Ulcers are commonly known to be a digestive tract condition, but could also occur on the skin when a wound opening fails to heal due to lowered blood supply to that area which might become infected if left untreated. Skin ulcers could sometimes start as wounds and may become ulcerated. Let's dive into what skin ulcer looks like, its symptoms and how to treat it.
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Dog Ulcer Symptoms
Skin ulcer symptoms in dogs are not hard to identify, these symptoms are mostly seen on the skin especially due to common risk factors like; traumatic injury, chemicals, burns, cancer, adverse reactions or bites. To prevent skin ulcers in your dog and keep an eye on some of these triggers, get the Petcube Cam 360 which aids you watch over your dog and prevent it from coming in contact with these risk factors.
The most common symptoms of skin ulcers in dogs include:
- Red oozing skin wound
- Prolonged wound healing
- Inflamed open sores
- Hair loss around the wound area
- The wound area is itchy and painful
- Skin depigmentation
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Lethargy
A client of mine once had a dog who got into a fight with another dog and sustained a deep injury in the neck. The wound refused to heal for over two months and constantly exuded fluids. This is because the blood supply to the wound area has weakened and the skin started becoming necrotic and ulcerative.
“My dog developed skin ulcers due to allergies from eating chicken, beef and bacon diet”, - Reddit User
Dog Ulcer Treatment
Treating skin ulcers in dogs requires a rigorous and intensive procedure to rejuvenate the blood supply to the wound area and enhance wound healing. These procedures could cost a lot but could cost less if you take advantage of our emergency fund package which offers $3000 coverage in emergency Vet fees and a 27% discount when you subscribe using the exclusive link as a blog reader.
To start with, the factors causing the skin ulcer should be identified and removed or stopped before treatment. This could be a diet, chemical or drugs causing injury or ulcer on the skin as seen in cases of doxorubicin usage in some studies. The Veterinarian would recommend some of the following treatment procedures for skin ulcers:
- The Vet may start by cleaning and adopt the use of hydroactive wound dressings to prevent fluid from escaping thereby enhancing healing.
- To alleviate itching, inflammation and allergy, antihistamines containing Oclacitinib could be administered.
- For pains, pain relievers would also be included in the therapy
- In cases of a bacterial or fungal infection, antibiotics and antifungal medication could be prescribed.
- If an autoimmune disorder is part of the factors causing the skin ulcer, immunosuppressants could be recommended.
In some research cases, it was confirmed that a single dose of antibiotics can treat skin ulcers in dogs. Some medications prescribed could be topical antimicrobial or antifungal like Douxo S3. Usage of topical products over the counter on skin ulcers without consulting your Veterinarian should be avoided to avert adverse effects like skin burn or prolonged wound healing.
“Early diagnosis and management of the risk factors of skin ulcers in dogs is the best approach to prevention”, - Dr. Melissa Boldan
Management of skin ulcers after treatment is crucial, this involves; cleaning of wound site regularly with an antiseptic ensuring it is free from contamination and preventing the dog from licking or causing further irritation to the wound. To achieve this, a cone is placed around the dog’s neck.
FAQs
What is the prognosis of bleeding ulcers in dogs?
Bleeding ulcers can be managed with a good prognosis if reported on time and given the right treatment and post treatment management.
What are rodent ulcers in dogs?
These ulcers are usually found around the lips presenting as yellowish-pink spots on the lips with dark and raised sores.
Do pressure ulcers on dogs go on their own?
Pressure ulcers do not easily go on their own or with treatment since they occur on bony parts of the body such as the hips or knees.
Conclusion
Skin ulcers in dogs are usually triggered by risk factors that could cause wound opening on the skin. Mitigating these risk factors is the first step to preventing skin ulcers. Symptoms should be reported to the Veterinarian promptly when they are first noticed to avoid wound numbness, necrosis and ulceration. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, dogs have a better chance of recovering from skin ulcers.
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