Hot Spot FAQ's
Hotspots are an irritating skin condition that affects countless dogs every year. Here, we examine the condition and give you the information you need to treat and heal your dog. The following Q & A was conducted with Henry Cerny, DVM, MS of Yankee Hill Veterinary Hospital.
What is a Hot Spot and how will I know if my dog has one?
A hotspot (also known as pyotramatic or moist dermatitis) is a condition which involves an area of skin which has become inflamed and infected. The affected skin often appears as a moist oozing reddened area that is painful and very itchy to the dog. Hair loss may also be seen. Continued licking and chewing at the area by the dog worsens the condition dramatically.
What is the cause of a Hot Spot?
Anything that causes itchiness of the skin can lead to the development of a hotspot. Some common triggers are Atopy(allergies to things in the environment such as grasses, trees, weeds, dust mites, etc), Food Allergies, fleas, mites, insect bites and skin wounds. A bacterial infection of the skin (typically caused by Staph) develops by taking advantage of the damaged inflamed skin. The infection is often deep in the skin and in addition to the moist oozing appearance an odor is often present.
How is a Hot Spot treated?
The goal to treatment is to clear the bacterial infection, relieve the itching and pain and to identify and remove the underlying trigger(s) if possible. The hair in and around the hotspot is usually clipped to allow initial cleaning of the area and the application of topical medications. Topical treatment with sprays, creams or ointments to kill bacteria and help with pain and inflammation are often used. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed for a course of 3-4 weeks(sometimes longer). Often a short course of corticosteroids(i.e. Prednisone) is given to relieve the itching and pain due to the inflammation. Anti-histamines may also be used to help with itchiness.
Would Vetericyn be helpful in the treatment of a Hot Spot? Definitely! Vetericyn liquid or hydrogel can be applied topically to kill bacteria and help cleanse the wound and speed healing without depleting vital moisture from the skin. It has the additional benefits of being non-irritating, non-toxic and non-staining to your pets skin or haircoat.
Dr. Cerny Dr. Cerny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Masters in Veterinary Science from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and earned his DVM at Kansas State. He has served several times as a board member for the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association and is currently on the board for the Lincoln Emergency Clinic. Dr. Cerny & his colleague, Dr. Brown, own and practice at Yankee Hill Veterinary Hospital in Lincoln.
