ACRAL LICK DERMATITIS
(lick granuloma)

General Information:

  • Acral dermatitis is an abnormal skin condition resulting from repeated licking. At first there is only a small area of hair loss, but 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 of time. Boredom is usually responsible for the licking habit. Certain breeds, such as Dobermans, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters and German Shepherds are more likely to develop the condition. While the condition can occur at any age, most dogs are over 5 years old when the sores first appear.

  • Stress 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 a companion dog, or a nearby female dog that is "in heat." Obviously, many things could be upsetting or stressful to dogs left alone or confined for long periods. It is important to understand that your pet's problem is psychological and not physical. A thorough analysis of his\her environment is necessary to determine the cause.

  • Lick granulomas are very difficult to treat. If the underlying psychogenic cause cannot be corrected, the sore may never be cured.

    • Treatment Information:
    Various treatments are used in treating lick granulomas. These treatments include lotions, creams, pills, injections, bandages or other devices to prevent licking, surgical removal of sores, and mood-altering drugs (such as tranquilizers and barbiturates).

    1. Medications:
      Recent improvements in the study and treatment of psychogenic disorders (Compulsive Obsessive Disorders) in animals has led to several newer treatment options for pets. One in particular is the use of mood-altering drugs like Prozac, Elavil, Hycodan, etc.

    2. Cortisone:
      Intralesional injections of cortisone will help some individuals, but for the most part are used in conjunction with other treatment options.

    3. Surgery:
      This option is usually reserved for cases that are incurable by other treatments.

    We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail us.

    David E. Hammett, DVM
    and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC

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