Small Red Scabby Spot on a Young Golden Retriever
by Jessica
I noticed a small reddened irregular skin lesion on my 2 yr old golden retriever who has no known health problems or allergies. There is some scabbing, but no active vesicles, pus, or drainage. It has slowly grown over the past few days. It does not appear to be itchy or painful, but I am concerned as to what it may be. Nothing in his it has really changed except adding some more fruits (apples) and veggies ( carrots) to his diet, I think it is most likely a skin infection, but would like some imput.. Also is there anything over the counter I can try to clear it up prior to going to the vet for antbx (like an antibiotic ointment?). Please let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Concerned Mom
A small red, scabby spot that is growing over a few days can be an early skin infection, but it can also be a hot spot, an insect bite, ringworm or a small growth. A diet change to apples and carrots is very unlikely to be the cause.
Before you use anything, your vet can press tape or a slide onto the spot and look at it under a microscope (cytology). That quick test shows whether bacteria or yeast are present and helps decide on treatment. Current specialist guidelines prefer antiseptics such as chlorhexidine over antibiotic creams for most surface infections. Don't use human creams without asking your vet first, since dogs often lick them off.
Until the visit, keep the area clean and dry and stop your dog from licking or scratching it. Any lump or spot that keeps growing should be checked.
See skin infections in dogs and pimples and bumps on dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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