Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Lick Granuloma

Lick_granuloma Lick Granulomas are skin lesions that are created by a dog licking an area of the skin. Many different reasons are suggested by vets for this happening. Some say boredom, nervousness, deep down infection (a term of anitbotics will prove whether this is true or not), foreign body, life changes (death of companion pet or human, moving) or allergies can start this. Breeds in which this often occurs include Dobermans, German Shepards, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Weimaraner.



Many dogs (one of mine included) are quite stubborn about giving up this habit. It's quite a challenge to keep them from ripping up a bandage, covering, or not relicking once the wound is healed and barriers are no longer needed. Specially mixed topicals, laser treatment, surgery, and bandaging are some options that may be given by your veterinarian. In any case, many owners struggle with this problem for years.



If you notice your dog starting to worry an area, best thing you can do is immediately address the problem. Preventing the lesion from starting will keep this from becoming a festering wound.

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