Summer Hot Spots That Turn Black and Peel, Plus Night-Time Leaking
by David
(Bellflower, CA , USA)
Ever since she can't make it through the night without peeing on herself. We get her up in the night to solve that problem. She gets something that turns her skin black in the center and peals the hair away(see picture). I usually see the torn up aftermath from my dog tearing herself up. However I happened to get this picture of a wound just sarting. This only takes a few hours. Antibiotcs are the only answer so far. Prednizone keeps the iching at bay.
Picture had a thin ring of orange flakes around the outside.
Sores that appear within hours, especially in summer, fit hot spots. Some hot spots go deeper into the hair follicles, especially if the skin feels thick or there are small bumps around the sore. These heal more slowly and are the type that more often needs antibiotic tablets, so ask your vet to check whether hers are the deeper kind. Skin that stays damp, including from urine, can also set off irritation and licking.
Hot spots that come back every year usually have a trigger, most often fleas or a seasonal allergy, so ask your vet about consistent flea control and about allergy treatment that could reduce the need for repeated steroids. Because she has had many antibiotic courses, ask whether a bacterial culture is worthwhile, and about medicated shampoos or sprays, which are now preferred for surface infections.
Leaking urine while asleep is common in older spayed females and is often treatable, but it can also have other causes such as a urinary infection, so mention it to your vet as a separate problem and ask about a urine test. Because she had a cancerous lump removed, have your vet check any new lump promptly. Keeping her clean and dry overnight will also help her skin.
See hot spots on dogs and urinary incontinence in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Skin.
