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PSYCHOGENIC SKIN DISEASES. Acral lick granuloma. These are thickened, firm nodular or plaque-like masses usually present on the forelegs. Aetiology: Boredom and behavioural factors are often considered to be contributory. Some cases are associated with deep pyodermas and may respond to antibiotic treatment while others are associated with allergic skin diseases particularly atopic disease. Any factor that brings the dog *s attention to the area may cause it to lick this leads to hair loss, moistness and erythema followed by erosion and ulceration. With time and continued licking a chronic inflammatory reaction is established.Clinical signs: While lick granulomas may be seen in any breed of dog they are very much more common in medium to large breeds (Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, Dobermann, Great Dane and St. Bernard). Lesions are usually single but occasionally multiple and are seen most often on the forelegs. A raised circular bald lesion is present. Erosions and ulceration may also be seen. The dog licks frequently at the area. Diagnosis: The history and clinical appearance is very suggestive and it is often possible to make a diagnosis on these. Biopsy can be useful in some cases to support the diagnosis and to look for precipitating factors (eg deep pyoderma). Prognosis: This can be poor in cases where no underlying factors are found as the condition then has a marked tendency to recur. Treatment: If an underlying disease is found such as atopic disease or pyoderma then this should be treated. Symptomatic treatments include:
Tail biting This may be behavioural in some cases and can prove very difficult to treat. Flank sucking This is seen in Dobermanns. The dog may grab at its flank and chew or suck some dogs when resting curl up and suck their flanks. Again difficult to treat. Foot licking and chewing Mainly seen in the toy and miniature poodle. Affected dogs chew and lick at their feet excessively. It is essential to establish that the dog is not atopic. In general treatment of the psychogenic dermatoses is difficult. If a cause for a behavioural upset can be found and corrected this may help. If boredom is a factor then frequent exercise, toys and other distractions may help. If triggering factors can be identified it may be possible to correct or eliminate this. Some dogs will tail bite and chase or foot lick to gain attention. In these cases ignoring the animal when it shows these unwonted behaviours and rewarding the animal at other times is advised. Drug therapies are often unrewarding. |
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