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HOT SPOTS Hot spots occur predominantly in dogs (rarely in cats) secondary to an underlying skin condition which causes itch or pain. If a dog is uncomfortable in a particular spot, they may lick the area repeatedly to alleviate some of the discomfort. If this happens continuously and obsessively, that area will lose fur, become red, and will start to exude a serum that causes the fur around the edges of the hot spot to become matted. Eventually, the hot spot itself becomes the uncomfortable itchy thing, even when the underlying condition may have already resolved. It becomes a vicious cycle, where a small itchy spot can turn into a large painful sore. Treatment has to be multifactorial. The key is to stop the dog from licking the area (eg. with an e-collar), while also administering medication (topical and/or systemic) that will alleviate the itch and make the dog comfortable. |
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WARNING: girls only! Perivulvar dermatitis occurs when moisture and dirt get trapped in the fold around a female dog’s vulva. In severe cases, this fold may have to be surgically altered to prevent recurrence of infections. In milder cases the dermatitis can be treated topically with medications prescribed by your vet. When these medications are applied, its is important to prevent your dog from licking them off. An e-collar is a very useful tool in preventing your dog from licking her vulva during treatment. |
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An Innocent Assassin
We have all experienced a splinter at one point in our lives. They get under your skin, causing pain or even infection. Grass seed lodges itself in this same manner but the consequences can be disastrous to a dog. A grass seed is shaped like an arrow allowing smooth entry, and most have an awn that fans out. This action makes it very difficult to extract the seed without an incision. Many dogs are quite resilient to pain, making it difficult for owners to identify the problem until the point of entry becomes red, swollen and infected. It is absolutely crucial at this point that you take your dog to a vet urgently for a surgical removal of the seed or the little culprit might cause an abscess or even travel to through tissue to cause deeper infection in vital organs. Most common spots that dogs experience grass seeds are on the paws between the digits, the eyes, ears, or inside the mouth. Check with your vet if you notice an excessive licking, redness or swelling. To protect your dog, frequent brushing and thorough inspections should be done regularly. Licking, either before or after removal should be discouraged with a recovery collar. |
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Ticks, skin tags, nipples...
It's a common scene at your local vet clinic: an owner rushes in with their dog or cat, worried they've found a tick. The clinic staff often place bets on whether it’s actually a tick, a skin tag, or even a misplaced nipple stump—where a well-meaning owner has tried to remove what they thought was a tick. On a more serious note, paralysis ticks are extremely dangerous, and they're becoming more widespread along the east coast of Australia. These ticks are affecting a growing number of regions, expanding further south each year. It’s also important to remember that there is no “tick season.” Paralysis ticks pose a threat year-round, and they are a deadly parasite that could lead to costly treatment and hospitalisation—or, in the worst case, the loss of your beloved pet. The good news is that tick paralysis is preventable with the right tick preventatives. Make sure you're staying up-to-date with your pet's tick protection. And don't worry about the clinic staff! If you suspect a paralysis tick, take your pet to your local vet right away. While it might turn out to be nothing, it's always safer to let the professionals assess and remove the tick. Better safe than sorry. |
ALLERGIES
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