Definition of Hot Spots

Acute moist dermatitis, also called acral lick dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis or “hot spots,” is a localized and rapidly progressive superficial skin infection typically secondary to trauma self-inflicted in an attempt to relieve pain or pruritis.

How Hot Spots Affect Dogs

Affected areas of skin are moist, weeping and covered with matted hair and dried exudates. These sores are usually isolated, well-demarcated, ulcerative, very painful and itchy. Dogs tend to lick and chew at the area excessively and frantically. Superficial “hot spots” are most frequent on the lower areas of the legs.

Causes of Dog Hot Spots

Anything that initiates an itch-scratch cycle can predispose a dog to developing “hot spots.” In most cases, the exact cause is unknown, although “hot spots” are often caused or exacerbated by self-trauma due to an underlying factor such as fleas, mites, lice, ticks, bacteria, fungi, ear infections, allergies, anal sacculitis or topical irritants. In some cases, a severe essential fatty acid deficiency may be a contributing factor. “Hot spots” typically are exacerbated by licking, biting, rubbing and scratching.

“Hot spots” are more common in hot, humid environments and in thick-coated, long-haired breeds. They often occur after a dog has been swimming. Dogs that are prone to allergies also tend to get hot spots more readily than non-allergic dogs. Certain breeds are over-represented, including Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards and German Shepherds, although these breeds tend to develop a deeper bacterial dermatitis on the face or cheek region without obvious evidence of self-trauma.

Preventing Hot Spots

Prevention of acute moist dermatitis in dogs is difficult, if not impossible, unless the underlying cause can be determined. Medicated shampoos may help sooth affected areas and can help reduce the risk of recurrence. Essential fatty acid supplements may also be beneficial. Early detection and treatment of hot spots is also important.

Superficial hot spots are easily treated by clipping the hair around the affected area, cleansing it with medicated soap and water and applying an appropriate topical treatment. Deep hot spots should be treated with antibiotics or antifungals, in addition to the topical treatment protocol.

Treating Hot Spots

At one time, all hot spots were thought to be the same and, as a result, were all treated the same way. However, research has shown that there are actually two distinct forms of hot spots (also known as acute moist dermatitis), namely superficial hot spots and deep hot spots. Correctly identifying which type of hot spot your dog has helps the veterinarian to determine the correct treatment and possibly even the cause.

Superficial Hot Spots

Superficial hot spots are, as the name implies, on the skin surface and appear as a moist patches of inflamed, ulcerated, itchy skin with matted hair. They are easily treated by clipping back the hair from the affected area, then cleansing with a medicated soap and water, followed by application of an appropriate topical medication.

Deep Hot Spots

The second type of hot spot is the deep hot spot. It is quite different from the superficial form in that there is itchiness, ulceration, and inflammation but also a very deep infection and oozing. Unlike the superficial kind of hot spot, these hot spots must be treated with antibiotics as well as topical treatment. They are seen most often in young dogs and in Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards.

Special Notes About Canine Hot Spots

At one time, all “hot spots” were thought to be essentially the same, and as a result were all treated identically. However, there are actually two distinct types of “hot spots” – those that are superficial and those that are deep. Correctly identifying the type of acute moist dermatitis is essential to determining the correct treatment protocol.