[CTurtleGirl]

Recently my 10 mos old bitch just started really chewing on herself where it's causing scabs and little bald spots. Not good since we have a show this weekend but luckily it hasn't gotten so bad that you can really notice it. anyways, I'm not sure what to do about it. Her diet has not changed. She doesn't have any fleas. I keep trying to spray cool spot on her but it only works for a couple of minutes. She is going through a mild false pregnancy right now so I am suspicious of hormones causing this. Does anyone have any advice as to what to do for this? Thanks!

CTG

 

[Betsy Iole]

In terms of relieving symptoms, the important thing is to break the cycle of itching and scratching. If the areas are moist and oozing, it might help to powder them. If necessary, you can put a collar on her to prevent her from continuing to chew the areas. That will give them a chance to heal.

In terms of cause...there are tons of possibilities. She's a bit young for atopy--inhalant allergies--but you could check with her breeder to see if allergies run in her lines. Other things to consider are new detergents used on bedding, new cleaning products, carpets recently cleaned, etc.

One of my bitches has tight feet and is prone to growing yeast between her toes if her feet stay damp. Keeping her feet dry and powdered helps. If she has a bad hot spot on a foot, I put a child's sock on the foot, secured with Vet Wrap, to discourage continued chewing.

If the itching doesn't clear up on its own, she should probably be seen by the vet.

Good luck with your shows this weekend.

[ March 07, 2006, 05:58 PM: Message edited by: Betsy Iole ]

 

[Barbara Winters]

For a long time Roady would get a hot spot on his tail on on his lower back. I remember the first time he had one was on the tail and it was oozing so much the tail was wet. I'd never seen anything like it so I of course was imagining all sorts of things, like was it cerebral spinal fluid?

My vet treated by shaving and prescribing a powder called NeoPredef Powder containing an antibiotic and prednisone. Worked like a charm.

I just read what Dr. Mike had to say about this and I don't feel so bad about my over reaction.

Answer: I think that the wound you are describing is most likely an area of acute
moist pyoderma, which is often referred to as a \"hot spot\".  These can occur very rapidly and progress to weepy, scabby wounds so quickly, in some cases, that they are frightening.  Keeping these wounds dry with the use of a mild astringent solution or an antibiotic/cortisone powder can be very helpful.  I like NeoPredef Powder ™ which is available in the U.S. but
anything that is astringent, controls itchiness or provides antiseptic or anti-bacterial action may help.

Obviously you don't want to shave it if she's showing this weekend but if I were in that situation I'd probably ask my vet if it was ok to have a few days worth of oral prednisone.

A retired basset breeder friend used to get a mixture of gentamicin and burrows solution from the vet and said it worked wonders on hot spots.

Edited to add: "Break a leg" this weekend.

[ March 07, 2006, 10:03 PM: Message edited by: Barbara Winters ]

 

[Mikey T]

another possibility
Acral Lick Dermatitis (ALD)

Lick Granulomas... A Dermatology Nightmare

Acral Lick Dermatitis

 

[Soundtrack]

One remedy I find works well on hot spots and sores is the Blue Power Ear Treatment recipe. I've used it on myself as well. And yes, hormones can cause things to go wonky, hopefully it will clear up once her season is over.

Good luck at the show!

 

[Betsy Iole]

Does the blue concoction stain white areas?

 

[CTurtleGirl]

I have a gentamicin (sp) spray that I've used before but of course just ran out. I will drop by the vets and get more. I have gold bond powder for anti itch and I'll try that. I am probably going to make a vet visit for monday since I can't the rest of this week due to working alot. For now I'm trying to distract her by stuffing her kong with her favorite treat. She does have alot of white on her so I don't think the blue powder treatment would be such a good idea. Has anyone used oxydex shampoo? I was just told about it but didn't know if it would help with this problem. I am trying to avoid shaving. I don't think it is to that point yet. Luckily you can barely see the bare spots for the show. I am going to try not to brush out that area of her body to avoid irritation and keeping the hair there. I'll keep you posted.

CTG

 

[Soundtrack]

Whether it stains depends on the texture of the hair and how long you use it. I find with MOST dogs a single application won't stain the fur, but there are some that will turn blue right away. Long term use gave the inside of Webster's (brown) ears a greyish/purple tint.

Most of my own dogs don't seem to "take" color well, the girls at work tried to color them a couple of times and the various types of coloring just didn't seem to "stick". I can only suggest trying an inconspicuous spot a seeing what happens.

 

[Guest]

I have used the Blue Power Treatment for hot spots as well, and it works! I don't show my dogs though, so they can get a little blue on them with no concerns.
Has anyone ever tried using Tea Tree Oil?? This was recommended to me for the treatment of hot spots. Said to put it right on the sore. It definitely makes them stop chewing there immediately.