ACRAL LICK DERMATITIS 
(lick granuloma)

 

 General Information:

 
  • Acral dermatitis is an abnormal skin condition resulting from repeated licking. This condition is a psychological disorder that results in a sore on the skin.  In some extreme cases it can result in a self-mutilation disorder. 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:

      2. Recent improvements in the study and treatment of psychogenic disorders (Obsessive Compulsive Disorders) in animals has led to several newer treatment options for pets. One in particular is the use of mood-altering drugs like Prozac and Elavil. These drugs offer the most promise in these frustrating cases since they act to alter the dogs behavior.
    2. Cortisone:

      3. Intralesional injections of cortisone will help some individuals, but for the most part are used in conjunction with other treatment options.
    3. Bandaging and/or casting:

      4. Preventing access to the lesion sometimes allows the lesion to heal.  Many times however, the dog will simply chooses another place to lick.
    4. Surgery:

      5. A new method to treat many of the intractable lick graulomas is by using a CO2 laser to vaporize the diseased tissue.  The Animal HealthCare Center has a Luxar CO2 laser and has successfully treated many pet that have failed other treatment modalities.
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