A Spreading Sore With Hair Loss on an Older Bichon
by A reader
Otherwise dog is healthy, good appetite and moves around fine.
A sore that keeps growing over a couple of weeks should be seen by your vet. In older dogs, common causes include a skin infection or hot spot from licking, a burst cyst, an allergy flare, and skin tumors that open up and ulcerate. Bichons are prone to allergies and some skin growths, and a sore that isn't healing is one of the signs vets like to check early.
Your vet will usually do a quick test of cells from the sore and may take a small biopsy if it looks unusual. Many causes are easy to treat, and if it is a growth, early removal is simpler.
Until then, keep it clean with plain water or a mild pet antiseptic, keep him from licking or scratching it with a T-shirt or cone, and don't use human creams unless your vet says they are safe.
See dog skin lesions and sores.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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