Acral Lick Dermatitis In Dogs
As lick granuloma is defined as a behavior disorder that occurs primarily in large dogs. One also speaks of canine neurodermatitis.
Affected dogs constantly lick a certain part of the body and thus injure themselves. Skin changes, itching and inflammation occur, which continue to stimulate the licking.
Treatment is generally tedious and uncomfortable, both for the pet itself and for the owner. Once diagnosed, treatment must be done responsibly and continuously.
Causes of Acral Leak Dermatitis
Constant licking with the rough tongue or scratching can cause visible wounds to appear after just a few hours. In other cases, the injuries are only visible after several weeks.
The following causes can trigger acral leak dermatitis:
- Allergic itching caused by environmental factors or certain foods
- Bacteria, fungi, parasites or mites
- Joint injuries (fractures), which are often painful
- arthritis
- cancer
- Hormonal disorder
- Psychological factors, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress, boredom, or anxiety
- Stereotypy (repetitive actions e.g. in dogs that are locked in or have little space)
Racial and genetic predisposition to acral lick dermatitis
Until now, a genetic predisposition to this disease has not been confirmed. However, statistically, some breeds are more prone to this disorder. These include, for example, the following.
- German shepherd dog
- Golden retriever
- Spanish mastiff
- German Mastiff
- Labrador Retriever
- Doberman Pinscher
Diagnosis and treatment
If the vet visit is late, treatment is difficult. During the first examination, the vet can often not find out what caused it, because it is no longer possible to assess whether there was an injury first or whether it was caused by the leak.
To avoid complications, it is important to get your dog checked for compulsive licking at the first symptoms of compulsive licking. Even if your four-legged friend’s legs are always wet, a veterinary diagnosis is important.
Depending on the cause, the treatment can also be different. The important thing is to be clear about the trigger.
Control of symptoms
The first thing to do is to keep the dog from licking the same spot over and over so the wounds can heal. A protective collar can be very useful here because it prevents the dog from reaching the affected areas.
A bandage is also useful to protect the injuries. Only when the cause is treated can this behavior disorder be corrected , whether it is physical, environmental or psychological in nature.
How to Avoid Acral Lick Dermatitis In Dogs
Hygiene is at the top of the list for all pet owners. Bacteria, fungi, mites or parasites can only be prevented or at least recognized and treated in good time through cleanliness.
Stress should also be avoided, for example by not suddenly changing certain habits.
Certain breeds (e.g. Golden Retrievers, Boxers …) need a lot of exercise and physical activity to reduce energy. When they are bored, they become anxious and can develop illnesses.
Other breeds, like the German Shepherd Dog, require not only physical exercise, but also mental training in order to escape monotony and be able to relax.
