Dog develops sore on hip
QMy husband and I have a 9-year-old mixed breed dog that looks like a cross between a German shepherd and a terrier. He has been in our family since he was a puppy and has always been known to be somewhat aggressive and nervous at the vet’s office. Lately, we have had some construction work done at our home, and he has been nervous with strangers in the house. I have to keep him in a separate part of the house and away from the noise. He then developed a raw area near his left hip. My vet said he had a hot spot. Could it have been caused by the stress of having the workers in the home? Our vet also suggested starting our dog on anti-anxiety drugs.
ALet’s start with the hot spot since that was the immediate problem.
The condition, also known as moist dermatitis, can develop quickly and progress to a large area in a short amount of time. These lesions can be found anywhere on the body, but more commonly on the facial or neck areas, followed by the hip or chest area. They get larger and worse so quickly because the dog typically will chew or lick the affected area. If the dog can’t reach it by mouth, he will do anything he can to scratch the area with a foot or by rubbing the area on whatever he can. The area is often inflamed and red, wet with both saliva and an exudate produced by the skin, warm and painful.
As to the cause, it is hard to say. Insect bites, grooming, allergic reactions and even rough housing with another dog might trigger the problem. When found on the hip, I usually check the anal glands because they may be full, making the dog uncomfortable. Stress also has been implicated, and the construction sounds and the presence of workers in the home could be contributory.
Hot spots are treated in different ways. My choice is to clip and clean the area going beyond the visible edge of the lesion with clippers. I often give an anti-inflammatory shot, systemic antibiotics, sometimes a topical drying agent, and send the dog home with an Elizabethan collar so he can’t irritate the area any more.
Given what you say, I think trying a good anxiolytic medication after proper blood work would be a good idea. Your dog might be happier being less nervous, and your lives might be easier as well. I hope this helps.