Acute Moist Dermatitis in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Acute Moist Dermatitis
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

Commonly known among dog owners as “hot spots”, the problem is often seen in dogs with long hair or breeds with dense undercoats. Local hypersensitivity reaction to a specific antigen such as flea bites can give rise to acute moist dermatitis. Other potential causes include atopy, food allergies, mites, arthritis, anal gland disease, and ear infections. Typical circular lesions develop on the head, side of the chest, and over the hip. Most of these will be inflamed, raw, moist, and hairless. The dog may suffer from pain and may lick, bite or scratch the affected area thereby aggravating the inflammation and irritation. Treatment is directed at stopping the increase in size of the hotspot while eliminating the cause. Clipping the hair over the lesions allows air to get in and make it easier to clean and apply medications. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend a round of antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Breeds exposed to Acute Moist Dermatitis – Research Reference
Labradoodle Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boxer Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
British Bulldog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Retriever Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Fox Terrier Wire Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Wire-Haired Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Fox Terrier Smooth Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Doberman Pinscher – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boxer – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
British Bulldog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bullmastiff – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Fox Terrier Smooth – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Fox Terrier Wire – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labradoodle – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Wire-Haired Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bullmastiff Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Retriever – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Acute Moist Dermatitis or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.