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Pyotraumatic dermatitis

Pyotraumatic dermatitis, often called hot spot, is a skin sore that appears within just a few hours. It all starts with an itch or localized pain. The dog licks, scratches or bites itself fiercely, and destroys its own skin. The area become...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Pyotraumatic dermatitis, often called hot spot, is a skin sore that appears within just a few hours.

It all starts with an itch or localized pain. The dog licks, scratches or bites itself fiercely, and destroys its own skin. The area becomes red, oozing and painful.

The speed of appearance is the most striking feature: normal skin in the morning can present a sore as wide as a palm in the evening.

Key point

These sores spread within a few hours and are painful: do not wait until the next day to consult, and do not attempt to treat them alone.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Itching Pain Hair loss Scabs and skin lesions

A well-defined area, bright red, warm, oozing, almost always hairless.

The lesion is painful: many dogs growl or shy away when approached.

The surrounding hairs are stuck together with secretions and often smelly.

The dog constantly returns to lick or nibble the area.

Frequent locations: cheek and under the ear, neck, flank, hip, base of tail.

The lesion can spread very quickly if nothing is done.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

A starting point that itches or hurts: flea bite, insect bite, ear infection, spikelet, poorly dried hair, knot in the coat, allergy, underlying joint pain.

Licking and scratching cause traumatic injury to the skin, which is quickly colonized by surface bacteria.

The permanent humidity maintained by saliva aggravates and extends the wound.

Dogs with dense hair and thick undercoat: golden retriever, Labrador, German shepherd, Nordic type dogs.

Heat and humidity, swimming season, poorly dried coat after a bath or rain.

Dogs with allergies or flea infestations.

Ear infections, joint pain, old wounds that attract licking.

Felted or knotted coat that traps moisture against the skin.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The diagnosis is clinical: the appearance and sudden onset are very characteristic.

The veterinarian cuts widely around the wound to see its true extent, often larger than what the stuck hairs would suggest.

This procedure is painful: sedation is frequently necessary, and it is a good practice, not an excess of precaution.

A sample may be taken to check the depth of the infection.

Above all, the veterinarian looks for the triggering cause: fleas, painful ear, spikelet, allergy. Without it, the lesion will reappear elsewhere.

Treatment

Wide clipping and antiseptic cleaning of the area, carried out by the veterinarian.

Local treatments prescribed to dry the wound and calm the inflammation.

Systemic antibiotics if the infection is deep or extensive.

Painkiller, because these lesions are really painful.

Prevent access to the wound: collar or protective clothing, while it heals. This is often the element that decides success.

Treatment of the cause: flea control, management of otitis or allergies.

Do not apply alcohol, colored antiseptics, or human ointments to this type of wound: this delays healing and prevents the veterinarian from evaluating the lesion.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Dry the dog completely after bathing, swimming or rain, down to the undercoat.

Brush densely coated dogs regularly and remove tangles, which trap moisture.

Maintain continuous flea protection.

Treat an ear infection or any itchy area without delay.

Examine the dog after a walk in dry grass, looking for spikelets.

In hot climates, never leave a wound unattended: flies are attracted to oozing wounds and can lay eggs there, which exposes you to myiasis.

Possible complications

Rapid extension of the lesion in a few hours.

Deep skin infection requiring lengthy treatment.

Scar without hair regrowth.

Recurrences in the same place or elsewhere if the triggering cause is not treated.

Flies lay eggs on the wound in the hot season, with possible progression to myiasis.

When to see a veterinarian

A red, oozing area suddenly appears on your dog's skin: consult the same day, these lesions spread quickly.

Your dog constantly licks or nips a specific spot.

The area is hot, painful, or he refuses to be touched.

The wound smells bad or grows despite your care.

Moving white dots appear in the wound: it's an emergency, it could be fly larvae.

Prognosis

Very good when treatment is rapid: most superficial lesions heal in one to two weeks.

Deep lesions take more time and sometimes leave a hairless scar.

Recurrences are common until the triggering cause is identified and treated.

Frequently asked questions

Why did this appear in just one day?

Because it is the dog himself who creates the wound. A few hours of vigorous licking are enough to strip the skin over a large area, hence the impressive appearance.

Can I treat it at home?

No, and you should definitely not apply alcohol, tincture or human ointment. The area must be trimmed and cleaned properly, which is painful, and the cause must be investigated.

Is the collar really necessary?

Yes, almost always. As long as the dog can reach the wound, he maintains it and the healing does not progress. This is often the point that makes the difference between healing in ten days and a wound that drags on for weeks.

Will it start again?

Only if the cause is not treated. A flea, an ear infection or an untreated allergy will restart the cycle, in the same place or elsewhere on the body.