Frankie’s hotspot

Hotspots are patches of infected skin that can appear rapidly on a dog’s skin, often in warmer, humid weather, though they can occur at any time of year. Dogs who are prone to skin allergies are also particularly susceptible.

Frankie was such a dog who had two small irritations on his back that rapidly turned into raw, angry wounds (see photos).

Things to watch out for are licking or chewing one spot, red or inflamed skin, hair loss and moist/weepy or bleeding skin. If you notice these signs, it is best to visit your vet so they can clip and clean the wounds, provide treatment such as antibiotics for infection and prednisone to reduce inflammation. Sometimes topical creams are added to help calm the skin and reduce self-trauma from chewing and scratching.

The quicker you treat them, the less likely they are to spread and the quicker they will heal. In some cases that are particularly stubborn to manage, vets may refer your pet to a veterinary dermatologist for allergy testing (to check for environmental triggers). This is with a view to starting your pet on a course of injections to desensitise them to the offending cause, often in conjunction with ongoing management provided by your usual vet.

Addressing the underlying allergy with long-term management, such as flea control, low-allergy food, shampoos, and anti-itch medication, will also be important to help prevent further episodes. Vets can now provide various options, including daily tablets or monthly injections, to help reduce discomfort from itchy skin.

Management is lifelong and will require ongoing prevention, as well as treatment at times of flare ups, which occur from external triggers (e.g. fleas/certain food/ grasses). Frankie was on the mend soon after starting treatment and is much more comfortable.

For more information see here: www.franklinvets.co.nz