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Skin Ulcers and Draining Lesions in Dogs

Skin Ulcers and Draining Lesions in Dogs

Skin Ulcers, Skin Lesions

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Updated on September 26, 2024

SUMMARY OF CONTENT

Skin ulcers and draining lesions often result in crusts, hair loss and sores on the skin. They can be caused by a wide variety of underlying conditions. The treatment and prognosis of these lesions depends on the original cause.

SEVERITY:

Mild to moderate to severe
  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    Resolves within days to months, or may be a lifelong management condition
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian, by the pet parent
  • Prevention Icon
    Possible in some cases
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is not common, but may be possible between animals or from animals to people
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires physical exam, lab tests, skin cytology, skin biopsy

VERY COMMON IN

Dogs of any age, gender or breed can experience skin ulceration or draining lesions.

Symptoms & Signs

With skin ulcers and draining lesions, the first sign of a problem may be a crusty area on the skin, nose or foot. In other cases, skin problems may start out small and progress into more extensive lesions. They may open, drain and then develop a crusty surface. In some instances, there may be hair loss and the surface of the skin can become red and oozing, and ulcers may develop. Skin ulceration and draining lesions can be caused by a variety of underlying problems. Certain conditions are more common in specific populations of dogs or in some geographic locations.

Diagnosis

Since there are so many possible causes of skin ulceration or draining lesions in dogs, the underlying cause must be determined so that proper treatment can be initiated. As a starting point, affected dogs must be examined by a veterinarian. During the exam, the veterinarian evaluates the skin lesions as well as the overall health of the dog. Based on the findings of this exam, the veterinarian will determine the next diagnostic steps. Skin cytology is often needed to microscopically examine samples taken from the surface of the skin or scrapes from deeper layers of skin. A biopsy of the skin, fungal culture, bacterial culture or blood testing may be needed.

Causation

Skin ulcers or draining lesions can occur due to a very wide variety of conditions, which can range greatly in severity. In most cases, these conditions disrupt the outermost layer of the skin called the epithelium. When this outer protective barrier is damaged, the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissues are more susceptible to infection and damage. As a result, more significant ulcers and draining lesions can develop. These skin lesions typically cause considerable discomfort to dogs, which often causes them to scratch, lick or chew on their skin, exacerbating the existing condition. The following list includes many of the more common causes of skin ulceration and draining lesions in dogs, but it is not exhaustive: **Bacterial infections** * Abscess (a swollen pus-filled area of infection) * [Pyoderma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/staphylococcal-pyoderma-1/) (infection of the skin) * Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles, typically caused by infection) * Furunculosis (infection of the deep layers of the skin and hair follicles) * Nocardia (infection with a type of bacteria that is most often found in the environment) **Fungal infections** * [Aspergillosis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/aspergillosis/) * [Blastomycosis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/blastomycosis/) * [Coccidioidomycosis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/coccidioidomycosis-1/) * [Cryptococcosis](https://www.petcoach.co/article/cryptococcosis-in-dogs/) * [Histoplasmosis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/histoplasmosis/) * [Pythiosis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pythiosis/) * [Sporotrichosis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/sporotrichosis/) * [Zygomycosis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/zygomycosis/) * [Ringworm](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/ringworm-1/) **Parasitic** * [Demodectic mange](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/demodectic-mange-1/) * [Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/flea-allergy/) * [Leishmaniasis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/leishmania/) * [Lice](https://www.petcoach.co/article/lice-pediculosis/) **Self trauma** * [Acral lick dermatitis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/acral-lick-dermatitis/) * [Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hot-spots/) **Immune-mediated** * Lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease where the body attacks healthy tissues) * Pemphigus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease affecting the outer skin layers of the face, ears and feet) * Pemphigus foliaceus (essentially a more severe form of pemphigus erythematosus) * Pemphigus vulgaris (the most severe form of pemphigus, affecting the deepest layers of the skin) * Toxic epidermal necrolysis (a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease that can result in detachment of the skin layers) **Congenital** * Dermoid sinus (a congenital defect essentially resulting in a tubular hole in the back or neck) * Dermatomyositis (an inherited inflammatory disease of the muscles, skin and blood vessels) * [Schnauzer comedo syndrome](https://www.petcoach.co/article/schnauzer-comedo-syndrome-schnauzer-back/) * Ulcerative dermatosis of Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs (an inherited ulcerative and erosive skin disorder) * Uveodermatologic syndrome (an autoimmune disease that affects the pigment cells in the eyes, hair coat and food pads) * Zinc responsive dermatosis (zinc deficiency, typically caused by malabsorption of zinc, that typically causes crusts around the face) **Cancer** * [Basal cell tumors](https://www.petcoach.co/article/basal-cell-tumors/) * Epitheliotrophic lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphocyte blood cells in the skin) * Fibrosarcoma (a cancer arising from connective tissues) * [Hemangiosarcoma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hemangiosarcoma/) * [Lymphoma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/lymphoma/) * [Mammary cancer](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/mammary-cancer/) * [Mast cell tumor (MCT)](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/mast-cell-tumors/) * [Melanoma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/malignant-melanoma/) * Perianal gland tumor (a cancerous tumor originating from specific cells near the anus) * Sebaceous gland tumors (tumors arising from oil glands in the skin) * Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) **Trauma** * Bee stings * Burns * Bite wounds * Frostbite * Insect bites **Secondary to other diseases** * Calcinosis cutis (calcium deposits in the skin, typically occurs with Cushing's disease or long term steroid treatments) * Ear margin dermatosis (crusts and hair loss on the edges of the ears) * Hepatocutaneous syndrome (crusts and ulcers of around the mouth, eyes and footpads that progresses to liver disease, typically associated with diabetes) * Erythema multiforme (an acute inflammatory condition of the skin that typically occurs after another disease or medication use) * Decubital ulcers (ulceration of the skin over pressure points, typically occurs in debilitated or handicapped dogs) * Urine scald **Drug or injection reaction** [**Perianal fistulas**](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/perianal-fistulas/)

Treatments

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AT-HOME CARE

The specific treatment of skin ulcers or draining lesions is based on the underlying cause, but most treatments occur at home. In many cases, veterinarians prescribe medications or shampoos to be given at home. Elizabethan collars (e-collars) or No-Bite collars are commonly recommended to prevent itchy dogs from scratching or chewing on themselves and making their lesions worse.
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SUPPORTIVE CARE

Feed or medicate your dog as directed by your veterinarian.
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MEDICATIONS

For most causes of skin ulcers and draining lesions, medications are necessary, yet the precise medication required is dependent on the underlying cause. A combination of antibiotics, antifungals, parasiticides, steroids, antihistamines, immunotherapy or chemotherapeutics may be needed.
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DEVICES

None
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SURGERY

Surgical procedures are needed for most cases of cancer, as well as many bite wounds and some abscesses.
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SPECIALISTS

General practice veterinarians diagnose and treat most cases of skin ulcers and draining lesions, but depending on the underlying cause and severity of disease, referral to a specialist in surgery, oncology, dermatology or internal medicine may be needed.

Cost Of Treatment

The cost of treatment will vary on the underlying cause, severity and size of the dog.

Recovery

Depending on the underlying cause of the skin ulcers and draining lesions, dogs can recover in as little as a few days to weeks, or they may require several months of treatment. Other more serious conditions require lifelong management or may be fatal.

Monitoring

Dog owners must monitor their dogs at home for changes in their clinical signs. Recheck exams with a veterinarian as well as diagnostic testing are often needed; the frequency varies depending on the underlying condition.

Prevention

Prevention is possible in some cases such as with parasites or trauma. Use a monthly preventative to control parasites and avoid situations that could result in trauma. Other causes may not be preventable.

Questions about Skin Ulcers and Draining Lesions in Dogs
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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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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 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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My dog developed a red hairless bloody mass on her skull overnight. I don’t think she bumped her head on anything.

Poor Marley! Unfortunately there are a number of possible reasons for these raised nodules and a picture cannot diagnose the underlying cause. Itis not possible to distinguish between a wound from a bug bite, cyst, benign histiocytoma or even a tumour without a physical exam and possible testing by an aspirate taken by a needle during the exam or even removal and biopsy. I recommend you follow up with your regular vet, especially if it increases in size, is painful or persists.

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Hi my 5 year old dog has this on her nose ( saw it 4 days ago) and getting bigger. What could it be and is there anything I can do? Thank you.

Ouch! Any new or suddenly growing growth like this should be checked out by your vet in person ASAP. Allergies, infections, skin irritation from rubbing it on things, and some growths and tumors can all cause spots like that on the nose, and can also cause rapid changes and discoloration like this. Until you can get to your vet, I would place an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Amber and keep the spot clean and dry to help reduce any further irritation. It is also a good idea to monitor the size and shape of it and how rapidly it is changing as this can help your vet figure out what may be going on. Your vet will likely take a full history as well as a potential sample of the spot to see what cells are present and provide treatment as needed.

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Disclaimer

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