Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

134 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
attention to the dog’s favorite sleeping spots, such beneath the porch or in the
garage. Be sure the ground is dry before allowing pets outside.
Repeat the application twice at three-week intervals, or as recommended
by the manufacturer. The residual activity of outdoor insecticides depends on
weather conditions. In dry weather, they may remain effective for a month; in
wet weather, for only one to two weeks.
Some insecticide dips can be used as sprays on gardens, lawns, and kennels.
Use according to the instructions on the label.
Diatomaceous earth, including the product Fleas Away, can be spread in areas
of the yard where your dog likes to stay. You can also explore the use of beneficial
nematodes that feast on flea larvae and help to keep your yard flea free.
Discourage rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, and mice that may be
reinfesting your yard with fleas. You may need to trap them, or at a minimum,
remove any bird feeders in the hopes the rodents will move elsewhere. Don’t
leave pet food outdoors, because it attracts strays and wildlife. And be sure to
securely cover all garbage cans.
Lick Granuloma (Acral Pruritic Dermatitis)
A lick granuloma is an open sore, usually at the ankle or wrist, perpetuated by
constant licking. It is seen most often in large, shorthaired dogs such as
Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and bird dogs.
At one time, lick sores were thought to be psychogenic in origin and related
to boredom and inactivity. It now appears that many cases are preceded by an
itchy skin disease (such as canine atopy) that starts the lick cycle. Other possible
initiating causes include demodectic mange, a bacterial or fungal infection,
prior trauma, and underlying joint disease. The precipitating event
focuses the dog’s attention on the area. The licking then becomes a habit that
may be perpetuated by psychological events, so behavior may still be a factor.
As the dog licks at her wrist or ankle, the hair is rubbed off and the surface
of the skin becomes red and shiny. Eventually, the skin becomes raised, thick,
hard, and insensitive to pressure. However, it remains fresh-looking from the
constant licking. Some dogs will lick long enough and hard enough to cause
breaks in the skin and serious wounds.
Treatment: It is important to review the course of events in an attempt to
identify the precipitating cause. If a disease such as canine atopy is diagnosed,
medical treatment is directed toward that condition.
Local treatment may involve the use of topical and injectable steroids,
radiation therapy, bandaging, surgical removal, cryotherapy, and acupuncture.
Some dogs will require antibiotics due to secondary infections. Results are
variable. The lick granuloma is one of the most difficult skin problems to treat
successfully.