- 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
