Dog skin question

[Lady Archer]

This is Grizzly. He's an 8-yr old heeler who lives a very spoiled life inside. This morning I noticed a spot on his right side where the hair was missing. I shaved it to get a better look and scrubbed with Cholorhexadine. The area is raised and hot. I have no idea what it is. The skin is slightly broken. His energy and appetite are fine.

He takes Claritin for allergies and beta-blockers for arrhythmia. Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Is there anything else I can do?

[Lady Archer]

Here are some pics

[Lady Archer]

. double post

[Lady Archer]

Also, we were in a LOT of poison ivy the last couple of weeks. Can dogs have a reaction to it???

[DBLHKUP]

Possibly what's known as a "hotspot". Keep clean and continue to treat like you are doing, should see it get smaller and eventually be gone.

[elkbowhunter]

dang...so sorry. Im not sure on the poison ivy. Hope Grizzly gets better soon!!!

[HELLRAZOR]

He just needs a girl friend!

[fishycatfish]

Possibly what's known as a "hotspot". Keep clean and continue to treat like you are doing, should see it get smaller and eventually be gone.

X2 I would keep it clean and put some antibiotic on it or some hotspot medication, they have some at walmart.

[Lady Archer]

Thanks guys. I'm hoping that's all it is. The swelling was what had me worried more than anything. I'll pick up some of that hot spot stuff.

[LSU FAN]

Clipping the area and scrubbing with chlorhexidine is a good start. If you do not notice any improvement within a couple of days he may need to be on a course of antibiotics/anti-inflammatory meds (either oral or topical). Just make sure you keep the area clean and don't let him lick/chew/scratch at the area. Is he on monthly flea preventative? Fleas are a common cause of hot spots. PM me if you need anything

[Lady Archer]

Yes. He's on a top spot flea/tick preventative. I put some benadryl cream on it, but may switch to neosporin. Thanks!

He's also on a keto-chlor medicated shampoo and I'm wondering if it might be a yeast infection. Forgot all about that. So you are probably right, LSU, he probably need some antibiotics. Really don't want to pay for Emergency Clinic prices but I'll watch him tonight and take him in tomorrow if it gets worse. It doesn't seem to bother him nearly as much as it does me.

[LSU FAN]

Keto-chlor shampoo has ketoconazole in it which is good for yeast. The chlorhexidine is good for bacteria. Your vet would be able to diagnose if it is bacteria or yeast to determine which meds may be indicated. It's definitely not something that you need to rush to the ER for.

[Draco]

Could it be ring worms?

[LSU FAN]

Just based on the appearance, it doesn't look like ringworm. Ringworm is a nifty little rascal in that in can look like any other type of skin infection (I.e. it may not be the characteristic appearance). Further diagnostics would be needed to rule that out