petSpot
enpevetenpevita

Dog: Hot Spot

General information

Other common/scientific names: moist dermatitis

A hot spot is a superficial skin infection that can occur anywhere on the dog’s body. These areas can enlarge rapidly and are more common in hot, humid weather.

Abb. GGTESYVU
Abb. GGTESYVU: Schematic illustration of the skin structure.
A hot spot only affects the upper skin layer or epidermis.

Causes

Anything that creates an irritation to the skin, causing the pet to chew or scratch at the site, can result in a hot spot. Insect (fleas, flies) bites, allergies, matted hair, minor skin scrapes can all be initiating causes. As the dog licks the affected area, bacteria from the mouth can cause the skin to become infected. The infected area of skin is sore and itchy causing the dog to continue scratching and perpetuating the cycle.

Cardinal symptom

Licking and itching

Symptoms

The skin involved in a hot spot is itchy, reddened, moist and painful. Pus oozes from the skin causing the hair to mat and a thick scab to form.

Abb. GFKVXKWU
Abb. GFKVXKWU: Hot Spots.
This is a photograph of two hot spots. a = This hot spot has been treated and has healed. b = This small hot spot is new. Note the red, moist appearing skin.

Abb. GFKVYRM6
Abb. GFKVYRM6: Hot Spot.
This is a photograph of a typical hot spot on a dog’s paw.

Diagnosis

Hot spots are diagnosed on physical examination. It is important to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

The hair around a hot spot must be clipped to allow air to the infected, moist skin. Because these areas can be extremely painful, sedation may be necessary. The inflamed skin is cleaned with an antiseptic. Topical and/or oral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications are used for several days to control the infection, pain and reduce the itch. The dog may need to wear a special collar to prevent further scratching of the hotspot. Frequently, flea allergy and/or atopic dermatitis are diagnosed and will need to be treated concurrently.

Prognosis

Most hot spots heal with proper treatment. Dogs with an underlying skin disease which causes itching may be prone to recurring hot spots.

Update version: 4/24/2014, © Copyright by www.enpevet.de
Join the discussion!
- This article has no comments yet -

The information offered by enpevet Ltd. is intended solely for information purposes and and does under no circumstances replace a personal consultation, examination or diagnosis through a veterinarian. Thus, the information serves as an addition to the dialogue between pet owner and veterinarian, but can never replace the visit to the veterinarian. enpevet® would like to ask all users, whose animals have health concerns, to see a veterinarian as required. If you have any questions regarding the health of your animal, we recommend that you turn to your trusted veterinarian , instead of starting, changing or breaking off treatments on your own. The content of enpevet® cannot and should not be used for making your own diagnoses or for the selection and application of treatment methods.