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Matching Bald, Crusty Patches on Two Cocker Spaniels

by A reader

Reader Question
I have 4 Cocker Spaniels: a 13.5-year-old male, a 7-year-old female and two 3.5-year-old males. Two of them have the exact same skin issue, with no changes in behavior, diet or cleaning products. The first, the 13.5-year-old, is on medicine for epilepsy and a gluten-free diet. 2.5 weeks ago he had a hard patch on his skin above his left hip, about the size of a quarter, hard to the touch and a bit swollen. Hair came out easily if pulled. The vet gave antibiotics and an ointment, and the hair still hasn't grown back. A culture of the hair grew nothing. Last night I noticed a quarter-sized lump on one of the 3.5-year-olds beside his spine, with what looked like dried pus in the hair, and again the hair pulls out easily without any reaction. I've collected hair for another culture. All 4 dogs share a fenced concrete lot. The 7-year-old female has an ear infection being treated. The vet seems at a loss.


Answer from Our Team

Two dogs in the same home with similar round patches where the hair pulls out easily point to something contagious or shared. Ringworm is the classic cause, and a single negative culture doesn't rule it out, so repeating it is a good idea. A bacterial skin infection (often with crusts of dried pus) is also very likely, and Cockers are prone to it.

Ask your vet about a skin scraping for mites and a quick cytology test of the crust. If bacteria are seen and it isn't improving, a culture can guide the antibiotic choice.

Clean shared bedding and grooming tools, and wash your hands after handling them. If you get itchy red rings yourself, see a doctor and mention the dogs. Ringworm can pass to people.

See ringworm on dogs and skin infections in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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