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Piel y pelo

Hot spot (acute moist dermatitis)

A skin lesion that appears very rapidly (within hours): a red, moist and painful area. The animal licks or scratches compulsively, which makes it worse in a vicious circle.

Moderate🐕 Dogs

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Red, moist and shiny area of sudden onset
  • • Hair loss in the area
  • • Pain when touched
  • • Compulsive licking or scratching
  • • Bad smell and discharge

Causes

Anything that triggers localised itching or pain: a bite, an allergy, an infected ear, a matted knot of hair, trapped moisture. Dense-coated breeds (Golden Retriever, Labrador, St Bernard) are more prone.

Diagnosis

Immediate visual diagnosis. The vet looks for the underlying cause that started the scratching.

Treatment

Clip the area, clean, dry and apply topical treatment. Sometimes an Elizabethan collar to stop the licking. Treat the underlying cause.

Prevention

Dry the coat well after baths or rain, brush regularly to prevent matting, control parasites, treat ear infections promptly.

When should you see the vet?

See the vet within 24-48h: hot spots grow very fast. In the meantime, stop it from continuing to lick (Elizabethan collar).

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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