It is pretty steamy in North Carolina this June, and predictions are it will reach over 101 degrees this week. The flowers in my yard are still looking pretty good, especially the new crop of Asiatic Lilies.
Nearby, Duke Gardens is stunning no matter what the season.
Taco Belle, my dog, prefers to be indoors and survey outdoor critters with the comfort of air conditioning.
I can remember in Auburn, Alabama during my veterinary school days it could get pretty hot during the day. Most outdoor activities were pretty sticky. One evening, I had an invitation to go flying in a Piper Cub airplane to escape the daytime heat.
As my pilot friend soared over the loveliest village on the "plains" as it was called, I began a life time of adoration for pilots and flying. As mentioned in previous blogs, I did get my pilot’s license that year, but finances and time constraints kept me grounded.
It was always an unexpected surprise to be caught by a cloud bank over terrain (I was flying visual/VFR) as a pilot does not like “surprises”.
In a similar fashion, many clients this time of year are surprised by the sudden and unexpected odor, pain, and extreme discomfort of a nasty skin infection that is often called a HOT SPOT”..
WHAT IS A HOT SPOT?
Also called acute moist eczema, it is a TOPICAL skin infection that results when the normal skin bacteria multiplies rapidly and overcomes the skin’s defense system as a result of damage to the skin's surface. Pets aggravate the lesion by intense chewing at the site. These areas are oozing, wet, red, and sometimes blood-tinged when they are new. Yet, over time they become dry and quite “crusty or scabby.” They can be anywhere on the body, but most commonly they are on the face, neck, and rear end.
DO VETERINARIANS SPECULATE AS TO A CAUSE?
It is suggested that anything that causes irritation to the area (insect bite from fleas/flies/mosquitoes, allergies, accumulation of moisture from swimming/bathing, fur mats, thick coats in general, PAINFUL AREAS, and licking leading to saliva accumulation) contributes to the formulation of hotspots. Hot spots are not a risk to spread to people with healthy immune systems.
IS THERE A MOST COMMON BREED LIST AFFLICTED?
Newfoundlands, Golden/Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES?
- The skin becomes DAMP, RED, ITCHY, and INFECTED. Odiferous pus is often found on the fur and the area is very painful. This then becomes encrusted in the fur. In many cases, hair loss and a raw, red skin are noted.- Hot spots can exponentially grow in size in a less than 24 hours.
- Although they are more common in dogs, they can also be found in cats.
- Hot spots can enlarge rapidly, so early diagnosis – before your pet’s hot spot involves a large area of the body – is important. Both dogs and cats can get hot spots, although dogs with dense undercoats are more likely to develop the problem than smooth-coated dogs or cats. Hot spots are more common during hot, humid weather, but can occur year-round, depending on the inciting cause.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT STEPS?
-Clip the area to get air exposure and set up a perimeter (fire zone) to cut spreading.
-Wash the area with antibacterial soap, topical anti-inflammatory sprays/creams (after cytology)
-Many require an e-collar or tube around neck to distract and keep away from the area. Tranquilizers are sometimes prescribed.
SUMMARY: KEEP YOUR PET FROM LICKING, UTILIZE DRYING AGENTS, AND CUT INFLAMMATION
HOW CAN HOTSPOTS BE PREVENTED?
They are not always easy to prevent, but many clients will body clip thick-coated retrievers in the spring to reduce moisture accumulation and clean ears well after swimming or bathing to dry the ear canal. In the early stages, shave at home as soon as a hot spot is suspected, and use either some apply cider vinegar or a warm tea bag for 3 to 5 minutes to dry the surface.
Betsy T. Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP Canine & Feline
Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital
Cary, NC
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