Acral lick granuloma in dogs, the sore that just won't go away

Acral lick granulomas are chronic, itchy, areas of hairless

, thickened, sometimes ulcerated skin usually on the forearm of dogs. Older, male, large breed dogs are more prone to this type of lesion. These sores tend to come and go, but it seems like the dog won't ever leave it alone. Dogs can lick and chew on this spot incessantly no matter what we try to put on it.

Acral lick granulomas, or boredom sores, have a variety of causes. Once the underlying cause is determined, they can be managed appropriately or even resolved for good.

Lick granulomas can be caused by an underlying allergy, hypothyroidism, a painful joint, external parasites, or infectious agents like bacteria and yeast. It is believed that these lesions have a psychological component. Skin testing for external parasites, bacteria, and yeast is done by a veterinarian. Blood tests can also be done to determine whether the dog has low thyroid hormone levels or allergies. A veterinarian may even recommend x-rays of the affected area to check for boney abnormalities resulting in chronic discomfort for the dog.

Longstanding lick granulomas usually have a bacterial component. Topical treatment is usually unrewarding because the dog quickly licks off whatever is put on the sore. Because of their chronic nature, these sores usually require months of oral antibiotics to attain resolution. Unfortunately, antibiotics alone usually won't cure a lick granuloma. psychotropic medications are usually necessary to break the itching-chewing cycle. Elavil is commonly used in dogs with lick granulomas. It has antihistamine properties and also helps manage obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Acral lick granulomas are areas of chronic irritation and infection usually on the forearm of dogs. The cause of these lesions is more complex than just boredom. Skin testing, blood testing, x-rays, antibiotics, and psychotropic drugs are usually required to resolve this frustrating lesion in dogs.

Acral lick granuloma in dogs, the sore that just won't go away

By: Pamela Dragos

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