Hot Spots in Dogs

Acute moist dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis

Image placeholder

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

image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Files Under:

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.