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Piel y pelo

Acral lick granuloma (acral lick dermatitis)

A thickened, hairless lesion caused by compulsive, chronic licking of one area, usually on a leg. It has both a physical and a behavioural component.

Moderate🐕 Dogs

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Thickened, firm, hairless area, usually on the front of a leg
  • • Obsessive licking of that area
  • • The lesion may become ulcerated
  • • It gets worse over time if the cycle is not interrupted

Causes

It starts with something that causes discomfort (allergy, joint pain, infection) and is perpetuated by the licking habit, sometimes linked to anxiety or boredom.

Diagnosis

Examination plus ruling out underlying causes: X-rays, cytology and a behavioural assessment.

Treatment

Treat both the physical cause AND the behavioural component: environmental enrichment, preventing licking (collar, bandage), treating the lesion and the underlying cause. It is a long process.

Prevention

Address early any discomfort that can trigger the cycle, avoid boredom and stress, and provide appropriate exercise and stimulation.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your dog obsessively licks one area until it becomes hairless. The sooner the cycle is broken, the better.

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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