Acute mopping dermatitis (hot spots) in dogs
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A hot spot is a warm, painful, swollen patch of skin measuring 2.5 to 10 cm, emitting pus and exuding an unpleasant odor. On this site, hair quickly falls out. The infectious process progresses if the dog lickles or scratches this place. These rounded areas appear suddenly and rapidly increase, often for several hours.
Hot spots can occur on any part of the body and often a few pieces. In large dogs with heavy hairy ears, such as Newfoundland and the Golden Retriever, one of the most common localizations is under the ears. Hot spots often occur in dogs with a heavy wool coat before molting, when wet dead necks stick to the skin. Fleas, mites and other skin parasites, skin allergies, skin irritation, ear infections and anal gland, as well as negligent care of the dog are also factors that trigger the itch-scratch-itch cycle.
Treatment: hot spots are extremely painful. Before starting treatment, the dog usually needs sedation or anesthesia. Your veterinarian will shear the dog's coat in the affected area, then gently cleanse the skin with diluted povidone-iodine (Betadine) or chlorhexidine shampoo (Nolvasan) and allow the skin to dry. Then for 10-14 days on the skin it will be necessary to apply twice a day a steroid cream or powder with an antibiotic effect (Panolog or Neocort). In addition, the pill forms of antibiotics are usually prescribed. Also, treatment of predisposing skin problems is performed.
In addition, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of treatment with tableted corticosteroids to control severe itching. To prevent the dog from injuring the affected area with a special neck collar.
In hot weather with high humidity, do not forget to dry dogs with thick wool cover after bathing or swimming. Otherwise, the probability of developing a hot spot increases.
