Last week, Maya was brought in to the clinic with a skin problem. Maya is an Alaskan malamute, large, majestically graceful with penetrating blue eyes and the cream and grey, heavy coat characteristic of the breed.

As the name implies, Alaskan malamutes are a breed that originated in that polar region. There are a number of Alaskan malamutes in Malta and some have performed very well in prestigious international dog shows.

Malamutes are an ancient line that was bred for power rather than speed. They are, in general, very quiet animals and very good with people. As always, with such large animals, it is vital that discipline and socialisation forms a crucial part of their upbringing, especially if they are likely to interact with young children or smaller dogs. Given their strength, caution and surveillance are a must. But Maya’s behaviour was not the reason for the clinic visit.

Maya had suddenly developed a very raw red area of bare skin below her ear on the right side of her face. Her owner was concerned as he was sure that it had not been there the evening before, as he would have noticed it when putting on Maya’s leash to take her out on her usual evening walk. The time factor was an immediate indicator that Maya might have developed a hot spot.

Hot spot is the common term used to describe acute moist pyotraumatic dermatitis. Hot spots develop within hours and can occur due to a skin irritation.

Invariably, the dog will bite, scratch or lick the affected area until it becomes red raw. A surface skin infection sets in and the itchiness and irritation are aggravated. This in turn makes the dog ‘attack’ the area even more. The repeated abrasion and infection combine to turn the affected area hot to the touch.

Allergy to flea bites remains the most common cause of skin irritation in dogs

This is where the term ‘hot spot’ comes from. Other names interchangeably used to describe the condition are acute moist dermatitis or wet eczema. Another term commonly applied is summer sores since hot spots occur more often during the warmer months of the year.

Hot spots can occur on any part of the body. As with Maya, the area below the ears is a typical site. Other areas commonly affected are the base of the tail, the thigh area, as well as the front paw area, which is so accessible for easy licking. I have had clients telling me that their dogs seem to go into a trance with their eyes closed, licking their front paws for hours on end until they literally lick all the fur off.

It is amazing how much damage a dog can do to its skin within a few hours. Because infection sets in so easily, it is important that any such lesions are checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible – both for treatment as well as to determine what caused the skin irritation leading to a hot spot.

Allergy to flea bites remains the most common cause of skin irritation in dogs. Less obvious causes include allergies to factors in the environment, such as house mites, dust mites and different types of vegetation. Various skin conditions, ear and anal gland problems could also be the cause of the problem. Bad diets as well as food allergies can sometimes be found to be an underlying cause. Boredom due to lack of exercise or human interaction can be another reason for dogs to pass the time by licking.

Also of great importance and maybe not so obvious is the condition of the dog’s coat. Regular washing and grooming is a must – particularly during the long, hot summer months. Dogs with long and matted coats are certainly more prone to developing hot spots due to the discomfort this causes.

The immediate treatment for hotspots will be prescribed by your veterinarian and could include an initial cleaning and clipping of the affected area.

Depending on the severity and extent of the lesion, antibiotic creams or soothing medicated paste or spray may be recommended for application directly to the hot spot. If necessary, further medication may be administered to reduce the inflammation and skin infection. Long-term treatment for hot spots involves the identification of any underlying causes which may have triggered the irritation and which resulted in the dog frantically scratching or licking itself.

Alaskan malamutes have what is known as a double coat. This means that besides the coarser topcoat which serves as a water repellent, it also has a soft undercoat which is intended to insulate.

Being a northern breed, this undercoat can be very thick and heavy. Although Maya’s owner had been taking good care of ensuring that she was given the right flea treatment, she had not been given a proper grooming for some time.

We decided that this would be done as soon as the skin lesions were brought under control. In the meantime, Maya was placed on a treatment to halt the irritation and control the infection.

As always, resolving skin problems depends upon good cooperation and communication between you as the owner and your veterinarian as the physician. As for Maya, I do hope that her hot spot shall soon be something of the past.

thisweekwiththevet@gmail.com

Dr Martin Debattista is a veterinary surgeon.

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