colour change is not permanent though, as the hair will grow back to the original colour following a moult or coat change. Golden Retrievers, GSD's and St Bernards are an example of breeds most likely to suffer from hot spots. Grease, debris, chemicals, scalds and burns are top of the list of contaminants in the coat that some veterinarians consider the reason behind hot spots, and any product used to clean a dogs coat are capable of causing damage or irritating the skin. Do not underestimate the power of the sun either, nor lying near a hot heater/cooker/open fire, as this can also cause a hot spot to flare up. Parasites, lice cheyletiella, ticks and other transient biting and stinging insects can all cause areas of irritation which can encourage a dog to lick and scratch intensively. Finally, injection sites, and various medications applied to the skin can sometimes cause an area of local irritation. Treatment usually involves clipping the affected area, cleaning with antiseptic rinses, washes or shampoos, followed by the topical use of a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids. Knowing what has caused the hot spot is important, as this will avoid a repeated incidence, as the cause could be an allergy or skin sensitivity, parasites, ear infection or anal gland infection or impaction. If these potential primary causes are not dealt with, the self inflicted damage will be repeated. Spotting the signs early before a heavy scab or crust forms, may avoid the need to clip the coat, and the area should be washed and a soothing antiseptic ointment applied to stop the irritation and infection. However, you do need to ensure the entire area is treated and this can take some time and care if the coat is long or thick. These tips are NOT meant to replace the recommended trip to the vet, but rather, offer your pet some quick relief and to help quell the spread of the hot spot until your vet can see your pet. The first thing to do is speak with your veterinarian. Due to the rapidity of spread and possibility of deeper skin infection, it is wise to start treatment with your vet. Also, these hot spots can be very painful to the animal, and caution is advised, use a muzzle if need be for your protection. Shave the area. The first treatment for hot spots is to dry them out and get air to the area. Hair loss is a feature of hot spots, but hair can also mat over the inflamed area, covering up a potentially much more severe and large problem. Cleanse the area with cool water and a gentle skin cleanser. Cool compress the area 2-4 times a day with a cool wet cloth Medications - Depending on the severity and size of the hot spot, your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics, topical drying sprays or medications, and/or special shampoos.
Prevention of licking, biting, scratching -i.e. Elizabethan collar Additional home remedies that can be used until you can see your vet:
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