"Hot spots" are also known as "acute moist pyoderma". What that means
is that they are
rapidly appearing, oozing, skin infections. This is just a description
of a symptom, sort of
like saying "your dog has scabs".
A hot spot starts because something irritates the dog's skin. The
body's response is to
either itch or create an inflammatory response at the site. In cases
of itching, the dog then
rubs, licks or chews the site and adds to the problem. These sores
can develop into severe
problems in an hour or two at times.
The most common irritants are probably fleas and allergies. These
cause the itching that
leads to the skin infection. There are many other possible sources
of irritation. Tick bites,
besetting, burrs, mats, mosquitos, summer heat and other problems
all contribute to the
initial irritation that can develop into a hot spot.
The best treatment for these is prevention. Keep fleas off your dog.
Groom and bathe your dog as necessary to keep the haricot in good
condition. Limit other sources of irritation to
the best of your ability. If allergies are a problem for your dog,
work with your vet to
control the itching they cause. In some dogs, all of this won't
be enough and you will
occasionally see hot spots anyway. The first step in treating a
hot spot is to get it dry.
Bacteria like the hot moist environment of irritated skin. Using
something to dry the sore
makes it harder for bacteria to grow. Clipping the hair over and
around a hot spot can help
a great deal in allowing it to dry. There are lots of astringents
that will help dry the sore, as well. My favorite is NeoPredef powder
because it dries the sore, has an antibiotic that acts
locally and a corticosteroid to control the itching and inflammation.
Other vets and pet
owners have their own favorites. People have advocated using athlete's
foot powders,
over-the-counter medicated powders, Listerine, rubbing alcohol and
many other drying
agents. Personally, I think rubbing alcohol is too irritating. Antiseptic
solutions can also be
helpful, especially if they are also a little astringent. Butadiene
solution is a good
antiseptic. If the hot spot doesn't respond very quickly to efforts
to keep it dry, then you
should seek help from your vet. Small areas of acute moist pyoderma
can become large
area quickly. Some dogs will continue to dig and scratch until they
really damage their own
skin. Your vet can help make your dog comfortable pretty quickly
in most cases.
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