Canine Hot Spots - Other Causes
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| Definition / Causes | Parasitic Allergens | Allergy Testing |
| Environmental Allergens | Other Causes | Prevention |
Ectoparasites
Dietary allergy: Not as common as people would like to believe, but occasionally seen in dogs because of a daily inclusion of beef, chicken, and wheat-based products in dog foods.
Skin trauma: Working dogs in particular will suffer occasional wounds when working in rough patches.
Poor grooming.
Seborrhoea: Seborrhoea can be idiopathic (developing from an unknown source, often congenital or inherited) or secondary to other factors (see below). The two primary presentations are:
Seborrhoea oleosa or oily seborrhoea. Oily seborrhoea is due to excessive production of skin oil, waxes, and skin cells. The coat takes on a matted look and a greasy feel, and oily dandruff clogs the base of the hairs. There is often a strong and unpleasant odor to the skin. Many dogs are pruritic (itchy) and nibble and rub themselves persistently, causing hair loss, inflammation, and secondary infections.
Seborrhoea sicca or dry seborrhoea: Dry seborrhoea is caused by an excessive production of skin cells. The coat takes on a dull look, with excessive scaling of the skin producing a heavy dandruff. These dogs are also pruritic and again may bite and nibble, setting up areas of inflammation and hair loss in which secondary infection may occur.
At-risk breeds: West Highland Terriers, Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds appear to be at the greatest risk for congenital seborrhoea.
What to look for: There are many different sources:
- Allergies – Environmental, food allergies, contact, etc.
- Endocrine deficiencies – such as hypothyroidism. Defects in fat absorption or metabolism.
- Parasitic infections – Flea allergic dermatitis, sarcoptic and demodectic mange, harvest mites, cheyletiella mites.
- Fungus – Melassezia yeast is the most common.
- Dietary deficiencies – Protein, zinc, and vitamin A (unlikely with high-quality, complete dog foods).
Other lesions: Can be caused by furunculosis (often inherited) to "hot spots" due to excessive licking and scratching.
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