Accra lick dermatitis on my Brittany ,Help?

[6.5s4ever]

Hi everyone ! I have a 8 yr old Brittany Spaniel and he has a spot on the top of his left front leg where he has licked it so much the fur is gone it looks like a hot spot but is not . My vet called it accra lick Dermatitis its a skin condition caused by him being bored and licking the same spot all the time. Has anyone experienced this on their dog and could give me some advice on what to do. I have tried the Kong Ball to keep him occupied while I am working be he doesnt seem interested in toys. I tried a gauze bandage with adhesive tape over the area but he keeps chewing it off. advice or ideas appreciated Thanks Roy

[gspsonny03]

Can't help you with that one. Our oldest GSP does that and as long as we see him doing it and tell him No he'll quit, but you can't watch them every minute. And like you said if you put something on it, he just tries to get it off, so that doesn't help either. Anyway good luck.

[fabsroman]

Just thought of something. Put something on that spot that he does not like to lick. Maybe something bitter will do the trick. Of course, Nitro likes to eat almost anything, so I doubt that would work on him if I had this problem.

Maybe give the vet a call and ask him what he would recommend you put on the spot to prevent him from licking it.

[huntingvet]

Acral lick dermatitis is when a dog chronicly licks well defined areas of their skin to the point of causing hairloss, skin infection, and occasionally pain. It has many causes ranging from osteoarthritis of nearby joints, primary skin problems (previous skin infection/trauma or allergies), and often boredom.

Treatment revolves around interrupting the stereotypic behavior, identifying and resolving any medical abnormalities (skin infection, controlling osteoarthritis pain), and preventing recurrence.

Interrupting the stereotypic behavior usually is best accomplished with physical barriers. Elizabethan collars are wonderful for this as they can be left on 24/7 for several weeks to allow skin problems to heal. Bandaging those areas are helpful in mild cases but usually require wearing elizabethan collars in more severe cases. There is evidence that anti-depressants and even medication that blocks endorphin release (the natural pain killer) can aid in removing the incentive for the dog to continue the behavior. Topical application of anti-inflammatories can also be helpful (ask you veterinarian if a concoction of 150 mg flunixin meglumine added to a 8ml bottle of synotic would be helpful for you).

To identify underlying medical causes xrays, various skin tests, and often trials of antihistamines, special diets, and parasite prevention may be required.

Preventing recurrence in those cases that have no obvious persisting medical causes revolves around behavioral modification (Kong toys, scheduled play time, training/mental stimulation, adding a new play mate if appropriate) and occasionally medication (anti-depressants, endorphin blocking medication) in severe cases.

Good luck as these can be frustrating cases to completely resolve but rarely is it a serious issue.

[6.5s4ever]

Thanks Huntingvet I appreciate the advice! Roy