ACRAL LICK DERMATITIS (lick granuloma)

Acral dermatitis is a skin condition resulting from repeated licking. At first there is only one small area of hair loss, but with constant licking, a thickened, raised plaque develops. Often this raised sore is raw, inflamed, and ulcerated.

Lick granulomas occur primarily in dogs left alone for long periods. Boredom is usually responsible for the licking habit. Certain breeds, such as Dobermans, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters, and German Shepherds are more likely to develop the condition. While the condition can occur at any age, most dogs are over 5 year old when the sores first appear. Sometimes there is an infection or wound that stimulates the licking, which then becomes a behavioral problem. Stress may also stimulate abnormal licking. Causes of stress include a new pet or baby in the home, the death or absence of a family member or a companion dog, a change in the owner’s schedule, or a nearby female dog that is "in heat." Obviously, many things could be upsetting or stressful to dogs left alone or confined for long periods. It is important to understand that the dog’s problem is more psychological than physical, and this is what makes this condition so difficult to treat. The physical component is due to inflammation and infection, easily treated with anti-inflammtories and antibiotics. A thorough analysis of the dog’s environment is necessary to determine the cause.

Important Points In Treatment

1. Lick granuloma is very difficult to treat. If the underlying psychogenic cause cannot be corrected, the lick sore may never be cured.

2. Medication must be given as directed. Notify the doctor if you cannot carry out any prescribed treatment. Because this is can be a physical as well as behavioral component, there are many different forms of treatment that can be used. Not one form of treatment will work for every pet. Therefore, you and your veterinarian may try a number of different methods of treatment before finding one that works best for your pet.

3. Exercise: Whenever possible, exercise your dog and spend more time with it to keep its mind off of the licking. A regular schedule is needed for this to help. It cannot be haphazard.

4. Various treatments are used in treating lick granulomas. They include lotions, creams, pills, injections, bandages or other devices to prevent licking, surgical removal of sores, and mood-altering drugs, such as tranquilizers and barbiturates. The treatments depends on such factors as the size and severity of the granuloma, chances for eliminating the psychological causes, length of time the dog has been affected, and time available for the owner to work with the dog. Please feel free to discuss any aspects of the treatments with the doctor.

Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:

• Your dog continues to lick the sore.

• Your dog’s sore is red, hot or swollen, or oozes fluid or pus.

• Your dog’s sore enlarges.

• Your dog removes any protective bandages or wraps.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.