Canine Disease Information: Acral Lick Dermatitis (lick granuloma)



  • Type Disease
    Skin
  • Name
    Acral Lick Dermatitis (lick granuloma)
  • Abbreviation
    ALDx
  • Description
    This is a complex disorder in which dogs lick continuously at an area on their leg , which becomes raw, weeping, and ulcerated. The cause is unknown but inheritance may play a role, since certain breeds are affected more commonly. Boredom or frustration are considered contributing factors. Other possibilities include a disorder of the sensory nerves, or an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • How Transferred
    No mode of inheritance has been established.
  • What to Look for
    Owners are generally amazed by the amount of damage a dog can do to his/her limb simply by continuous licking. Frequently the affected area becomes secondarily infected (pyoderma).\nBoredom and frustration are thought to play a role in this condition, which is often seen in highly intelligent dogs who spend much of their day alone.
  • Diagnosis
    It is important to rule out any underlying cause of the condition. Your veterinarian will likely do a skin biopsy for this purpose. This is a simple procedure, done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's skin for examination by a veterinary pathologist.
  • Treatment
    Lick granulomas can be difficult for veterinarians to treat, and frustrating for the owner. Because boredom and frustration are thought to play a role in this condition, your veterinarian will likely discuss with you environmental enrichment and behavior modification for your dog. S/he may prescribe certain drugs with anti-depressant or anti-anxiety properties for short periods, relying on your help in assessing the effects. Topical corticosteroids may help as well.\nAs the area is frequently secondarily affected, anti-bacterial therapy may be necessary.
  • Veterinarian Information
    Rule-outs include neoplasia, pressure point granulomas, various infectious agents, underlying sensitivities, allergies, histiocytomas, mastocytomas.
  • Breeding Considerations
    Because inheritance appears to play a role in this complex condition, it is preferable not to breed dogs in whom acral lick dermatitis is a problem.
  • Known Breeds Affected
    Doberman pinscher\nGerman shepherd\nIrish setter\nLabrador retriever\nGreat Dane

Type Disease

Known Breeds Affected

Type Disease

Known Breeds Affected