More on Hot Spots
Acute Moist Dermatitis “Hot Spots” is also known as “pyo traumatic dermatitis” or “wet eczema.” It is a disease of dogs with long hair or with dense undercoats caused by a local allergic reaction to a specific antigen.
- Allergies: (inhalant allergies) aka atopy and food allergies
- Mites: species of Sarcoptes scabei or Cheyletiella
- Ear infections
- Poor grooming
- Burs or plant awns
- Anal gland disease
Hotspots may be caused by:
- Painful circular lesions, usually moist, raw, inflamed and hairless
- Great tendency for dogs to lick, bite, or scratch affected area which leads to further irritation and inflammation of skin; (named “pyo traumatic dermatitis” because of self trauma)
- Size can change and grow dramatically in a short period of time
Description of Hot Spots:
- Inside and outside dogs are susceptible
- Rare in colder temperature of winter
Other notes for Hot Spots:
Other skin conditions that are similar to hotspots include:
Contact Dermatitis
Examples: allergies to carpets, cleaners, or plastics
- Animal’s skin is hypersensitive to certain small molecules in its environment; these substances can include: topical antibiotics, metals ie. nickel, rubber or wool materials, chemicals from dye and carpet deodorizers
- Must have multiple exposures to irritant/molecule before dermatitis develops
- Rarely occurs in animals less than 2 years old
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Exposure to noxious substances in the environment or severe irritants; chemical examples: can be poison ivy, salt found on the road
- Occurs within younger dogs
- Most often occurs on: paws, abdomen, muzzle, lips
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- Red bumps, blister-like lesions
- Intense scratching
- Hair loss
May cause the following:
- Results from flea-bites—severe reaction to flea saliva
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Infection of the hair follicles by staph bacteria
- Mainly occurs in regions with less hair (i.e. belly)
Folliculitis
- Infection caused by sarcoptes mites
Sarcoptic Mange
(Source: Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff)
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