Lick Granuloma
(Acral Lick Granuloma)
A Lick Granuloma results from constant licking and is usually
found on a limb. It is typically caused by pain or allergies,
compounded by boredom. The licking causes the skin to ulcerate.
Which encourages the pet to continue the licking. The lesion cannot
heal when the dog continues to lick the area and a secondary
infection may occur. The lower leg is a common area for Lick
Granulomas - especially the large joint above the paw.
What causes a dog to lick excessively?
Treatment?
It is important to determine what is causing the licking in the
beginning. Arthritis, behavioral habit, allergies, or boredom all need to
be considered. Treatment alone is usually not sufficient enough.
For more information on acral lick granulomas...
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/dermatology/acral%20lick%
20dermatitis.htm
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this
one do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
(Acral Lick Granuloma)
A Lick Granuloma results from constant licking and is usually
found on a limb. It is typically caused by pain or allergies,
compounded by boredom. The licking causes the skin to ulcerate.
Which encourages the pet to continue the licking. The lesion cannot
heal when the dog continues to lick the area and a secondary
infection may occur. The lower leg is a common area for Lick
Granulomas - especially the large joint above the paw.
What causes a dog to lick excessively?
- Boredom: A dog that is at home all day without people or
another dog to initiate activity, the isolation can be a
contributing factor. In some cases, dogs that are in a crate or
kennel for long periods of time can develop this obsessive
compulsive behavior of licking. - Allergies: In some dogs, a pre-existing skin irritation, infection,
or wound can start the licking cycle. - Pain: Dogs with arthritis may respond by licking the painful
joint. Excessive licking may produce and release endorphins -
making the dog feel better and decreasing the pain
perception.
Treatment?
It is important to determine what is causing the licking in the
beginning. Arthritis, behavioral habit, allergies, or boredom all need to
be considered. Treatment alone is usually not sufficient enough.
- Using an Elizabethan collar (E-collar, cone) may be
necessary to break the licking cycle. - Repellent sprays such as Bitter Apple have short-term and
limited success. - Topical corticosteroids can help decrease inflammation in
small lesions. Creams and ointments can be prescribed by
your veterinarian. - For dogs with arthritis, it is best to consult with your veterinarian
on the right anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate the
discomfort.
For more information on acral lick granulomas...
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/dermatology/acral%20lick%
20dermatitis.htm
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this
one do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
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