Acral Lick Granuloma - A Problem For Many Dogs
- Date: 2008-10-21 - Word Count: 393
Share This!
Dogs often develop hot spots where they lick and chew constantly. A hot spot like this on the front paw near the wrist or the outside rear leg can turn into an Acral (relating to limbs ) Lick Granuloma. The spot becomes red, irritated and an open sore. The licking and chewing becomes a compulsive behavior.
Over time, the area get larger and the tissue becomes thick. It may ooze or bleed and becomes a open scarred sore. It can affect the dogs leg down to the base layer of skin, and under a microscope, its possible to find broken hair follicles, bacteria and damaged or inflamed capillaries.
Any dog can develop a lick granuloma, however, certain breeds are more prone. Dobermans, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Labs and Golden Retrievers seem most likely to develop the condition. So, what causes a lick granuloma? There is not any one specific cause to explain every case, however, veterinary dermatologists agree on several things. Boredom is believed to be one reason a dog will develop a lick granuloma. Licking and chewing is just something to do to pass the time. Another cause can be allergic dermatitis that causes and inflammation and itching. An injury or a splinter or thorn in the paw can trigger licking and chewing. The problem is, the dog just cannot leave it alone, so it does not heal.
There are several options for treatment of a lick granuloma. One of the newest treatments is laser surgery. The laser vaporizes the infected tissue and seals the nerve endings. You may think wrapping the paw and using a lampshade collar would allow the sore to heal, but the dog will just start licking above the bandage and cause a new sore. Other methods of treatment have been tried, such as cortisone injections and even anti-anxiety medication. These drugs were believed to help curb the compulsive need to lick.
It seems the best result is achieved with a long term course of antibiotics. The dog should be on the medication for as long as 6 months. Treatment with an antibiotic and cortisone cream, in conjunction with the medicine will help.
It is important for your dog to be fed a high quality, meat based diet for optimal health. An all natural pet vitamin will provide the needed Omega Fatty Acids to maintain healthy skin and coat for your dog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol
Over time, the area get larger and the tissue becomes thick. It may ooze or bleed and becomes a open scarred sore. It can affect the dogs leg down to the base layer of skin, and under a microscope, its possible to find broken hair follicles, bacteria and damaged or inflamed capillaries.
Any dog can develop a lick granuloma, however, certain breeds are more prone. Dobermans, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, Labs and Golden Retrievers seem most likely to develop the condition. So, what causes a lick granuloma? There is not any one specific cause to explain every case, however, veterinary dermatologists agree on several things. Boredom is believed to be one reason a dog will develop a lick granuloma. Licking and chewing is just something to do to pass the time. Another cause can be allergic dermatitis that causes and inflammation and itching. An injury or a splinter or thorn in the paw can trigger licking and chewing. The problem is, the dog just cannot leave it alone, so it does not heal.
There are several options for treatment of a lick granuloma. One of the newest treatments is laser surgery. The laser vaporizes the infected tissue and seals the nerve endings. You may think wrapping the paw and using a lampshade collar would allow the sore to heal, but the dog will just start licking above the bandage and cause a new sore. Other methods of treatment have been tried, such as cortisone injections and even anti-anxiety medication. These drugs were believed to help curb the compulsive need to lick.
It seems the best result is achieved with a long term course of antibiotics. The dog should be on the medication for as long as 6 months. Treatment with an antibiotic and cortisone cream, in conjunction with the medicine will help.
It is important for your dog to be fed a high quality, meat based diet for optimal health. An all natural pet vitamin will provide the needed Omega Fatty Acids to maintain healthy skin and coat for your dog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol
Related Tags: dog health, pet health, pet vitamins, doberman pinschers, pet supplements, dog vitamins, dobermans
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to petvitamins4u.com or to theroadhousedobes.com for further information Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea
