German Shepherds are a popular and versatile breed known for their intelligence, loyalty, and working ability. However, they are also prone to various skin conditions that can affect their overall health and well-being. Lovely Elsa, the eight-year-old Shepherd is unfortunately no exception to the latter! She visited the team at Narre Warren recently for some very nasty skin issues. Her fur was matted, her skin was raw, several areas of fur were missing and her ears were a mess. Unfortunately, with the areas being so painful and Elsa being the excitable girl she is, she had to return the next day for admission into hospital for sedation so that Dr. Dawn could test and treat her skin without causing her any distress and discomfort.
Elsa represented at the clinic, and after some effective medication, the team were able to get a closer look at her poor skin whilst she was anaesthetised. She had heavily matted fur which had formed into scabs and her skin had become discoloured and was actively exuding pus, all of which would have been extremely uncomfortable. All her problem areas were clipped, some samples taken to assess bacterial infection, her skin was cleaned and a topical medication applied. It turns out she had hot spots ravaging her body, from her mouth, to her elbows, her hind limbs and inguinal areas as well. Even her ears were feeling awful!
A “hotspot,” also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, is a common and painful skin condition in dogs. It is characterised by localised areas of inflamed, infected skin that can develop rapidly. Getting hot spots treated by a veterinarian is crucial for accurate diagnosis, effective and timely treatment, pain management, prevention of complications, and personalised care. This ensures your pet heals quickly and comfortably while minimising the risk of further health issues. Elsa was dispensed antibiotics, steroids and an Elizabethan collar to go home with to help her clear up her painful skin once and for all.
Hot spots can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Allergies: Environmental allergens (like pollen or mold), food allergies, or flea allergies can cause itching and scratching, leading to hot spots.
- Insect Bites: Fleas, ticks, and other insect bites can irritate the skin, causing an animal to scratch or bite the area, leading to hot spots.
- Poor Grooming: Dogs and cats with matted fur or inadequate grooming are more prone to developing hot spots, as trapped moisture and dirt can irritate the skin.
- Moisture: Wet fur from swimming, bathing, or excessive licking can create a damp environment that fosters bacterial growth.
- Underlying Skin Conditions: Conditions like pyoderma or seborrhea can predispose an animal to hot spots.
- Stress or Boredom: Pets may lick or chew their skin out of anxiety, stress, or boredom, leading to hot spots.
Luckily for Elsa, due to her dedicated owner’s fast action and the team at Narre Warren’s expertise, they were able to successfully treat her hot spots and she’s currently recovering very well at home! She will now hopefully be able to attend her grooming appointments regularly and avoid this happening so severely again! We are so glad you are doing well Elsa and free of your “party hat” and painful skin!