"Hot Spots" Can Appear Overnight
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
"Hot spots" are localized skin infections that are
usually caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus intermedius,
although other bacteria can be involved. In most cases, the cause
remains unknown, although they are often due to some underlying
factor such as fleas, mites, bacteria, allergies, or irritants
(e.g. a harsh shampoo). In some cases, a severe essential fatty
acid deficiency may also be the cause.
It is suspected that increases in the temperature and humidity
of the skin environment may play a role in the development of
these skin infections. This is probably why hot spots tend to be
more common in the summer than in the winter. Often, hot spots
may occur after a dog has been swimming in a lake or river,
likely because this changes the temperature and humidity of the
skin microenvironment. Dogs that are prone to allergies also tend
to get hot spots more readily than non-allergic dogs.
At one time, all hot spots were thought to be the same and, as
a result, were all treated the same way. However, research has
shown that there are actually two distinct forms of hot spots
(also known as acute moist dermatitis), namely superficial hot
spots and deep hot spots. Correctly identifying which type of hot
spot your dog has helps the veterinarian to determine the correct
treatment and possibly even the cause.
Superficial hot spots are, as the name implies, on the skin
surface and appear as a moist patches of inflamed, ulcerated,
itchy skin with matted hair. They are easily treated by clipping
back the hair from the affected area, then cleansing with a
medicated soap and water, followed by application of an
appropriate topical medication.
The second type of hot spot is the deep hot spot. It is quite
different from the superficial form in that there is itchiness,
ulceration and inflammation but also a very deep infection and
oozing. Unlike the superficial kind of hot spot, these hot spots
must be treated with antibiotics as well as topical treatment.
They are seen most often in young dogs and in Golden Retrievers
and Saint Bernards.
Prevention is difficult, if not impossible, unless an
underlying cause can be determined. If you cannot determine the
cause, there are some things you can do to lessen the probability
of your dog getting hot spots.
For example, giving medicated bathes (e.g. benzoyl peroxide
shampoos) on a regular basis may help prevent some cases from
re-occurring. Supplementing the diet with an essential fatty acid
supplement may prove helpful in others. Early detection of hot
spots before they become serious is also an important part of any
preventative program. Your veterinarian should be consulted if
your dog gets a hot spot so that you can both work together to
relieve your pet’s suffering, as well as determine a cause
and course of treatment.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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