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Hot Spots in Dogs

Hot Spots in Dogs

Acute moist dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Hot spots are rapidly appearing localized areas of hair loss, itching, red skin, and moist discharge usually caused by self trauma.
SEVERITY:
Severity is mild to moderate
  • Time to Cure
    Resolves within weeks to months
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian, by the pet parent
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is not possible between animals or animals to people
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires physical exam, cytology of the skin, culture of the skin (occasionally), skin biopsy.
VERY COMMON IN
Dogs with thick, double coats or those that are often exposed to hot, humid environments are more susceptible, but any dog can be affected.

Symptoms & Signs

Itching is the initial hallmark sign of any hot spot. Affected dogs will also experience a localized, well-demarcated area of hair loss surrounded by normal hair, with red skin and a purulent (pus-like) discharge. A crust of dried purulent discharge can form over the area of hair loss in some cases. Hot spots can occur anywhere on the body, but areas near the ear, tail base, and thigh are most commonly affected.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a hot spot is generally made with consistent clinical signs and exam findings. Microscopic examination of skin swabs or bacterial cultures can definitively confirm the presence of a bacterial skin infection. Infrequently, skin biopsies are necessary to provide a more definitive diagnosis, if a dog does not respond to the initial course of treatment. Physical exam findings will also aid in determining the underlying cause of the hot spot. Ear cytology, anal gland assessment, and thorough flea combing may also be indicated.

Causation

Hot spots are a rapidly developing, localized, moist, ulcerative area of hair loss, and skin infection caused by self-trauma. Anything that causes irritation of the skin and itching can lead to the formation of a hot spot, such as ear infections, fleas, mange, matted hair, anal sac disease, allergies, and psychological issues, among others. Excessive licking or scratching of the affected area will lead to damage of the skin’s surface, typically leading to a localized bacterial skin infection. When this occurs, the skin becomes moist, itchy, red, and will secrete some purulent (pus-like) discharge. The purulent discharge often hardens into a crust over the moist area of hair loss, which can be fairly painful. Hot spots generally grow and spread fairly rapidly.

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
Hot spots are predominately treated at home with medication after the initial diagnosis, hair clipping, and cleaning of the area. The use of an Elizabethan collar (E-collar or cone) should be utilized for most dogs with hot spots to prevent them from licking or scratching at the affected lesion.
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
Clipping of the hair from around the hot spot will allow air to contact the affected lesion and decrease moisture retention from the surrounding hair. Cleaning of the hot spot with an antiseptic solution (such as dilute chlorhexidine or povodine iodine) is also done to remove bacteria or discharge on the surface of the lesion, but the lesion must be thoroughly rinsed and dried after cleaning.
icon MEDICATIONS
The choice of medication needed for a given hot spot is based upon the severity, location, duration, and chronicity of the lesion. Topical or systemic (oral) antibiotics are commonly administered to treat any infection present. Corticosteroids (topical or systemic; prednisone, prednisolone, or topical bethamethasone) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam, etc.) are often used to decrease the pain, itching, and inflammation present.
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
None
icon SPECIALISTS
Referral to a specialist in veterinary dermatology is rarely necessary. A general practice veterinarian manages nearly all dogs with hot spots.

Cost Of Treatment

Cost will vary depending on the size of the lesion(s) as well as the weight of the dog. Generally, cost may range between $200 and $500 for an exam, treatment and medications.

Recovery

Most dogs show improvement after a few days of treatment, but it often takes several weeks for a full recovery. Resolution of more severe hot spots can take up to several months.

Monitoring

Regularly monitoring a dog’s skin at home will be needed to track hot spot improvement. Severely affected dogs may require recheck appointments with their veterinarians after a few weeks of treatment.

Prevention

Closely monitor a dog’s skin for changes at home. Hot spots can progress rapidly, so regularly tracking changes at home is best to catch a hot spot before it becomes large and more severely infected. Regular use of flea and tick prevention, grooming, and ear cleaning at home can also be helpful

Questions about Hot Spots in Dogs

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

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My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.