PYOTRAUMATIC DERMATITIS.

Pyotraumatic dermatitis also called hot spots are skin lesions on dogs that can grow rapidly. This is characterized by licking,biting and chewing of a spot on the skin endlessly.The spot increases in a space of some hours with pus in the spot.The biting, chewing and licking make the spot bloody and oozing pus.The spot looses hair rapidly and gives off an offensive odor. The common causes are 1 )allergic reactions to dust,chemicals and pollen.2) dogs with furry coat are highly susceptible to these spots,because of tangled and matted hair.This makes the coat a good platform for bacteria proliferation because of dead hair inside the skin.3) hypersensitivity in some dogs resulting in excessive chewing,licking and biting. Licking,biting and chewing on dog's coat results in trauma usually contaminated by secondary bacterial infection resulting in pus and pustule formation.The best way to treat this condition are as follows 1) isolate the spots,by trimming the hair and clean the spot with antibacterial soap. 2)apply topical ointment,to stop itching and odor.The use of coconut oil stops the itching immediately. 3)when pus is oozing out, clean pus and cover with topical antibacterial agent. PREVENTION; this will include grooming dogs with long coats regularly.Dogs that are hypersensitive, should be groomed with hypoallergenic shampoos and environment should be clean and free of harmful chemicals.