Definition of Hot Spots
Acute moist dermatitis, also called acral lick dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis or “hot spots,” is a localized and rapidly progressive superficial skin infection typically secondary to trauma self-inflicted in an attempt to relieve pain or pruritis.
How Hot Spots Affect Dogs
Affected areas of skin are moist, weeping and covered with matted hair and dried exudates. These sores are usually isolated, well-demarcated, ulcerative, very painful and itchy. Dogs tend to lick and chew at the area excessively and frantically. Superficial “hot spots” are most frequent on the lower areas of the legs.
Causes of Dog Hot Spots
Anything that initiates an itch-scratch cycle can predispose a dog to developing “hot spots.” In most cases, the exact cause is unknown, although “hot spots” are often caused or exacerbated by self-trauma due to an underlying factor such as fleas, mites, lice, ticks, bacteria, fungi, ear infections, allergies, anal sacculitis or topical irritants. In some cases, a severe essential fatty acid deficiency may be a contributing factor. “Hot spots” typically are exacerbated by licking, biting, rubbing and scratching.
“Hot spots” are more common in hot, humid environments and in thick-coated, long-haired breeds. They often occur after a dog has been swimming. Dogs that are prone to allergies also tend to get hot spots more readily than non-allergic dogs. Certain breeds are over-represented, including Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards and German Shepherds, although these breeds tend to develop a deeper bacterial dermatitis on the face or cheek region without obvious evidence of self-trauma.
Preventing Hot Spots
Prevention of acute moist dermatitis in dogs is difficult, if not impossible, unless the underlying cause can be determined. Medicated shampoos may help sooth affected areas and can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Essential fatty acid supplements may also be beneficial. Early detection and treatment of hot spots is also important.
Superficial hot spots are easily treated by clipping the hair around the affected area, cleansing it with medicated soap and water and applying an appropriate topical treatment. Deep hot spots should be treated with antibiotics or antifungals, in addition to the topical treatment protocol.
Treating Hot Spots
At one time, all hot spots were thought to be the same and, as a result, were all treated the same way. However, research has shown that there are actually two distinct forms of hot spots (also known as acute moist dermatitis), namely superficial hot spots and deep hot spots. Correctly identifying which type of hot spot your dog has helps the veterinarian to determine the correct treatment and possibly even the cause.
Superficial Hot Spots
Superficial hot spots are, as the name implies, on the skin surface and appear as a moist patches of inflamed, ulcerated, itchy skin with matted hair. They are easily treated by clipping back the hair from the affected area, then cleansing with a medicated soap and water, followed by application of an appropriate topical medication.
Deep Hot Spots
The second type of hot spot is the deep hot spot. It is quite different from the superficial form in that there is itchiness, ulceration, and inflammation but also a very deep infection and oozing. Unlike the superficial kind of hot spot, these hot spots must be treated with antibiotics as well as topical treatment. They are seen most often in young dogs and in Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards.
Special Notes About Canine Hot Spots
At one time, all “hot spots” were thought to be essentially the same, and as a result were all treated identically. However, there are actually two distinct types of “hot spots” – those that are superficial and those that are deep. Correctly identifying the type of acute moist dermatitis is essential to determining the correct treatment protocol.
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Hot Spots are a very common canine skin condition and form because the ability of the dog's skin and coat to naturally heal themselves is weakened. As a result the condition typically worsens and spreads.
DermaMax Advanced Hot Spot Healing Cream and RenuPlex Medicated Shampoo will quickly heal and clear hot spots and other skin conditions that may have developed as a result. Unlike most harsh treatments, these products are all natural, safe, and very effective. They also contain a special form a zinc – Zinc PCA that has amazing healing and properties.
As DermaMax and RenuPlex heal the hotspots, SkinPlex works build up your dogs' skins strength and ability to guard against skin problems and hot spots from returning. In fact SkinPlex has been so successful at repairing severe cases of damaged skin many pet owners with chronic cases of hot spots and mange, who were previously using steroids and medications with limited results, have seen their dog's problems go away completely with SkinPlex (and best of all no more harsh medications!)
Hot Spot Remedies
Updated: 07/22/2011
Hot spots are those nasty and extremely painful sores that develop on a dog�s skin and could be the result of many things, such as a little bug bite, a small sore or a scratch on the skin that begins to itch and bother the animal.' As the issue becomes increasingly irritating, the dog will begin to lick, chew and scratch at the area, causing bacteria to grow and before you know it, your puppy has a hot spot. The key with hot spots is to act fast!!! Did you know that a hot spot can go from being barely visible, to several inches in size in just thirty minutes? Did you also know that when the problem goes untreated the spot can increase to twenty times its size in just a day? Like I said, you need to Act Fast!
Here�s how you can treat those hot spots at home, easily and effectively.
First of all you need to clear away some of the fur in the area of the hot spot. Use some K-Y Jelly and apply it to the spot. Hold a couple of fingers against the spot so that you can carefully cut away the fur above your finger line and go beyond the outer edges of the sore approximately one inch. Use warm water to rinse the area well and you�ll find that by using the jelly, the fur has stuck to it and washes out easily. Afterwards use electric clippers to shave off only the fur that surrounds the sore.
Now you need to cleanse the sore well. Use a Water Based Cleanser or antiseptic Betadine if you have it. Be sure that all the cleanser is rinsed away as it could cause further irritation if any were to remain.
Treat the hot spots by using Black Tea Bags, (but don�t use herbal ones). Black tea contains tannic acids, which will help to dry out and heal the sores quickly. Soak the tea bag in hot water and once removed let it cool. Apply the tea bag directly onto the hotspots for about five minutes. Repeat this treatment three to six times every day until the spot is dry and healed.
You can also use some Witch Hazel on the spots, as it will provide a cooling and soothing sensation.
DISCLAIMER
* Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.
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Thursday, September 13, 2018 6:00 PM