Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma)
Acral dermatitis is a skin condition resulting from repeated licking. At first there is only a small area of hair loss; however, 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 Shephards are more likely to be affected. While the condition can occur at any age, most dogs are over 5 years old when the sores first appear.
Stres 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 companion dog, or a nearby female dog that is in "heat". Many things could be upsetting or stressful to dogs left alone or confined for long periods. It is important to understand that the underlying cause of the dog's problem is psychological and not physical. A thorough analysis of the dog's environment is necessary to determine the cause.
Lick granulomas can be very difficult to treat. If the underlying psychological cause cannot be corrected, the sore may never be cured. Medication must be given as directed. Whenever possible, spend as much time with your dog as possible and exercise your dog to keep its mind off of licking. Various treatments are used to treat lick granulomas--lotions, creams, pills, injections, bandages, surgical removal of sores, mood-altering drugs etc. The success and type of treatment depend on such factors as the size of the granuloma, the severity of it, chances of eliminating the psychological causes, time the dog has been affected, and time available for the owner to work with the dog.
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